Looking for Rebuild Advice

[Scott]

Note that the carbon cub-type evolutions use the same old engine technology. The reason for this is it's difficult to improve on these simple, reliable, low rpm, easy to maintain, proven engines. Have your engine overhauled by a reputable shop and you'll have piece of mind. There are now solid state ignition systems available if you don't like points.

There is a wing attach upgrade that may or may not have been done when the engine was upgaded. As already stated you can't beat wood spars for strength and light wieght and they'll never corrode! But need to be inspected and refinished if one-piece or replaced if bonded sections.

Ailerons have a weekness that's easily fixed when you replace the spars (which is 99% probable).

there are many small mods that can be implemented to address production shortcuts, for example anywhere nails are used as primary attachment method, like the false rib at lower outboard aileron cove, wing-fuselage fillet.

Fuselage wood, stringers- numbers, length, shimming and attchment ... not sexy but can make a big difference in looks and longevity

Nose bowl.. its either cracked or soon to be cracked! Reinforcement around the airfilter opening, even if you buy a new one, is worthwhile.

Wing root ribs will be in tough shape, not using dope will improve this issue going forward but there are ways to improve root rib support for both wing and aileron ribs aft of the spars.

one small change i wish I'd done was the windshield top attach at fuselage. Make the fuselage wood cross-piece with a step so that the windshield top edge ends up flush with the fuselage top.

Rob has a good how-to on brakes ( think it's in the tec doc section). The oem brakes are lighter and work just fine once properly sorted ( both system and feet)

There's many posts on fabric attachment methods. Read to understand the pros and cons.

Engine baffling is boring put important especially in view of the tight cowling, engine mods, and the availability of 1980s technology! Like silicone-based baffle seal.

Several options on exhaust system, tail wheel, cabin windows, headliner, baggage, seat cushions, antenna instalations, fuel valves and locations, etc.

Come to think of it there are apparently a whole bunch of upgrades for you, perhaps not the glass cockpit in terms of sexy, but will ensure you end up with a well built safe and reliable aircraft.
S

[Tschauer]

Thanks all! Scott - your detailed comments are particularly helpful. Going to keep doing some homework and will be in touch as things progress!

[Mark Bowden]

You already have something priceless, an aircraft you got to fly and learn in with your dad. The only thing maybe more valuable would be the same fun with your kids and grandkids, in a three generation ship! A little work now and your grandkids might be getting their tickets in a “century” aircraft.

You have help unbelievably close with EAA chapters in Fargo and Detroit Lakes. Everyone’s comments are spot on, simple is awesome. If you wanted to do the fabric work yourself there are likely folks there that can help.

The gross weight increase with the wing root attach would be a good thing, but it may already be there because of the O-200. Don’t assume you have to do an overhaul, an IRAN can work. Order the FAA info from Oklahoma to supplement the logs.

If she was inside with corrosion and rot kept at bay there is no reason to look for something else. Taylorcraft’s are as efficient as any Vintage bird in the air. You already have the most expensive upgrade ever envisioned already installed in the O-200. There are hardly any AD.s. The spots to watch are well known.

If you want to go 100-110 mph and have the prop you can do it at ~6 gph. Great power for floats or skis. If you want economy throttle back and go 95 on 4 gph. Long trips are great fun too, folks here have been to all 48 continental states no problem.

If you want “glass”, easy. Get a Stratus and an IPad. You will have AHRS, GPS, moving map, ADSB traffic, weather and 3D terrain data base. Get a Sporty’s SP-400 for radio, you even get VOR and ILS. Plus ANR headsets.

Plus you have an awesome resource in this group that has likely solved every problem you are likely to encounter.

Welcome aboard!