Clipping a 1940 BC-65

[Dano"T"]

I own a 1940 BL-55 converted to a BC-65...I am trying to decide if I want to restore it as is or clip the wings and do some aerobatics for my own enjoyment. What does an average swick conversion cost. I know it's a pretty vague question, but I have a complete airframe and 1 extra set of 46' BC-12D wings. I thought doing this with an 85 or 90 HP would be the trick for me. Also, Is the pre-war airframe better or worse for this conversion.

[Chet Peek]

Re: Clipping a 1940 BC-65

From my point of view, it would be a mistake to cut up that fine old plane. The early models are almost 100# lighter, so I would restore it with the 65 and try it out. You might be surprised at what it will do. For one thing, it will cruise over 100 MPH.
Chet Peek

[Dano"T"]

Re: Clipping a 1940 BC-65

Yes sir, That is a consideration. I have flown this particular plane for years and it does perform nicely on 65HP. I do like the flight characteristics of the pre-war models...my dad has a 41' BC-65 also and I fly it regularly. I still like my BC-12D-85 (now on floats) it is a stellar performer, I just love it. I would feel like I was cutting up a bit of history if I clipped the wings on the 40'. I just thought it would be fun to do some light aerobatics and was looking at options.

[flylo]

Re: Clipping a 1940 BC-65

I've had 2 prewars & a '46 85HP,I also think prewars fly better.

[crispy critter]

Re: Clipping a 1940 BC-65

Dano,
Take your extra wings and clip them,then find an old J-3 fuslage and put the clipped t-craft wings on it with a C-85,C-90,or O200.It really makes for a light,fun,sport qualified,aerobatic bird that it easy to fly and cheap to maintain.

[Acroeric]

Re: Clipping a 1940 BC-65

The pre war makes for a slightly better clip wing conversion simply due to the weight savings. I know where ther are a few fuselages with no data plate or logs that could be used if you wanted to preserve the historical value of the '40. Also- I build all wood ribs and you are welcome to my jig. They are tons stronger and about 1/2 ounce lighter than the stamped rib. In addition- the joint between the rib and the spar becomes much better than a nailed aluminum rib.
As for the cost- I would recommend to not do the Swick or the Cole- they were both good but were designed for up to 180 hp Lycomings. This makes no sense for a lightweight 85-100 hp ship. There are several fuselage mods that are not necessary and the wings can be lightened significantly. In addition- Swick no longer offers the STC so you will have an experimental- might as well make the changes and have a better plane.
I am probably goign to do another clip wing- you are more than welcome to take a look at my changes, wing design, and fuselage mods. I think I will have a 675 pound ready to fly clipwing when I get done. My 180 Hp Cole was 1150, my 0-200 Powered Swick was almost 800 and both flew well.

[Vasey fan]

Re: Clipping a 1940 BC-65

There's a company in Canada called VR3 Engineering that does CNC cut/formed fuselage kits for many homebuilts. They claim all the clusters are cut accurately enough that they require virtually no jigging (!?). I've been thinking about contacting them on the possibility of a T-Craft kit. All new tubing is a big attraction and you wouldn't be cutting up a classic.

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Clipping a 1940 BC-65

Not a bad idea is being expressed here. Everyone has a good point. I for one believe in the historic value and the performance one can get from the C-65 in a light prewar with a closed cowl. "cutting up" any of these good ones already flying does not make a ton of sence.

I am attempting for the best of both worlds. First if you have a BL that has never been approved for a C-65 or C-85 then you MAY (read probably will depending on your local FAA guys) have a REAL problem convincing them of the Continental install as the BLs were built under a different type certificate.
Its a shame this was done as although its the same plane as a BC-65 the FAA gets particular about changing motors these days if its not on the orginal type cert. Apperantly Taylorcraft and Lycoming worked up a pricing scheme I suppose...probably as a discount situation as the Certificate never mentioned replacing or approval of a C-65.

Given this back drop and the world as it exists in 2005, I am taking a BL and keeping it basically stock as can be (yokes and all) clipping the wings down to 12' 10" with stock tips. It will NOT be used for "hard acro" . It should however with its stroked 85 perform much better than the old BL to say the least.

I do not for a minute think ol CG would have kept the wings as massive as they are currently with the HP avail today. He would have kept it real clean however would be my bet.