Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

[Forrest Barber]

I see that the original posting(s) may have disappeared. WE finally have an interest in two fellows rebuilding their 15A's or 20's . So jump in there. The first is Ian Nortrove, Boise, Idaho with good old N6669N, the first and the last 20 ever built.
The other one is down in Texas and awaiting my finding some ribs for him.... if you fellows care to please let us your needs....

[Ian Norgrove]

Re: Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

Hi Forrest, ( Re: Taylorcraft 20) Great talking to you the other night. As discussed, I need some answers for my wing covering. The wings I have were stripped of all fiberglass sheeting and moldings. The spars look like they are ok, but I'm replacing the plywood doubler plates where the steel fittings are bolted on. Several ribs have damage either from badly drilled rivet holes, or in some cases corrosion. Each rib is repairable, and I'm half way through the right wing repairs, but if I you can help me source some ribs it would be greatly appreciated. My other problem is how to adapt my wings to the 15 style fabric covered wings. I will need some approved method of making the leading and trailing edge moldings. I can make these myself in either fiberglass or aluminum, but just need to know what the 15 used and the dimensions.......also what rib stitching method was used and if I will need to make cap strips for the sharp edges of the ribs. I am currently sending my membership fees for the foundation. Many thanks for your help, and welcome anyone who may have a model 15 that I can talk to...maybe some drawings or pics....regards Ian Norgrove

[Robert Lees]

Re: Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

Forrest:

The threads haven't disappeared, but to see them you need to click on "From the Beginning" near the foot of the Model 15 & 20 page on the left hand side.

[Unkydon]

Re: Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

Ian,

I am rebuilding a pair of 15A wings and can get you some pictures and dimensions. Give me a call when you get a chance.

The wings and fuselage were not rib stitched (at least not mine) they used Martin fabric clips which are available in 25 ft rolls from Aircraft spruce. I believe it is P/N 09-19800.

John Melvin
Central time
979-575-4335 cell
979-279-3411 office

[Robert Lees]

Re: Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

John:

The "Aircraft Spruce" & others "Martin clips" are NOT the same spacing as the original Taylorcraft wire. The difference between Taylorcraft wire & Martin wire is here . Note also the different barb shape.

All the above assumes the 15 uses the same spacing as the B models, of course. Forrest'll step in if not.

Rob

[Unkydon]

Re: Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

Rob,

I was not able to go to the martin clip link you sent (file:///C:/My%20Documents/Taylorcraft.org.uk/martin_wire.jpg).

Thanks,

John Melvin

[Robert Lees]

Re: Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

Link corrected now, John.

[Unkydon]

Re: Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

Thanks Robert.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

Thank you Robert for stepping in , I am abck again , lots of stuff going on, had to make a living for a while. perhaps you could merge the original and this one These new fellows popped up in my life and it is exciting to see a few four palce ships getting going again. many questions few good answers. YES that is the TAYLORCRAFT wire NOT the Martin fabric clip. I will explain how to use the Martin stuff to them. Give me a day or so to catch up and away we go .

[Ian Norgrove]

Re: Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

Re: T20 wings.......I have been sent many pics of a 15A wing from John Melvin (Texas) and from those I can see that the ribs are different to the T20. The main ribs have a crease running down the upper and lower surfaces that are drilled to suit the Taylorcraft spring clip wires, however the T20 ribs have no such crease. They were somewhat randomly drilled when the fiberglass skins were attached and makes them unsuitable for spring clips of any kind.
The other differences between the 15A and 20 wings is the main spar, we have compared the thickness, height and length, and although subtle, they are different. My 20 main spar is 1 7/16" thick being made of 3 laminations, where the 15A wing is 1 1/16" thick. Clearly these wings are different enough that you can't assume all parts are interchangeable despite being under the same type certificate.
My choice now seems to be to return the wing to it's 1973 fabric covered version( asper the 337). I can make the fiberglass leading and trailing edges myself and cover them with the polyfiber scheme. I spoke with John Rowles the other night, he has 2 T20's covered in fabric and his A&P used aluminum for the mouldings and had it approved, I guess thats another alternative for me if I can refer to his paperwork for approved data.
I'm putting this info on the website for those who may be interested or considering restoring a 20, it may save you some headaches. Any feedback is welcome ).......Ian

[Ian Norgrove]

Re: Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

When I bought N6669N (model 20) it came with boxes of parts that were not belonging to my project, so I advertised some parts on ebay not knowing what kind of plane they belonged to. To my surprise another enthusiast emailed me and asked if I was the person on this Taylorcraft forum site with the 20 restoration. He figured it out that I had some BC12 parts that had mistakenly been mixed in with mine, and mine with his, as they had been in the same auction at the same time. We're exchanging photos and trying to work out who owns what, and will exchange parts. The moral to this story is that web sites like this one, ebay, and computer communication are a great tool for us restoration people....enjoy!

[Llewellyn]

Re: Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

Nice to see some action on the Model 20 rebuilds. I am restoring CF-JKJ Serial No 30. Had to put it away for a few years (kid's in university). Started back up this winter and have the frame finished. Fiberglas this summer and wings next winter. I also see that the Canadian Bushplane Museum in Sault St. Marie is restoring one..here is the link http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0949541/L/.

[Unkydon]

Re: Model 15A & 20 rebuilds

Dad and I and the two boys drove to Corpus Christi Monday to pick up the fuselage from the powder-coat shop. Those guys down there do great work (Protective Coatings Corpus Christi, TX).
Reassembly has begun.
Here is a picture of the crew and 6658N taking a break on our way home.

John