Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

[Wingnut845]

Hi Taylorcrafters,
As a newbie L2-A (or B) project owner, I'm looking to connect with other L2 & D model people.. Mine is a partially completed basket case. I'm in a discovery mode.. sorting thru boxes and hangar lofts. Fuselage (with empennage) is pretty far along and covered to the UV silvercoat. One wing is built new and close to being ready for covering. Other wing exists only as a stack of new ribs, spar blanks, and hardware. Have two A-65 engines, nicely pickled and appear overhauled and un-run.
Cowlings are all there and tho they show their age are fairly clean.
Included in purchase was also a bones L2 DCO-65 fuselage (cabin style) with landing gear and empennage bones, & maybe some hardware. I'll probable pass that on to someone at a later date
The big Klunker: I have N numbers (both deregistered) and serial numbers, but No data plates or logbooks on anything. Sellers are still looking so have some hope.
My only reference so far is a copy of the May 1944 L2, A & B Airplane Parts Catalog. While enlightening, it leaves alot to be desired for dimensions, details, etc.

Several years ago I helped to restore a Ford powered Pietenpol Air Camper as a volunteer for an air museum, and learned alot about wood construction as we built a new wing for it.

I have questions that somebody may be able to help with.
How can I determine which N number goes with which airframe?
Does anyone have a source for the bungees..shock cords?
Do plans for the L2 models exist in any form?
Is there another L2 or D owner in the vicinity of Northern California?

Thanks in advance for any help and advice you are able to give.
I look forward to learning all there is to know about L2s and developing contacts on this site.

Steve Roselle
Grass Valley, Ca
flying RV-9A N529FG

[fearofpavement]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

Others will have additional data but the bungees should be readily available from sources such as Aircraft Spruce and other vendors. Regarding the N numbers, since they are deregistered and you don't have logs or data plates, that's a moot point. Need to find more data for the planes if you want to get it airworthy again.

[Mark Bowden]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

Welcome!

I would still call the FAA in Oklahoma City and see if they have the N# files, maybe they are not purged yet, can't hurt to ask. I think it is 5 years before an N# is available for use after de-registration.

If you have no data plate how do you know the serial #'s of the aircraft? Are you referencing a door hinge or throttle plate stamped number? Those can be off from the data plate serial but might get you close to matching them up.

Does the state from which you purchased them require aircraft registry? If so they could be a source to match a bit of info up.

I think Chet Peek's book has a page with model and serial numbers. Also a search of posts by topic of serial number will get some posts that have a drawing listing serials by model for L-series.

[M Towsley]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

If I remember correctly, the serial number on an L-2 is located on the throttle handle.

[Bigdog]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

The S/N is stamped on one of the throttle levers, I think the rear one but not sure. It's an easily changed item and if it gets separated from the fuselage you can't really use it to ID the fuselage. If you've got a throttle lever with a s/n that matches the paperwork then put it on an appropriate fuselage and call it good. Fuselages have gotten changed due to accidents and probably kept the donor throttle lever so it's possible nothing will match. You just need to get a new data plate to match the paperwork.

Fortunately we have a treasure trove of drawings. There is a set of 4 CD's available from the foundation for ~$40 that has most of the drawings and manuals. If you have trouble getting them from the foundation then post back here and one of us will help you out.

Welcome to the group.

[M Towsley]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

Not sure if it has anything to do with the fuselage. Forrest once told me that the throttle, (and it is the rear one now that you mention it, Greg), is THE plane.

Steve, we have a couple of knowledgeable L-2 guys who will hopefully notice your post. Good luck and welcome!

[Wingnut845]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

Thanks for the reply Fearofpavement. hoping logs will surface. Meanwhile found two new blank Taylorcraft Data plates. Am told these are only available to owners of record.
Just got FAA CDs on both N numbers. Defense Plant Corp sold one out of Army inventory 09 March 1945. Army ID was 43-25907. Believe that means it was manufactured in 1943? It was described as an L2-M (enclosed cylinders) but both cowlings are for an open cylinder engine. Confusing.

[Wingnut845]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

Hi Mark,
I ordered the FAA CDs for both N numbers Those and s/n's were provided by the seller (the daughter of the late owner).
I have Chet Peeks book but it only shows production batches and not specific s/n's
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll continue to sleuth things out.
Steve Roselle

[Wingnut845]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

Thanks for all the suggestions Guys!
Marty and Big dog, I have not found the throttles yet but have some more boxes to look in.
Meanwhile a few old photos have shown me which N number goes with which fuselage.

BTW: The late L2 owner also had a Ryan Navion B 260. It will be for sale soon. Looks good cosmetically but has not flown in a number of years.
With a little effort think it could be ferryable.

BTY 2: Got a private reply from an acquaintance of mine who has an L2 also. I did not know that. Small world, ay?
I can get in touch with the seller if anyone is interested.
Steve Roselle

[Edwin Otha]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

Steve,
Let me know if I can help you with some of the stuff. I have a few projects in the hangar you can look at. I spent many years at Amelia's working on the L2's. Let me know If I can help.
We got the Stinson flying at WOH and the Piet is still clanking thru the sky.
408 799-8302
EO

[M Towsley]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

Funny you should mention Amelia's, Edwin. Robin was just here delivering a Stinson Detroiter Jr. a couple of weeks ago. He also delivered my L-2 from CA about nine years ago.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

Funny you should mention Amelia's, Edwin. Robin was just here delivering a Stinson Detroiter Jr. a couple of weeks ago. He also delivered my L-2 from CA about nine years ago.

How is Robin doing? I have not seen him in years. My grandfather got alot of L-2 parts off Amelia years ago, many NOS.

[M Towsley]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

Robin is doing great. Got a bit frozen ferrying the Stinson, though. He then ferried a PT-19 for the same owner the next day from Ohio back here to Illinois. Open cockpit, brrrrrrr!!!!

I had Robin do the pre-buy on the L-2 before I bought it. I figured if anyone knew L-2's, he would. He is doing overseas flights to Japan, etc., for the airlines, (cannot remember which one). He is now living in Washington state. I will tell him you said hello.

[Wingnut845]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

Hi Ed,
Thanks for the update on WOH. I really my time volunteering there.
I read that the Stinson might be having engine problems?
After the holiday season I'd like to get down to visit the museum, yourself, and Jerry I.
I also need to firm up my hangar arrangements for the L2 and get things organized.
Steve

[Edwin Otha]

Re: Newbie L2 project owner - Have questions!

Steve,
We found the cam gear had a problem. It uses a Micarta hub with an Aluminum gear ring. The ring was slightly loose on the Micarta carrier hub. We plan on putting on the replacement engine until we can find enough Franklin parts rebuild this engine. Main bearings seem to be the biggest issue. Let me know when you plan to be in San Martin.
EO