resurrecting my '46 BC12D... questions

[hangarb7]

Hi Folks,

So I was a member long ago, and got frustrated after the AD-service bulletin strut requirements were shoved on us and at that time, I also lost the IA who was doing my annuals and couldn't find any mechanics locally to sign off my work.

I am getting close to retirement now and interesting in resurrecting my airplane. I now have at least one mechanic lined up. So here are the questions, since I have been out of the loop.

I am planning to purchase new struts and have the service bulletin performed (borescope, cleaning the joint, etc).

Is buying new struts still the way to go? I had several prices but the place up in Alaska seemed the most reasonable, is that still viable? Has anything else happened that I should be aware of?

Thanks for any and all replies. I feel like a newbie again.

JackD

[M Towsley]

Re: resurrecting my '46 BC12D... questions

Hi Jack,

Welcome back! There is a ton of info on this if you use the search bar.

I chose to remove mine every four years and have them x-rayed, as I am only about 100 miles from St. Louis and there is a place there that does this. For the price of new compared to x-rayed I can go about 30-40 years before the price point is matched, (if I remember correctly).

For me it came down to time versus money and I have the time to do it, plus I didn't want to go through fitment issues and paint, etc., etc.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[hangarb7]

Re: resurrecting my '46 BC12D... questions

Hi Marty,

I knew when I hit the post button I should have said that I had done some searches. Problem is, there is SO much information here, and depending on how you search, tons of stuff that has nothing to do with replacing struts recently (For example, your question came up about replacing the bushings in the landing gear and the only words I had in there was 'replacing struts') that I thought it might be quicker for someone to just give me an idea or an opinion.

I just wanted to see if there are any recent warnings or opinions of how I was attempting to move forward; or even a warning about dealing with Alaska Airframes... I know it is an old subject.

Thanks for you reply. It is appreciated.

JackD
N44057

[N96290]

Re: resurrecting my '46 BC12D... questions

Wag Aero can inspect your struts and if corrosion free seal them for about half the cost of new.

[Robert Lees]

Re: resurrecting my '46 BC12D... questions

Welcome back Jack!

[astjp2]

Re: resurrecting my '46 BC12D... questions

If I was doing a prebuy on an airplane with bad struts, I would dock the price $3-5K and the struts cost less than $2K. Many will disagree but the added headache of the xray really detracts from the cost. Tim

[crispy critter]

Re: resurrecting my '46 BC12D... questions

I had a really nice taylorcraft a couple years ago that had fresh X-rays and everyone that looked or called about it wouldn't even consider it. I was down to $12k and couldn't sell it. So i finally bit the bullit and coughed up about 2 grand for the new struts.....I sold the airplane on eBay two weeks after installing the new struts for a little over $19,000!! The way folks talked before the new struts you would've thought it has 40 year old cotton fabric on it, lol.

Marty, not sure who is xraying your struts but the cheapest I ever found to have it done was about $750-$1000! Not to mention I had to remove them, drive 80 miles, then bring them back and reinstall them.

[M Towsley]

Re: resurrecting my '46 BC12D... questions

$200, less than 100 mile drive.

[cvavon]

Re: resurrecting my '46 BC12D... questions

Same down here in nashville Marty took them off first time and ndt guy ultra sound them secound time he came to me and did them on the plane first time $175 secound time $250 four years later and travel pay

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: resurrecting my '46 BC12D... questions

Short summation is the struts are being made by several companies and the costs are much closer together now. Shipping may make the decision on who you get them from. Many of us are still hoping the FAA will come to their senses and allow the old ones.
I would modify the fabric around the fitting to let you inspect the longerons and fitting every annual even if it isn't required. I am more nervous about longeron corrosion and fitting cracks than the struts. They would rust a hole through before the strut failed. Don't forget to make sure all your drain holes are open (NOT in the sealed struts!)

Hank

[Scott]

Re: resurrecting my '46 BC12D... questions

I sent mine to Wag Aero after inspecting them internally with a $20 7mm camera. I did this because there is no point shipping them if there's corrosion as Wag won't be able to certify them. I have not yet received them back yet so one thing to consider is having your aircraft without struts for 3 or 4 weeks.

To be clear, this inspection and sealing is a terminating action for the AD ie the NDT periodic inspection is no longer required.