BC12D Head liner wire suports

[Frank Lensmyer]

I am rebuilding a taylorcraft ;1946 BC12D-85 0n floats. Project is about 6 weeks from test flight . I bought a new head liner for inside of plane.but it did not come with suport wires. Where can i buy these wires,or have information on how to make same. Thanking You Frank Lensmyer
[email protected]

[Robert Lees]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

Here is a diagram of the headliner wires. Four are the same, one has a different length for the ends.

[Frank Lensmyer]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

Thanks for the headliner wires information/
Frank Lensmyer

[8708]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

I have ordered my new headliner and need to make the wire braces.
The problem I am having is locating 1/8" stainless wire that is long enough.
Does anyone have a source for the wire?
I have emailed a couple of wire companies but I thought I would go to the well too.
Thanks and Happy New Year!!
Jay

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

The original wires were not stainless, they were mild steel. Stainless is a great idea since the wires rust and really mess up a nice headliner.
If you have to go to steel wires, make sure you prime and paint them carefully. Any rust spot will bleed through. DON'T powder coat them. The coating will crack when you flex them and powder coating a piece of wire would probablu be REALLY expensive.
Hank

Can you even powder coat a piece of wire? I never did like powder coat. I mix my own epoxy and spray from a cheap gun (a $3 HF airbrush). If you don't get all of the epoxy out of a gun, it is toast.

[TonyL]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

I think aircraft spruce has them. But the cheapest and best bet, I found in an industrial supply house called McFadden in Corona Ca. If you want, I can check tiday when I'm there. I bought some there. Need to know the length. Don't tell them it's for acft. they can raise the price. TonyL

[8708]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

Hi Tony,
That would be great! They need to be 54 inches long.
Thanks!
Jay

[paulnuss]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

Mine came from a welding supply store (I used to own one), and are 36" long TIG stainless wires which are butt-welded together to make long enough. The small weld won't show. Most any easily weldable alloy of stainless will do, whatever they have, most likely 308, 308L or 316. Mine have lasted almost 30 years now.

[Robert Lees]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

Does piano wire (music wire) come in that diameter? I use music wire to replace carb heat, throttle controls, etc.

[Norm G]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

I used a wire that I got from a auto upholstery shop that is use for headliners on antique cars and trucks. This wire comes in 8-10 foot lengths and is .150. Its bendable and flexable. I used a tubing bender to do mine.

Norm G

[Robert Lees]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

Good thought, Norm. I think it's called "beading wire" or similar?

[Robert Bradbury]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

QUOTE=Frank Lensmyer;9944]I am rebuilding a taylorcraft ;1946 BC12D-85 0n floats. Project is about 6 weeks from test flight . I bought a new head liner for inside of plane.but it did not come with suport wires. Where can i buy these wires,or have information on how to make same. Thanking You Frank Lensmyer
[email protected][/QUOTE]

I didn't install the headliner as it was too low for my liking.
I installed a full skylight instead which made that little cabin seem so much bigger.

[Norm G]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

Frank,
Another though, I have 4 that I made using ss brake line tubing. The tubing is nice but if you should pull it down it dosen't spring back like the upholstery rods. If you want it, I'll give it to you for what I have into it plus shipping. A cheaper way to go is to buy the material and make them yourself using the layout that Robert Lees posted. Anway, contact me if you want the ones I have.
Norm G

[8708]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will call some upholstery shops and see what is available.
The music or piano wire is the correct diameter but I have only been able to find 36 inch lengths.
Thanks!
Jay

[Mark Julicher]

Re: BC12D Head liner wire suports

Music wire from the hobby shop can be spliced by wrapping making a short lap-joint, wrapping it with 24 ga. copper wire and then silver soldering. Not elegant, but will work in a pinch.