Elevator Trim Crank Handle

[TimHicks]

Where can I buy a new trim handle?

My existing trim handle appears to be a homemade weldment that fits very loosely on the shaft. It kind of flops around but is held in place by a big cotter pin. All of the torque applied goes through the cotter pin to the shaft. There is no key. I've operated this airplane for many years without any problems. But if I can improve this system, I'd like to.

I'm sorry that I don't have a picture to show the existing handle.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

The trim crank handles are actually Nickel plated car window winder handles. I know they were used on pre-war Studebakers and am pretty sure they were used on MANY old cars.
I have one awaiting install on the 45 and can get you a good picture if you need it. There is also one in place on the 41 but you can't see the stepped shaft and square hole on it. There is a Nickel plated escutcheon plate that goes under it to hold the cross pin in so it doesn't fall out (cotter pins will tear your headliner). The plates are available at any hardware store and are just decorative stamped pipe plates that are used where a pipe has to come through a wall or floor. They are also used between door knobs and the wood on a door. REALLY common!
Once you get a good picture you will have no problem finding the parts at a hardware or auto store. If your plane is pre-war, you want Nickel plated and after the war the Chrome plate was more popular.
CG used what was available! It became an "aircraft" part when he put it on an aircraft!
Hank

[TimHicks]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

Hank,
Thanks for the reply. You mentioned a square hole. This makes total sense. The shaft must have a square end that fits into a square hole on the handle to transmit torque.

Any idea where I can acquire such a handle?

Because of my height, I took my headliner out years ago and am very content flying without it. So I don't plan to look for the trim plate that you mentioned.

[TimHicks]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

I checked Studebaker Parts.com. Didn't see much detail. See picture attached of only available window crank.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

Tim,
That's not it. It has a curved shape with a long metal "knob" that usually doesn't turn any more. From the side it is kind of "S" shaped, not straight. The knob is round and about 2.5 times as tall as it is in diameter.
Looks like I may just HAVE to go to the hangar tonight (SOB!!) to get some cowl parts and a dolly for a friend to move some furniture. OOOOH HOW I HATE HAVING TO GO TO THE HANGAR! ;-)
I'll take a picture of the right trim handle. You may be able to get the chrome one at an auto parts store.
Hank

[Marv]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

If the shaft is close to 3/8 of an inch you can use a 38 Ford pickup window crank with the chrome knob and a 41 to 48 Ford car Stainless Escutcheon. If you want the part no. and do not know where to buy email me. Marv

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

It may not be original, but Wag Aero p/n H-815-001 is sold for the J-3 Cub and it can be made to work on the BC12-D

[mikeg]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

Where can I buy a new trim handle?

My existing trim handle appears to be a homemade weldment that fits very loosely on the shaft. It kind of flops around but is held in place by a big cotter pin. All of the torque applied goes through the cotter pin to the shaft. There is no key. I've operated this airplane for many years without any problems. But if I can improve this system, I'd like to.

I'm sorry that I don't have a picture to show the existing handle.

Tim,
I have an old crummy one that has part of the square drive broken out the you can have for the postage. PM me your mailing address. $5.00 should cover postage. Merry Christmas
Mike
NC29804
NC27451

[mulwyk]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

It's a Model A Ford window riser handle available from Snyder's Antique Auto Parts in Ohio (free catalog). Synder's has all that interior trim stuff and even things like ethanol proof gas gage floats. I've never had any luck searching their website, but the printed catalog is easy to use (I need pictures). My 2008 catalog lists the handle at $6.50.

[TimHicks]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

Great leads. Thanks all.
I see the part in the Wag Aero online catalog for $20, but there is no picture. Mark mentioned that it can be "made to work". Does anyone know what mods have to be done to the Cub part to make it work in the TCraft?

Like mulwyk, I cannot figure out how to find the part in the online catalog of Snyder's.

I asked my AI, who is near the airplane, to measure the shaft. I haven't heard back yet. For me, I probably won't make it back to the airplane until the weekend.

Tim

[Guest]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

Where can I buy a new trim handle?

My existing trim handle appears to be a homemade weldment that fits very loosely on the shaft. It kind of flops around but is held in place by a big cotter pin. All of the torque applied goes through the cotter pin to the shaft. There is no key. I've operated this airplane for many years without any problems. But if I can improve this system, I'd like to.

I'm sorry that I don't have a picture to show the existing handle.

It should be a steel pin (pn B12-140) not a cotter pin.

The shaft is round.

There is a flange (B12-9109) that holds the pin in.

My flange has been lost and replaced by 2 washers and one has been filed so as to retain the pin

[freightpilot27]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

It's a Model A Ford window riser handle available from Snyder's Antique Auto Parts in Ohio (free catalog). Synder's has all that interior trim stuff and even things like ethanol proof gas gage floats. I've never had any luck searching their website, but the printed catalog is easy to use (I need pictures). My 2008 catalog lists the handle at $6.50.

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/modelaparts/closedcardoorhandlesparts-1?page=7

scroll to the bottom

[Guest]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/mo...parts-1?page=7

scroll to the bottom

Mine looks like this one => A-702780-C $11.85

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

Here is the Wag Aero version.

It appears that Snyder is a better deal!

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Elevator Trim Crank Handle

This is the one on my plane too.
Hank

Window Riser
Window crank for the A-400, Victoria, and some of the Fordor Sedans.

Part Number Specifics Price
A-702780-C 1930-31 $11.85 / ea.