Hi All, I'm a part-owner of a 1978 7GCBC. The time has come to recover the aircraft. As far as we are aware the aircraft is in original condition. My question is in two parts. While we have the fabric off what parts should we replace to maintain the aircraft going forward? The second part of the question relates to upgrades? Given that the aircraft will both be out of action for a time and fabric free are there any recommended upgrades that we should consider that would improve the aircraft? We are not looking to try and achieve a class winning restoration but rather to continue to use the aircraft as a good honest daily flyer. Thanks in advance.
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Maintainenace and Upgrade during Recover
Maintainenace and Upgrade during Recover
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HI All, Thanks for all the comments. appreciate the feedback.
I would also install the baggage door.
I'm still just in the planning stage of my rebuild. LOVE the recommendations above. Could I get a price list of the "kits" I would want? Right now i'm wanting the metal belly, firewall battery, baggage door, fuel valve and gascolator.
Oh and i'm going to be buying a new set of wings... which brings up a question: can I trade in parts like the Flaps, front struts, aileron bell cranks, wing tips...?
The answer is going to vary for each owner – our repair station configures every rebuild to the owner’s specification and budget. Basically anything available on new airplanes is also be eligible on a 1978. Common modifications to the 7GCBC include aluminum spar wings, metal belly, baggage door, firewall battery, extended baggage, aluminum gear, composite floor, larger tires, vortex generators, electrical system upgrades, and avionics. The ACA wings provide a 150lb increase in the gross weight from 1650lb to 1800lb – if you are sticking with the original wings I would steer away from any options that add weight (and concentrate on those that remove weight).
As far as recommended maintenance - Replace the wood stringers and formers. Replace elevator and flap control cables, look closely at or replace the rudder cables (SL446). Replace flap pulley and pulley bracket (SL424). Replace fuel valve and gascolator, relocate gascolator to current location eliminating fuel line behind the rudder pedal. Comply with SL418, the front mounted battery is a good way to do this while removing weight. Comply with service letters C-135 and SL438 as they relate to the landing gear attachment; install the new u-bolt bar assembly. If you are keeping the original wings see C-139 and SL406. Install new hooker harness seat belts using the weld in ACA support truss and lugs.
There are a lot more considerations - as you have more questions it would be worth a call to technical support and/or our parts department.