1939 Model B control cables

[NC22211]

Need some help here for originality: Pre-war Model B's should have had spliced or wire wrapped/soldered control cables. Anyone know which was the factory method? Also, were the different controls "color-coded" as in some early Pipers, and where (if they were)? What size 7x19 galvanized aircraft cable was used in the rudder and aileron systems? The cables I have are mixed sizes and mixed spliced - wire wrapped - nico-pressed. Would like to be able to return to the factory configuration. Thanks, in advance! Bob

[3Dreaming]

Re: 1939 Model B control cables

My '41 had 5 tuck splices, and they were not tapered. They were also dipped or covered with some kind of substance, maybe Zink. Tom

[VictorBravo]

Re: 1939 Model B control cables

My 1940 BL (C) 65 still has two of the 5 tuck spliced cables. They are tapered neatly and are very attractive... little works of art. The other cables have been replaced with Nicopress sleeve terminals.

[Robert Lees]

Re: 1939 Model B control cables

My late 45 B still has some of the original spliced ends.

We have a few chaps here in England (one is surprisingly young for such an old skill) who do cable splicing for some of the vintage / museum aircraft.

The cost to the aircraft owner is very high, because of the time taken, etc.

[mulwyk]

Re: 1939 Model B control cables

My 46 BC12D has all nicopress splices except one rudder cable has a hand made tucked splice! (Prewar leftovers?)
The cables are all 1/8 inch galvanized.

Bob Gustafson

[1938BF50]

Re: 1939 Model B control cables

Andrew King (BaldEagle27 here on the forum) does museum quality cable splices. I have seen his work at Brodhead and it is spectacular!