Cowl Hinge Question

[akjeffc]

First posting for a newish (1-year) t-craft owner. I have an F19, based at Merrill Field. My cowling hinge has begun to crack. I have read thru previous posts on the subject and even ordered the Ford hinge from the hot rod shop in Texas. It is not a direct fit, so both sides need to be replaced. My mechanic estimates 3 days to put the new hinges on. My question is should I pursue getting a new top cowling with standard piano hinge fabricated or piece together my old cowling. I guess there is a third option of trying to find a single hinge piece from someone here to replace my cracked one.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Jeff
3682T

[Robert Lees]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

Hello Jeff, and welcome to Taylorcraft ownership (and this site!)

That looks exactly like a BC12D cowl hinge, and it seems that replacements for these are like rocking horse poo. I clicked on your link for the HotRod shop in Texas, but with 38 pages, can you point me to the part in question?

Others will chime in, I'm sure, but make sure whatever you do is good with your IA, as well as your mechanic. Again: welcome!!!

A question for Hank (he's an expert on these matters): Is it possible that the material spec allows for a weld repair to Jeff's hinge?

[akjeffc]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

Robert,

The hinge in the catalog is on the top of page 8 of the pdf and is labeled page 163 in the catalog. It looks just like the original, but there is a slight difference in sizing and the bend. It also does not open as far as the original hinge.

I will also add that the source of the problem was an improper fit of the top cowl. It bulged a bit on the top at the front of the cowl and fluttered slightly during flight fatiguing the metal.

Jeff

[3Dreaming]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

I installed a set of the Texas hinges last year. The big difference is they are steel and a stainless center strip instead of aluminum. 3 days to change them sounds excessive, like 3-4 times longer than it should take. The hardest thing about the whole project is making sure you cut things to the correct length.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

Robert,

The hinge in the catalog is on the top of page 8 of the pdf and is labeled page 163 in the catalog. It looks just like the original, but there is a slight difference in sizing and the bend. It also does not open as far as the original hinge.

I will also add that the source of the problem was an improper fit of the top cowl. It bulged a bit on the top at the front of the cowl and fluttered slightly during flight fatiguing the metal.

Jeff

Hmmm...it certainly looks similar, although the Taylorcraft ones are aluminium.

[astjp2]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

I would goto Reeves or Stoddards and get some piano hinge...oh wait, I did...Tim

[N96337]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

Yah, I second what Tim says.... Piano hinge works wonderful! The only reason I'd go through all the hassle of sticking with the original is if I was doing a 100 point restoration and this was the ONLY thing that would be wrong!
John

[akjeffc]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

Thanks guys! That is exactly the input I needed. I am all about utility and flying as much as possible, no 100 point restorations in my future.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

Been out of town and just saw the messages. I don't know the alloy of the hinge pieces but doubt a weld would hold long even if it is weldable. If your IA is OK with piano hinge I would go with that (as long as you are OK too). The piano hinges I have seen are MUCH more "servicable" but are NOT original. Original hinges are almost impossible to find and even the Stainless ones are also not original (not that anyone would know).
If you are totally anal about your planes originality you have to find a usable original hinge or make one (they are NOT easy to make without a rolling break former!) Some IAs think it is illegal to substitute and you are stuck if you have one of them. If I was manufacturing NEW Taylorcrafts I would use piano hinges and make them a legal replacement on older planes (HINT HINT to the TC owners in Mexico!!!)

Hank

[astjp2]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

If you use a hinge, I put my nose bowl on with screws and then wrap the hinge pin around the screws so they don't work their way out. Maybe I can get a picture to explain better. Tim

[PA1195]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

Piano hinge. Flatten the pin ends to prevent slippage.

[astjp2]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

That works up until it splits the extrusion or hinge material....Tim

[PA1195]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

That works up until it splits the extrusion or hinge material....Tim

Nothing is forever. That's why we do a pre-flight and have an Annual/100 hr inspection.

I've had to replace them as required, but rarely. It's important to install any hinge so it's not under fitting stress when closed or they'll wear prematurely. Alignment is important, and underlying baffling can apply pressure to the surfaces in flight.

The main enemy is excessive vibration or poor quality material to begin with. Periodically replacing new motor mounts can help. Same with dynamic prop balancing and periodic prop inspection by an overhaul shop, especially if the maintenance personnel have gleefully filed the prop.

Edit: The other option is to cut the pin ends short and flatten the hinge material outboard of the ends. I've seen both methods. One may be better as you note.

Gary

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

The Taylorcraft hinge is weldable. I have had mine welded twice and it lasts about 6 years each time.
The top cowl needs to fit tightly to reduce vibration - makes the hinges last longer, but not forever.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Cowl Hinge Question

Thank goodness we got back to Taylorcraft hinges; for a while I thought I was on a Vans forum