Control mounts of the BC12D

[Brian Neri]

I would like to put the controls mounted on the small sub-panel below the main instrument panel in my 1946 BC 12D in the correct position as they left the factory. The only one I can definitely locate is the throttle in the center. Where do the others go exactly?(carb heat, fuel tank shutoff, cabin heat primer). Does anyone have an original flight manual/P.O.H.? I would pay costs for a copy.
Thanks,
Brian Neri

[woodmw]

Re: Control mounts of the BC12D

From left to right:

Carb Heat, Light Switch, Fuel Shut-off, Throttle, Primer (indented), Cabin heat, Mixture.

This is from Instrument & Engine Control Installation drawing, 0884. (Maybe 0804)
There was a thread a few weeks ago about some drawings being available for purchase. 8-10 in a package if I remember. Pay online and download. Panel drawing is included. PDF format.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Control mounts of the BC12D

As I remember that is the order I put mine in and I had an original drawing with me. They were NOT in that order when I bought her! The really dangerous thing is if you put the original knobs on, they all feel the same and it is easy to pull the wrong one. REALLY bad when you pull the fuel shut off when you think you are pulling carb heat or cabin heat! You need to be sure you put the metal clip on the fuel shut off! Doesn't hold the knob worth a flip, but when you put your hand on it you know IMMEDIATELY!

Hank

[TimHicks]

Re: Control mounts of the BC12D

From the Drawing:

[Robert Lees]

Re: Control mounts of the BC12D

As I remember that is the order I put mine in and I had an original drawing with me. They were NOT in that order when I bought her! The really dangerous thing is if you put the original knobs on, they all feel the same and it is easy to pull the wrong one. REALLY bad when you pull the fuel shut off when you think you are pulling carb heat or cabin heat! You need to be sure you put the metal clip on the fuel shut off! Doesn't hold the knob worth a flip, but when you put your hand on it you know IMMEDIATELY!

Hank

One of the few ADs addresses this of course. Just thought it an opportune moment for a general reminder to all.

My only engine failure (to date!) was me as a Taylorcraft rookie pulling the fuel off on final instead of the carb heat...I immediately had the plane lined up for the crop at 90 degrees to final approach before I knew what I was doing. Needless to say, I realised my mistake and resumed ops normal shortly thereafter .

I learned to keep my approach short after that, too!

Rob

[Brian Neri]

Re: Control mounts of the BC12D

Thanks for your help! I will use your sage advice to put the panel back in original order and of course include the clip on the shut-off valve.
Cheers,
Brian Neri

[Brian Neri]

Re: Control mounts of the BC12D

Thanks for the really good advice about the clip! Will be sure to use it along with all the other info received!
Cheers,
Brian

[Brian Neri]

Re: Control mounts of the BC12D

Thanks for the information and comments on Hank's posting. Will make sure I use the clip! This will help with the restoration/repair.
Cheers,
Brian

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Control mounts of the BC12D

I made a clip from a broom holder that you screw to the wall. It is a thin spring steel and it can be DANGEROUS when you open the hole in the bottom for the knob to go through! When you drill it make sure the bit doesn't grab and spin it like a miniature blender!!!!
You also will need to grind the sides down some and reshape it to grip your knob. Just grind VERY slowly a little at a time and don't let it heat up or you will take the temper out and it won't grip the knob. I had a stack of them that were annealed and worthless (lucky the broom holders came in packs of 6 or 8). ;-)
I also found some thin spring steel at the hobby shop that worked well, but remember if the drill snags it becomes a little saw blade. CLAMP CAREFULLY!

Hank

[TimHicks]

Re: Control mounts of the BC12D

I used the broom clip like Hank suggests. I tried it first with without modification. But it was very hard to move the fuel knob. Then another TCrafter showed me the picture of his where he lopped off one whole side of the broom clip.
I tried the same and it works much better.
Below are pictures of my buddy's setup (with the cast control wheel)
And mine before and after the modification.

[Brian Neri]

Re: Control mounts of the BC12D

Dear Tim,
Thanks so much for the help. Will take this all under consideration. The pictures are worth a thousand words!
Cheers,
Brian

[Brian Neri]

Re: Control mounts of the BC12D

Great stuff! Thanks for all this information and tips!
Cheers,
Brian Neri