My new toy

[Steve]

I just bought a new to me 1945 BC-12-D...no, I didn't do any of the things that you are supposed to do before you buy a plane, and yes, I now have a long list of problems and a plane that can't be legally flown. However some of the problems are basically of the paper work type and seem just stupid! The plane actually is great, flys great and looks beautiful!
Problems:
-hydraulic toe brakes, different axle and wheel (Swick STC) no log entry and no 337
-auto gas STC, no 337, no placards
-excellent metal fabrication of seat bottom replacing the sling, no log entry, no 337
-metal removed from under glare shield (allows great access), no 337 or log entry
-wrong air filter, and ad not done on the wrong filter, and no log entry on any of it
-wing tank has not been used in years, has corrosion and dirt and needs replaced, how difficult is this? I am tempted to just fly short legs and forget it!

I would love to hear some suggestions, you can skip the comments I know that I am a dummy (I have heard that enough from my wife!

[Homsie]

I too bought mine with a leaky wing tank. I've only regretted it once so far, and it was just an inconvienence rather than any real safety issue. I've become accustomedto flight planning for 200-250 mile flights.

When I bought mine in 2002, it was just out of a complete (maybe not) restoration. I guess they figured to save a few bucks and didn't refurbish the wing tank. Anyhow, it burst a seam on the way to this neck o' the woods.

I just didn't want to destroy all the fabric work to fix a problem, that in "most cases" don't really need. But there are days when that extra gallon is really appreciated.


Cheers...Homsie

[Hank Jarrett]

Congratulations, the 45 is the best of the pre and post war planes. The mods are in a lot of planes with no STCs or 337s. It’s a real problem if they are caught and need to be cleaned up.
On the auto gas, there is no placard, if he didn’t give you the paper you need to buy a new one (not a budget breaker).
Seems someone got a STC on the metal seat but you can always go back to the sling if you can’t get one.
My 45 doesn’t have metal under the glare shield. May not be needed. Write off line.
I have the wing tank but don’t use it. More fun to make stops and meet people. Fix it later.
Which air filter?
Hank J
[email protected]

[crispy critter]

Plane problems

Man you really have a picky AI(thats good though,it means he don't miss much).Most of that stuff is a simple paper work shuffle that takes a little time and patiants.
As for the wing tank,if you have some fabric working experience its not too bad,but unless you plan on lots of long cross country trips then I agree with the last post,you don't really need it and it gives you a good excuss to stop and make new friends.
As for the wife giving you grief,hee hee,welcome to marriage and aviation.I am 29 years old,I was flying solo(ultralights,etc until I turned 16)before my folks aloud me to date,I'm on my thrid AND FINALwife.Luckily she supports me 150% but really does not like to fly(she's still a real keeper).My first 2 wives loved to fly but stayed pi@#ed off at me anytime I went to the airport without them....and they only wanted to go when I was going to fly.
Good luck.If I can help,let me know.
Kevin Mays

[stormman]

Seems like your not the only one in the sinking boat
Lets see now
Hyd Toe brakes , cessna axles
instrument cover off
leaky wing tank
Seems like the correct amount of required equipment on board to me
The old SNAF list
Most worry about things that could fail and hurt somone
main fuel tank leaks
lack of sufficient fuel flow to the carb
( no , the fuel running down on your foot because of a deteriorated fuel line does not count as as sufficient fue flow)
You know what i mean SAFETY, I pretty sure that the dash cover and brakes that work will make you unsafe

[Forrest Barber]

I guess I would fly her till there is a convenient time of year to pull wing and fix tank. 12 gal will now get you a lot of places, most of my fun is refueling anyhow. The other can be fixed up pretty quick, metal under glare shield, what is that all about.... send e-mail off list & I will work with u.

[crispy critter]

Glare shield

Hey new guy,it's me again,the guy with 3 wives haha.I can send you a poster board pattern of the glare shield.You can use it to trase around it onto a piece of .016 or maybe even smaller sheet of aircraft metal.Then just paint it with something or glue a piece of vinyle or cloth over it.
Just email me your address(off line)and I'll get that right out to you first of the week.
Kevin Mays

[CraigH]

Steve,
You're not alone. I bought a F21B last month only to discover during the pre-buy that one of the wing tanks had a serious leak. Am in the process of repair now. Hopefully it will be back in the air within the next 30-40 days.

I bought a Cessna 140A last year that had several 'bubba' modifications as you describe. Luckily, the local FAA inspector was cooperative in issuing 337's for most of them. Good luck with the field approvals. I'm sure everything will eventually turn out alright.

[stormman]

BUBBA?
You speaking of me or my sister?

[crispy critter]

Bubba

Boy,I could burn you good on that one Norm but I like you too much to pee you off.HeeHee.
Kevin

[Acroeric]

Steven- Make sure you review appendix A of FAR part 43. Some of the items may not be major alterations and therefore would not need field approval. As for the items that do- feel free to call me at work (336) 662-1029 and I will help you with the 337's once you get everything going.

[stormman]

Love that Guy

You got to LOVE that Eric Minnis
The sucker is worth more than 100 stormmans
I would adopt him if i needed a son

[Acroeric]

Norm- The check is in the mail. . . .

[stormman]

Your witnesses Tribe
Eric is trying to BUY my love now!
I GIVE AND GIVE AND GIVE and what do i get?
Sounds like bribery i say
Straight out bribery

GOOD BOY , someone trained him well

[paulp]

Hey Eric,

I would keep an eye on that guy in Calif. I've herd about those folks!!!

Regards