Factory information

[daharris]

Hello to the group,

I've just joined the Taylorcraft group. I'm in the process of buying a T-Craft project and will be asking for lots of help.

First, is there somewhere that I can find out factory information, such as manufacturing date, color schemes, etc? The first is a BC-12D NC44051, SN 9851. This belonged to my grandfather and my father learned to fly in it. The second is the one that I'm buying NC44100, SN 9900. It's exciting to find one that was probably in the factory at the same time as my grandfather's.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dale

[Robert Lees]

Re: Factory information

Hello Dale, and welcome to Taylorcraft!

I'd suggest you contact the FAA Aircraft Certification Branch and order a cd of the FAA history of each aircraft (I think it's only about $5 each). This will tell you manufacturing date, but not colour, unfortunately.

Do let us all know how you get on with your purchases.

Rob

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Factory information

We have a LOT of the color layouts from back then and you will be surprised if you are doing a deep rebuild where you may find some of the original colors that got down in corners. I found some really nice chips down around the pulley brackets that matched some of the original colors. You may also get REALLY lucky if the first couple of recovers the people put the colors used in the log and that might be on the CD too.
Just my opinion, but I think the planes look MUCH better in the original color schemes.
Just as an aside, your grandfathers plane is still out there and is owned by Justin Hodges in Hollister California. I would think it would be worth getting hold of him. Photos of his plane could be great motivation in the restoration process!

Hank

[Joe cooper]

Re: Factory information

Hello to the group,

I've just joined the Taylorcraft group. I'm in the process of buying a T-Craft project and will be asking for lots of help.

First, is there somewhere that I can find out factory information, such as manufacturing date, color schemes, etc? The first is a BC-12D NC44051, SN 9851. This belonged to my grandfather and my father learned to fly in it. The second is the one that I'm buying NC44100, SN 9900. It's exciting to find one that was probably in the factory at the same time as my grandfather's.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dale

This may help....if you google taylorcraft, you can scroll to a site called" taylorcraft fun. "A girl explains the 1946 t craft, trophy winner, rebuilt by a real pro in western n.y. ( Akron ny) In the mid 90s. He rebuilt it, ground up and painted it in the deluxe scheme used by t craft. In person it's a real stunner, the video doesn't do it justice. I sold it to a fellow in Arizona about two years ago. I suggest you upgrade to an 85 hp. Metal prop. It makes a big difference, much more enjoyable to fly.

[daharris]

Re: Factory information

Thanks everyone for the info. I'm sure to have lots more questions as we go. I ordered the FAA CD with the records for 44100. I watched the video by taylorcraft fun and went to the website mentioned, but not much on there yet. I hope it grows. I didn't see an STC for the C-85 upgrade. Would that need to be done as a field approval? I have seen the O-200 crank STC for the C-85, which might make it a bit easier to find parts.

Thanks again,
Dale

[daharris]

Re: Factory information

Thanks everyone for the info. I'm sure to have lots more questions as we go. I ordered the FAA CD with the records for 44100. I watched the video by taylorcraft fun and went to the website mentioned, but not much on there yet. I hope it grows. I didn't see an STC for the C-85 upgrade. Would that need to be done as a field approval? I have seen the O-200 crank STC for the C-85, which might make it a bit easier to find parts.

Thanks again,
Dale

[Joe cooper]

Re: Factory information

Thanks everyone for the info. I'm sure to have lots more questions as we go. I ordered the FAA CD with the records for 44100. I watched the video by taylorcraft fun and went to the website mentioned, but not much on there yet. I hope it grows. I didn't see an STC for the C-85 upgrade. Would that need to be done as a field approval? I have seen the O-200 crank STC for the C-85, which might make it a bit easier to find parts.

Thanks again,
Dale

Don swords is the expert on the 85 hp conversion to 100 hp. He does them all the time. Another real pro is bill pancake, a multi oshkosh award winner who is also very well versed on this upgrade in aeroncas, etc. good luck.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Factory information

Thanks everyone for the info. I'm sure to have lots more questions as we go. I ordered the FAA CD with the records for 44100. I watched the video by taylorcraft fun and went to the website mentioned, but not much on there yet. I hope it grows. I didn't see an STC for the C-85 upgrade. Would that need to be done as a field approval? I have seen the O-200 crank STC for the C-85, which might make it a bit easier to find parts.

Thanks again,
Dale

terry bowden, Certified Aeronatical Products, now owns the STC to install 85 on BC12D

[KewFlyer]

Re: Factory information

terry bowden, Certified Aeronatical Products, now owns the STC to install 85 on BC12D

Dale.
Terry Bowden can provide you with the STC for the C-85 STC on a short engine mount. Add a Luscombe exhaust, Slick mags, Sensenich metal prop 72CK44 or 46, a Skylight [= STC from Clayton. Search "skylight" here in the Forum and you will find multiple postings on the matter as well as Clayton's contact info], large "D" windows on the back [ great visibility with these two options] and fabric doors [ this was my option in order to reduce weight... as well as going on a diet to drop 25 Lbs !!! :-) ].

At the end of the day, you will have a Super Taylorcraft... second to none....IMHO.

Just ask a question and the Tribe will come to your help

Good luck

Ralph

[KewFlyer]

Re: Factory information

terry bowden, Certified Aeronatical Products, now owns the STC to install 85 on BC12D

Dale.
Terry Bowden can provide you with the STC for the C-85 STC on a short engine mount. Add a Luscombe exhaust, Slick mags, Sensenich metal prop 72CK44 or 46, a Skylight [= STC from Clayton. Search "skylight" here in the Forum and you will find multiple postings on the matter as well as Clayton's contact info], large "D" windows on the back [ great visibility with these two options] and fabric doors [ this was my option in order to reduce weight... as well as going on a diet to drop 25 Lbs !!! :-) ].

At the end of the day, you will have a Super Taylorcraft... second to none....IMHO.

Just ask a question and the Tribe will come to your rescue

Good luck

Ralph

[daharris]

Re: Factory information

Thanks everyone! Excellent information and a lot to consider. Depending on what I find when I open up the engine, It might be better to go straight away with a C-85 upgrade.

I like the idea of the skylight, but my Dad thinks it's going to be too hot. Can anyone comment? Also, is there an STC for the large D windows?

Thanks again,
Dale
NC44100

[M Towsley]

Re: Factory information

It can be warm with a skylight, some guys just wear a hat.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Factory information

My 45 had a two triangle skylight that let in less than half the heat but gave almost the same visibility. They only did it on a few planes since it was a LOT of work to build and after the war there were less good wood workers available.
I still have the original wood and plane to put it back in. I don't know about what paper would be needed to use it on other planes. It WAS a factory skylight but was only used on two planes to my knowledge.

Hank

[Ryan]

Re: Factory information

Absolutely love my skylight! Mine is tinted 30%. Don't know how much that helps but I have never really had a heat problem. Maybe that our plane is not insulated for weight savings so in the cooler months with the windows etc...all closed it is still fairly leaky. Skylight gives all kinds of head room and more visibility as well. Highly recommended.

[Ryan]

Re: Factory information

My large D windows were purchased from the factory and were pma'd for all models of A,B, and F taylorcrafts. If you can find a set just install them.