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Hello, I got lucky and found something to keep me off the streets this summer. It is a true barn find, came off the line end of July 1946, N96951, SN 9251. Came well optioned with lights, battery, RH side wing tank and all the latest avionics: Airboy, antenna and headphones.
I have her home at KLXT now and starting the clean-up, inspection and plan to get back airworthy. The former owner bought her at 9 years old in 1955. He also installed a venturi, turn coordinator, and VSI when purchased. His last flight was in May 2012, 9 years ago and has since passed away.
However he overhauled the engine 6 years prior the last flight. Thus only 17 hours SMOH with an estimated 1,330 TT. Engine and airframe logs go back to 1948 with an estimated 300 hours prior, noted. This is probably an over estimation so total time is likely less than logged. Eisenman mags and Ercoupe cups so no cowl bumps.
Superflight/fabric was done in 1999 and 2003. Amazingly the only part missing so far is the pilot entry step. Also amazing is that I have not found anything wrong yet. Just scoped the engine and there is no rust. Have been twice over the spars as well. Fabric is nice and tight.
Fuselage was stuffed with dryer sheets and this trick seemed to work as there is no rodent evidence. Mud Daubers, well that is another matter. Fortunately the hangar was dark and totally dry.
Still very much to do. Started to clean her up to assess what needs to be done. There is a bit of shine under 9 years of crud. I’ll fix what has aged out (not much), re assemble, Annual and fire her up. Just couldn’t let her sit and rot away.
Most likely will be bugging everyone for some help.
Thanks in advance!
I have her home at KLXT now and starting the clean-up, inspection and plan to get back airworthy. The former owner bought her at 9 years old in 1955. He also installed a venturi, turn coordinator, and VSI when purchased. His last flight was in May 2012, 9 years ago and has since passed away.
However he overhauled the engine 6 years prior the last flight. Thus only 17 hours SMOH with an estimated 1,330 TT. Engine and airframe logs go back to 1948 with an estimated 300 hours prior, noted. This is probably an over estimation so total time is likely less than logged. Eisenman mags and Ercoupe cups so no cowl bumps.
Superflight/fabric was done in 1999 and 2003. Amazingly the only part missing so far is the pilot entry step. Also amazing is that I have not found anything wrong yet. Just scoped the engine and there is no rust. Have been twice over the spars as well. Fabric is nice and tight.
Fuselage was stuffed with dryer sheets and this trick seemed to work as there is no rodent evidence. Mud Daubers, well that is another matter. Fortunately the hangar was dark and totally dry.
Still very much to do. Started to clean her up to assess what needs to be done. There is a bit of shine under 9 years of crud. I’ll fix what has aged out (not much), re assemble, Annual and fire her up. Just couldn’t let her sit and rot away.
Most likely will be bugging everyone for some help.
Thanks in advance!
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