Bubbleface compass questions

[ajfriz]

I was visiting my dad this past weekend, and I found these two compasses. The one on the left was out of the L-4 we rebuilt about 15 yrs ago. I don't know where the one on the right came from.
I know the base is not correct for the tcraft, but is the "bullet" section the same? I can build the base to make it mount up on the windshield brace if I can't find one.

[NC22211]

Re: Bubbleface compass questions

If you can loosen the bullet base (set screw at the back?) and rotate it 180 degrees, you'll have a close approximation for the upper windshield post compass mount. The adjuster on the left says "Airpath" on the front. I have one on my compass that says "Taylorcraft" on front and "Airpath" on the back. I've seen one with "Piper" on the reverse, too. Perhaps yours does, too.

I see you're missing the compass deviation adjuster that goes into that top slot. Does anyone know where these can be located - any valid sources? I have a compass that needs this adjuster replaced. Bob C

[M Towsley]

Re: Bubbleface compass questions

That is not the correct mount for a windshield mount no matter what you do.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Bubbleface compass questions

I had a bunch of new "Taylorcraft" adjuster covers engraved last year. I will need to dig around and see if I have any left.
For the mount, the dome is the hard part to find. You may be able to grind off the pylon and weld a new one to match the correct one. I have one for my 45 and can get dimensions.
Hank

[ajfriz]

Re: Bubbleface compass questions

That would be great, Hank. I'm not afraid to build the correct base if I had the dimensions. The base on this is only held on by a couple screws, so it's not a big deal to take it off and put the correct windshield mount on. Can you also give me some dimensions of the dome? I just want to see how close this one is to an original.
I'd also be interested in buying a taylorcraft cover if you have one left. I have an engraver at work, so I can make one if you don't have one.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Bubbleface compass questions

The dome is 2 1/4" inside diameter and a fraction over 4" long with a hemispherical end (a fraction over because I think the length increased about .1" when I was working the dents out).
The pylon is streamline aluminum tube 1 1/2" on the major axis and 8/10" on the minor. The base is 2/10" thick, 2 3/10" wide and welded on a 45* angle cut into the streamline pylon 2.7" high in front and 1.2" at the rear.
If you can send me your address I can trace the parts out. The streamline tube is VERY thick wall (looks like .10 to .15" wall thickness but really hard to measure).

I am attaching photos of the dome and the cover for the adjuster box.

Hank