Building rear observer seat.

[kauaicuda]

So, I have L2A O-4200 . Arguably the first L2 with an observer window and swivel seat. Someone installed the earlier fixed seat with some lousy welding and fab work. I feel this plane deserves the original seat, even though it cannot, per the type cert, be able to rotate.

A. Does anyone have an observer seat for sale?

B. I have the blueprints thanks to a forum member, and full capability to build a seat from scratch. If I were to do that, would anyone else here want one as well?

[cooper9411]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

So, I have L2A O-4200 . Arguably the first L2 with an observer window and swivel seat. Someone installed the earlier fixed seat with some lousy welding and fab work. I feel this plane deserves the original seat, even though it cannot, per the type cert, be able to rotate.

A. Does anyone have an observer seat for sale?

B. I have the blueprints thanks to a forum member, and full capability to build a seat from scratch. If I were to do that, would anyone else here want one as well?

I could be. Upon further inspection of both seat frames for my L2, they both have severe corrosion and are unable to be repaired.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

There is no such thing as a Taylorcraft part that is beyond repair. Most of us have a garage shop better equipped than than factory was.

Of course sometimes the "repair" is setting the old part down and making a new one. Kind of like having George Washington's original hatchet. The head has just been changed 3 times and the handle 6 or 7.....but it is still the original that George used!

Hank

[Guest]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

Yeah that's what I tell my Aeronca landing gear customers sometimes.

I can fix no matter how bad the question is economics.

Can you afford? Is there a cheaper alternative? Is repair the only alternative?

Dave R

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

I never throw ANY T part away! There is always someone who has one in worse shape and at worst it can be used as a pattern to make a drawing for an owner produced part. If CG could make it, we can make it!

[cooper9411]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

I never throw any part out, just keep to use as a pattern. And the seat frames are beyond repair but complete so can be used as patterns. Just figured if someone is making them it would allow me to work on another part of the restoration.

[kauaicuda]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

I would definitely salvage one if I had one, but since I don't, looks like I'll be building some bending jigs. Really not too tough of a project, but if I build one I may as well do 2 or 3. Thankfully the blueprints are really nice

[taylorcraft]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

I believe I have one along with many additional taylorcraft parts located in Los Angeles being sold as an inventory:

It's listed on craigslist as along with some pictures:

Many antique 1940 vintage WWII Taylorcraft aircraft L-2 parts for sale, set of tail feathers, boot cowl, set of wooden aileron's, seat, instruments, hardware, cables, throttles, etc. Includes NEW McCauley Part Number 1B90/CM7447 (repitched by prop shop to 1B90/CM7448) Aircraft metal propeller (sold separately for $2500), or all for $3800 Or Best Offer. If you provide you email address we can forward you some pictures...

Contact me at: [email protected]

Propeller spec's:

Basic Design: 1B90
FAA Type Certificate: P842
SAE Number/Type of Flange: SAE #1
Diameter of Circle: 4.375 inches
Bolt Diameter: 3/8 inch
Number of Bolts: 6
Spacer/Adapter: None
Installation Weight: 23.5 lbs

Aircraft:

Piper J3C-75S "Cub" Seaplane Continental

C-75-8, -12 Standard 74 72.5

Taylorcraft BC12-D, -D1 Continental
A-65-8, -84, -8J Cruise 74 72.5

Taylorcraft BC12-65 (Army L-2H) Continental
A-65-7, -7J, -8, -8F, -8J Cruise 74 72.5

Excess inventory. This is a great buy! Near LAX. AS IS, no returns, refunds or exchanges. No warranties expressed or implied.

Can deliver locally with deposit, and for a reasonable delivery fee. Shipping charges not included, available for local pick up or can provide shipping charges upon request.

Keywords: taylorcraft, piper, propeller, small aircraft, large aircraft, pilot, copilot, aviation, aviator, propeller, mechanic, project, luscombe, light aircraft, Continental C-85/C-90/O-200, C-65/C-75 Engine, Trade-A-Plane, Luscombe, Lycoming, Fleet Model 80 Canuck, SA-3A, Piper J-3 Cub Antique Aircraft, Cessna 150, Cessna 120.

[n6346m]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

I would definitely salvage one if I had one, but since I don't, looks like I'll be building some bending jigs. Really not too tough of a project, but if I build one I may as well do 2 or 3. Thankfully the blueprints are really nice

If you make an extra one, I might be interested in buying one from you.

[kauaicuda]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

If you make an extra one, I might be interested in buying one from you.

I will keep you posted

[cooper9411]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

I will keep you posted

Any updates about the rear seat?

[kauaicuda]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

I had put the seat construction to the wayside for the moment, but if you are in dire need of one, I could certainly gear up to get it done.

[cooper9411]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

I had put the seat construction to the wayside for the moment, but if you are in dire need of one, I could certainly gear up to get it done.

No, not in dire need. I was just wondering if there were any updates. Any idea of a cost per seat?

[kauaicuda]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

No, not in dire need. I was just wondering if there were any updates. Any idea of a cost per seat?

Not sure about cost, but I would guess about $200-300 plus materials. I'd have to evaluate the labor factor when it comes down to it

[cooper9411]

Re: Building rear observer seat.

Thanks but I've located an original rear swivel with everything intact, including the "hardware".