cable lengths for ailerons

[wingwalkers]

I am restoring a 1946 BC12-D. I need to know the lengths of the aileron cables from the eye at the bell crank to the thimble eye where the cable eye fasteneds to the turnbuckle. It appears there is a difference between the two.
Can anyone out there help me?

Keith Walker
wingwalkers

[Laz]

Re: cable lengths for ailerons

I came upon the same problem. What I did was just leave the cabin side of the cable unfinished. I left 3 extra feet on each cable. That way when you put the wings on you can get the exact size needed. Remember you only have 7 turns of the turnbuckle to play with. You are supposed to start with four threads in and only have a maximum of three threads showing.

I tried in vain to get an exact length and never found one . this method may take a little more work but you will be rewarded with the exact correct size.

[Robert Lees]

Re: cable lengths for ailerons

I used my old ones as patterns.

That raises the obvious question: what do you do if you don't have the old ones as patterns?

The answer is either:

a) persuade Laz to provide the dimensions that he ended up with;

or

b) acquire someone's cast-off old ones to use as patterns.

I sent mine to someone several years ago & I can't remember to whom (like my wood door frames). Gone, I'm afraid.

Rob

[wingwalkers]

Re: cable lengths for ailerons

I have my old cables, but one on each side had the turnbuckle turned all the way in and one on each side was all the way out. I thought maybe the factory had a spec for each cable as it would seem logical for production speed to have a standard measurement. Thanks for the input. I like the idea of leaving them unfinished until putting the wings on.

Keith Walker
217-345-3839

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: cable lengths for ailerons

If there was a factory spec I would bet it was to finish one end and custom fit in the fuselage. What you REALLY need is some input on how much the cable stretches after you finish the second ends. After tehy have been in place for a while they will get a little longer and you will need to tighten the turnbuckles.
REAL PITA if there aren't enough threads left!
Hank

[Forrest Barber]

Re: cable lengths for ailerons

They were made in crude fixture; 2 holes into a long work bench , the numbers are B12-A21 : (1) cable assembly consisting of :
(2) B-12A22 and one B-A203-1 ( the long one). You need the correct connectors too . I will try to locate the drawings & specs.
However we always just do the last nico sleeves inside the cabin, it is great if you have the originals expecially the carry through ; Somebody do some measuring....... I will still try for the drawings ..

[Larry Lyons]

Re: cable lengths for ailerons

We had a precover party one evening. Completely assembled her, wings, struts, tail feathers, and then ran our "all new" cables, adjusted to what we wanted then set the crimps. Took her all apart, and repositioned her in the shop, celebrated with barley pop. L

[Forrest Barber]

Re: cable lengths for ailerons

THAT is a good system. especially the barley pop.