Bottom Cowl rebuild + Parts needed

[rdwater]

I'm planning to rebuild my bottom cowl - the simple-bend of flat metal variety. Does anyone know what type of aluminum that is made of? Is it possibly 6061 or 3003? What temper? It seems pretty soft and workable.

Some other parts I'll be needing are
- two sparkplug blisters for the shielded plugs for the top cowl
- an engine mount for the A65
- the oil sump for the A65
- a 72x44 (or something close) wood prop

As you might be able to tell from this request, our plane had a fight with an irrigation ditch off to the side of the runway just before Christmas and the front of the plane lost. My partner was pilot and is ok. Rest of the plane seems ok, though we've not cut the inspection holes to look at the spar attachments - we will! We've torn down the engine and are getting the crank inspected (age plus this event makes it prudent to do so). Hope the crank's ok or I'll be asking about that soon too.

Thanks!
Bob

[8708]

Re: Bottom Cowl rebuild + Parts needed

The factory has new bottom cowls available. It is a compound curve so is challenging. I believe the cost is $480. I was in BRO a few weeks ago and they had four ready to go and one on the form. They are still working on the nose bowls as that form needs a water press to form. My understanding is they are working with Mooney to use their press.
I am glad no one was hurt in the mishap. Good luck with the rebuild!
Jay

[mhorowit]

Re: Bottom Cowl rebuild + Parts needed

Ooooo that sound painfully familiar.
Broken prop = prop strike = engine teardown, right? Landing gear OK?
Any idea what caused the lateral instability? - Mike

[matsuthunder200]

Re: Bottom Cowl rebuild + Parts needed

Do you know if the factory has the lower cowl for the long mount.
I have the oil sump it is the 4 qt kedny type.

[mulwyk]

Re: Bottom Cowl rebuild + Parts needed

Bob:

I have a fiberglass mold you can use if you want to make your own cowl bumps. Details here.

Bob Gustafson

[8708]

Re: Bottom Cowl rebuild + Parts needed

Hi Lance,
I do not know if they have the lower cowl for the long mount. You can email them, [email protected].
Jay May
Midland, TX

[rdwater]

Re: Bottom Cowl rebuild + Parts needed

Thanks all for the input. I'll follow up with the factory on teh parts that I need. And Bob - I'll look at your website when I get a browser new enough to allow it. Bob

[Sloanlow]

Re: Bottom Cowl rebuild + Parts needed

Tribe

I'm working on my cowling also.

I'm suprised at how easy it is to straighten this stuff. I'm having good success. I figure that I will have a good enough cowling to get along until I find somthing better. A little tap here and there with a hammer and buck block, press on it here and there with the thumbs, somtimes pound on it with the fist. in about an hour or two you can turn a real hunk of ______into a cowling.

Jim Allison

[N96337]

Re: Bottom Cowl rebuild + Parts needed

Jim, you might check out www.metalmeet.com for some great metal working tips. They've covered about everything there and if not, they welcome questions and comments.
John H.