1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

[NC22211]

This lengthy restoration has progressed to the assembly stage - finally! Awaiting cylinder overhauls to assemble the A-65 we're installing. Need to find or make open cowlings for the A-65 conversion. Also need wheel pant mounting brackets. That's about it for missing parts, other than lift strut fairings, a few trim pieces. I'll try to post recent photos once I figure out how to reduce them for posting here. Have the original single mag Lycoming O-145-1 if anyone is interested. If I understand correctly, the paperwork and Data Plate will always remain "BL-65" because that is how Serial Number 1149 came from the factory. The logbooks will be where the change to the Continental A-65 is annotated. Is that the way to interpret the conversion?

[NC22211]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

Attempt at adding photos.

[NC22211]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

Note on the unique colors chosen: I was shown a color photo by the son of the second owner with NC22211 painted in these exact colors, Forest Green and International Orange. I have never seen or heard of another painted this way, though others have recalled seeing one or two. Verification came during restoration while carefully removing paint layers from the boot cowl. The bottom coat of paint was green with the orange stripe. Although I was not enamoured with green and orange, I decided that the plane had to go back to its original colors. Now that she's coming together, I find I really like the color combo.

[cvavon]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

As far as your engine change the plane is always a BL type cert 700 there is a factory letter that allows the change and a log book entry is all that is needed that is how my 1940 ser#2000 got a continental engine. The letter is in the teck sec on this site or I have it and can scan and send it to you

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

My 41 was Forest Green and International Harvester Tractor Orange when I bought her. UGLIEST airplane I have ever seen! What is AMAZING is how GOOD those colors look when switched around! Mine was Orange with a green stripe and was just plain UGLY. The green with an orange stripe I actually really like.
Hank

I wonder if the guy who painted mine got it backwards?

[jim cooper]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

I LIKE it! You taxi up in that and people will take notice! Nice! Best JC

[Ragwing nut]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

One of those combinations that is ugly when old and ratty, but can be quite nice when done right. I want to say I have seen this combo before on a Waco, which they had some of the most crazy color combos I know of. You might look at the owner history to see if it was originally purchased by a corporation.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

No, mine was just painted by a guy with NO TASTE.
Hank

Even HE didn't like it once he saw it.

[NC22211]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

Test fit the GB Lewis Company propeller onto the flanged crankshaft. Perfect fit and really looks great for such an old prop. It has been refinished, but required no repairs, just cleaning, stripping, epoxy varnish and balancing. There will be a crush plate and a skull cap spinner when I do the final install. Next step is finishing the top and bottom cowls.

[NC22211]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

Leaking fuel tank removed, flange crack TIG welded and tested. Reinstalled tank and all the pieces that had to come out to get to it..... First engine run since 1958 on a beautiful August day, 2013. A few minor oil leaks around the rocker box flanges, otherwise a really sweet running 0 SMOH A-65. Have to build new front cowls before she's ready for the DAR conformity inspection and licensing.

[KewFlyer]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

Bob:

Nice job. Congratulations on another fine aircraft brought back to life. see you soon.

Ralph

[TimHicks]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

Beautiful!

[NC22211]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

Here are some newer photos taken during the annual inspection performed by Taylorcraft Owner, aircraft restorer and all around great friend: Andrew King, A&P, IA.

Annual with all cowls off, then taxi tests and the buttoning up process finished. Awaiting the arrival of the DAR, Gene Breiner, to finish the conformity inspection and issuance of the permanent A/W certificate. Paperwork is all that remains before first flight!

[Pearson]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

WOW! Very nice! Great attention to detail. What is hanging over the leading edge of the right wing at the root? I really like that instrument panel and the combing on the yokes.

[woodmw]

Re: 1939 BL-65 NC22211 s/n 1149, converting to A-65 Continental.

What does IGN switch do?