New to the Forum

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: New to the Forum

Yea, I sure wish everyone would just use their names here. All these nic-names really confuse my feeble old mind!

Hank

[lfries]

Re: New to the Forum

I remember the first time I got to use the Farmall "M". Almost pur her over on her back. Couldn't believe I could go so fast on a tractor.

[Blade]

Re: New to the Forum

A little off topic, but as requested are my tractor restoration before and after photos.





It's a 1954 Farmall Super MTA that was one of my Dad's. Not quite as old as the Taylorcraft. Hopefully a few of the skills I learned working on the tractor will be helpful on the airplane.

Today I pulled the engine on the Taylorcraft and the sheet metal off the front. So far so good but wondering how to pull the bolts that hold in the gas tank. I stopped for the evening but if anyone has a quick suggestion it might save me time tomorrow. It looks like the tank isn't in the best shape and has been patched. Therefore I'll also be looking for a replacement tank if anyone has an extra or a suggestion where to buy a replacement.

[crispy critter]

Re: New to the Forum

The fuel tank is a little tricky but not too bad. There are rods that go through the fuel tank in an X pattern. They should have a flat on them just inside the mount position between the tank & panel/firewall. You wil have to remove the panel and/or the windshield to get the tank to come out and if you go ahead and remove one,the other,or both if will make it much easier. Make sure you save and lable all your old hardware or at least get a bolt gauge and a note book and measure the size,length,-#(dash number),etc. This will make things soooo much easier when you start to reassemble and need to order new hardwear. Also,do not toss out any of your windshield parts especially if you plan to go back with the original style because parts for those are non-existanat unless you luck out or have them made.

[mike lutz]

Re: New to the Forum

Mark,Wag-Aero sells both the nose and wind tanks.
Mike Lutz

[mike lutz]

Re: New to the Forum

correction,WING,not wind

[Robert Lees]

Re: New to the Forum

...They should have a flat on them just inside the mount position between the tank & panel/firewall. .

Errr...what flat? Photo evidence required. Enquiring minds need to know!

[crispy critter]

Re: New to the Forum

The rods on Crispy have a slight flat or knot on the fuel tank rod....I have seen at least one other also. Will try to get pics....if they don't have them then just hold the nut on the other end if it trys to turn,one of them will come off or the rod will break.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: New to the Forum

The rods may be hard to replace. If they don't come loose, use some penetrating oil or oil of wintergreen. Smells better and works great to break loose rusty threads. Don't put a lot of force on the nuts. Rocking them back and forth a lot of times with low force is better than twisting the rod apart with brute force! DON'T USE HEAT while the rod is through the tank. First you will melt the rubber hose between the tank and rod and second you might blow yourself up. A little heat might be OK once the rod is out and rubber hose is off.
Hank

[Blade]

Fuel Tank Removal

Thanks for the hints guys. I never thought that the rods went through the tank. Once I knew that and held the nut on the opposite side there was no issue removing the rods. The tank is completely loose now but it looks like I'll have to remove the control column to get it all the way out. That's fine as it's coming out anyway. Still looking for a good used tank if anyone knows where I can get one. What I have is a steel tank and wondering if it can be replace with aluminum.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: New to the Forum

Either nose tank will be correct for fit , all B's have same nose tank configuration ; 19 & F-19 too and the early F-21's with nose tank. F-19, 19 and up had interior fuel guage. Yes H column comes out, instructions are in service manual reprints from numberous sources.

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Fuel Tank Removal

Thanks for the hints guys. I never thought that the rods went through the tank. Once I knew that and held the nut on the opposite side there was no issue removing the rods. The tank is completely loose now but it looks like I'll have to remove the control column to get it all the way out. That's fine as it's coming out anyway. Still looking for a good used tank if anyone knows where I can get one. What I have is a steel tank and wondering if it can be replace with aluminum.

I ma going with new on the clip project(a 41) experience has taught me used may or may not work. I never gamble on this one. OLD Fuel systems are usually prone to leaking, or plugging up strainers and carbs causing accidents. This is one place in my humble opinion not to skimp. Go to Wag Aero and go new.

[jdoran]

Re: New to the Forum

When you get to the fabric stage, here's my advice:

Choose the brand that has the best video instructions. Don't choose it for any other reason, such as price, friend recomendation, etc.

You can't learn how to work with fabric by reading a book, hand gestures,or anything else. The videos are priceless in seeing how to do it.

I chose Poly-Fiber for that reason, but it was 10 years ago. I'll bet others have the video training now, so make that your top priority in choosing the fabric brand.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: New to the Forum

One slight amendment. If you have someone who will work WITH you and they have used a process that came out well, I would go with that over a video. NOT someone who has done it and says they will answer questions, someone who will actually HELP do the covering. There is NOTHING as good as someone right there teaching you as you do it.
A good video series in right under that.
Hank

[Forrest Barber]

Re: New to the Forum

Amen , get the A&P who will do it hands on with you in your shop, keep the paperwork up and do a good job... Ask around , they are out there.
Patty & I are going out this evening back tomorrow to kick off some great Evetns for 2011...... Happy New Year to all!
I e-mailed direct to the fellow that wanted to have the locator tried again. It was tried and only a few logged on.