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This is a really tough project for me. The plan is to try and put the whole bird together uncovered in an attempt to count parts. If possible, would like to mount the engine, plumb the fuel lines, wire the electrical, and in general get most things going before starting to do the covering. There are some parts that look in good shape and do not appear to be for this airplane. Feel free to contact me any time via email and the plane is in Lincoln CA. If you want to check status personally, you might want to contact me first. Could be a long trip and I might not be there.

Started doing a parts and pieces count. Discovered tha have most of the wood pieces that were on the plane before the start of restoration. These could be uses as patterns for the doors and formers. Also have a second set of landing gear.

I've dusted off the ole bird and started doing some serious contemplating as what to do next.

Presently the fuselage is in green chromate. Anyone have any suggestions as to whether I should paint the fuselage with epoxy paint? If so what type of paint do you recommend? Color?

Fuel lines: It appears that the original fuel lines were 3/8". An A&P friend of mine told me that the fuel lines should be 1/2". Any comments. Also, it appears that the fuel selector is located on the instrument panel. There are a number of fuel valves available that will permit a fuel selector to be located on the floor and freeing up some panel space for modern avionics. Don't get me wrong, I don't plan to load the ole bird up for IFR but never the less, a com, maybe GPS, xponder do take some room that wasn't accounted for in the thirty's.

Brakes. It is my understanding that Aero Commander Twin Brakes are a good choice. Any comments or suggestions as to where I might find functional original brakes?

email Cary

Something New from the son of one of the previous owners.

One of the links on your web site mentioned that this aircraft went over on it's back in a landing accident. I don't believe that is correct. As best I recall from my dad telling it to me, who got the story from the son of the man who last flew the aircraft, the story is as follows. (At forth person story)

The aircraft had a pneumatic flap actuator system. It was a vacuum system powered by manifold pressure. Only two positions are provided, up or down. Flaps should only be used for landing. On the fateful day the pilot had marginal conditions for take off and thought that by manipulating the flag switch/lever (I don't recall which) down and up repeatedly he might be able to maintain an intermediate position to assist in his take off. Well he was not successful in this endeavor. bent the gear in a rut, and now you own the airplane.

The slight damage to the top of the vertical stab was from when my dad and me were loading the plane onto the truck we rented. We Blocked the plane up, (no wings attached) hoisted the tail above the truck bed, Backed the truck under the tail to the rear of the main gear legs. The plan was then to remove the gear legs and somehow get the plane the rest of the way onto the truck. Well it was mid winter in Wa. and one of the blocks under the main gear dislodged. the aircraft went forward onto it's nose and the tail hit the side of the shed it was previously stored in. I was under the truck with the main gear leg coming toward me threatening to pin me under the truck bed, so I remember that part pretty well.

I hope this helps you fill in some of the missing history of this interesting aircraft. Do you still have the vacuum flap actuators. I remember my dad acquired some electric actuators that he wanted to adapt instead.