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**mitchb** · 10-29-2019, 07:27

Thanks everyone for the info! Ray that is pretty cool that you have the one before mine! Also are those aluminum tanks in your wing? Greg thanks for the link that will definitely be helpful. As far as history for this aircraft, it was bought directly from the factory in spring of 1942 by franklin air services in Toledo OH, then the government bought it for flight training, I have wood wings as well and this aircraft has always been registered as a DC-65. Judging by the paint on the inside of the cowling it appears the aircraft was a high gloss blue, which some of my research has shown to be a factory color (?). This is going to be a fun little project for sure, not sure if I want to keep the 65 in it or get a 85 with the STC, part of me wants to keep it as original as possible the other part of me would not mind a bit of extra horsepower (I tip the scales at 235). Has anyone flown both versions and have a comparison?

Thanks,
Mitch

**Hank Jarrett** · 10-29-2019, 10:22

The high gloss blue was called "Metallic Blue" before the war. It was NOT like the Metallic blue of much later! In the 50s and 60 they added metal flakes which were NOT used before or during the war. The color was used by Cessna after the war and I think is still available as a Cessna blue color.

**mitchb** · 12-10-2019, 13:08

I'm getting ready to start ordering some wood to repair the ailerons, I was going to order it through spruce but was wondering where everyone was buying plywood for the gussets as well as light ply for the leading edges.
Thanks,
Mitch

**Robert Lees** · 12-10-2019, 13:27

Mitch:

Are the aileron leading edges plywood on a DC-65? To what total thickness?
If so, then yes, place the same on order with Aircraft Spruce.

I have reason for asking...I recently made a new all-wood aileron for a Pitts S1 (as well as rebuilding the wing, but that's not relevant).

The leading edge of the aileron was constructed using two 1/64 ply laminations, supplied by Aircraft Spruce. That aileron is now flying quite happily.

If you'd like photos, let me know.

Regards,
Rob

**mitchb** · 12-11-2019, 10:51

Rob, the ailerons are all wood minus the trailing edge and tip bow, mine is an early one so the entire wing is wood, I did some research and found the drawings call for 1/16 plywood 3 ply made of mahogany, poplar, birch, black walnut, douglas fir or sweet gum. Spruce has 3 ply 1/16 mahogany, so I'm thinking I will go with that.

Thanks
Mitch

**Robert Lees** · 12-11-2019, 12:04

Thanks for the info, Mitch (I admit that I know a lot less about the DC65, O-57 and other military versions of the Taylorcraft. Fortunately, we have a big bank of expertise from others, with more knowledge than me, who can help you).

But bending 1/16 ply about such a tight radius for the leading edge might be a challenge, without a big steamer, like what they would have had when originally manufactured.

When I made my Pitts aileron leading edges, I laminated them AFTER forming the shape using 1-64 ply, see attached photos.
[The foam is a requirement for this particular version of a Pitts aileron; so ignore for your Taylorcraft.]

I hope that helps.

Rob

Attached Files