Pre war Identification question

[EricAos]

I am going to look at a Taylorcraft. It is advertised as a pre war, without any further identification. How can I tell what exactly it was/is? Most curious about the Fuselage.

Thanks,
Eric

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Pre war Identification question

The best way is to just get the serial number off of the fuselage. It should be stamped on the back of the metal piece the throttle is attached to and there may be one on the pilots door hinge. That is the FUSELAGE serial number and it may not be the same as the AIRCRAFT serial number. There should be a data plate in the fuselage cockpit (usually on the floor boards) with the aircraft number, year and model as well as the date.
Let us know what you find and we can look up what the plane should have been equipped with when new.
Is this just a fuselage or an abandoned project? Replacement fuselage? Complete plane? Any logs? What are your plans for it?

Hank Jarrett

hjarrett2
at
cox
dot
net

[3Dreaming]

Re: Pre war Identification question

The quick tells are the "A" has a "Y" shaped control column that comes to the center of the floor board. The "A" also uses tie rods overhead in the cabin instead of tubes like the "B".

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Pre war Identification question

If you can post some pictures we can narrow the field down faster. Get some of the pilot side of the tail to see what kind of trim system it had and the cabin area.
Hank

[EricAos]

Re: Pre war Identification question

Thanks for the pointers. I'll post pics when I see it. Probably won't be until next weekend. The 'airplane' is a pile of parts. Not sure how complete, or useable any of it is. I'll have to see how she looks before I make a final decision on what direction I would go with it. I would like a clipped wing experimental, but if she is restorable I would probably go that route, as the only T-craft I ever flew in was completly original, and a total blast to just float around in.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Pre war Identification question

For prewar "B" model check for flying trim tab attach point and no trim handle up top, also half moon dash with big tach. The only other prewar is a deluxe which will have "D" shaped upper panel support (post war does not have this) and sissy strap eyelets at the front door post.

[M Towsley]

Re: Pre war Identification question

Well, Hank. What is your response to "Sissy straps"??? (Sorry, I just had to...)

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Pre war Identification question

My 41 has the "Sissy Strap" tubes and I am planning to put them back in. I just have been concentrating on things needed to get back in the air and letting the "nice to haves" slide. Mine was a 41 "Deluxe" and had the tab on the elevator but the fuselage is still 1010 steel with the "D" shaped panel support. The Deluxe's also had support brackets for the shock mounted instrument panel, wood doors and a wood frame for a "D" window behind the door. If it was Deluxe the doors and boot cowl will also have small holes for the clips that held the trim strips on and the "Winged" cowl grills.
The 40s and non-Deluxe 41s had the tall in the middle, short on the edges arched panel support, flipper trim tab and I don't think any had the "D" window originally.
Hank

If anyone has a pattern for the sissy strap and good pictures I would really like to see them. I have drawings and patterns for the different parts to build a pre-war panel (both types) as well as the drawings for the "D" window frame, so as soon as you can share photos of the fuselage we can get you on your way.

Also, the "Sissy Straps" REALLY make it easier to get in and out!

[astjp2]

Re: Pre war Identification question

What the HeLL are sissy straps? I need a pic on those...

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Pre war Identification question

They are the straps that hang from the top front of the door frame to assist you when getting in or out of the door. I have also heard them called assists straps, pullman straps and just plain hand straps. They picked up the name "Sissy Straps" from the macho guys who refused to use them. Easily identified because theirs were never worn out. ;-)
One of the Tribe (lost the message, chime in please!) sent me photos and measurements of a set he found and I am in the process of making duplicates. I took the photos to a couple of upholstery and sewing experts and they said it looked like the interior was polished cotton and one had fabric that looked just like the photos for the outside. We even found the same hardware for the button and eye bolt (OK, the eye bolt required a little machining). I am assuming the fabric would match either one of the seat colors or the headliner and am having a set made.
These are the photos I received. He gave me some dimensions and I have scaled the rest.
I will post photos when the first set are made and find out how much to make a run of them if anyone is interested.
Hank

[astjp2]

Re: Pre war Identification question

I always wondered what those eye bolts were for....here's your sign....Thanks Tim

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Pre war Identification question

If you have the eye bolts and not the straps, someone had an exciting drop when they were using them! We will be putting a reinforcing strap inside the strap so they don't tear out like the ones in the picture. That middle photo looks like it is close to letting go.
Hank

I guess it's time to start a "Sissy Strap" thread.

[astjp2]

Re: Pre war Identification question

I have several rolls of woven handle material, you could wrap it with the material of your choice for aesthetic purposes...Tim

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Pre war Identification question

Both Mikes (Ragwing nut and 38BF-50), if you are following this thread PM me!
Hank

Or anyone who has their phone numbers.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Pre war Identification question

Sissy strap readers, see new thread