And So it Begins......T-41B Restoration

[L-4Pilot]

just an FYI inspect the engine oil pan very carefully before bolting back on the engine.. I have had to pull several engines over the years that got cracked somehow while resting on tires...They don't start the massive leaking until everything is back together, torques, safety pinned, safety wired etc etc don't you know...

The tire is a safety issue and most of the weight is still supported by the hoist.

Thanks for your note.

[shrike]

just an FYI inspect the engine oil pan very carefully before bolting back on the engine.. I have had to pull several engines over the years that got cracked somehow while resting on tires...They don't start the massive leaking until everything is back together, torques, safety pinned, safety wired etc etc don't you know...

The tire is a safety issue and most of the weight is still supported by the hoist.

Thanks for your note.

That's not as big an issue for the IO-360's, it's a nice deep solid casting.
Now if I had a dollar for every 470/520 pan I've had to scrap....actually that would be about what the scrap is

[L-4Pilot]

The yokes have been pulled and refinished and work has begun on the panel and avionics. While the panel is out we will deal with all of the old left over wiring mess from earlier avionics installations. New universal joint will be installed on the pilots yoke.

[L-4Pilot]

Seat cover and seat back for T-41B. The seat back has no cushion and is designed for parachute wear, however I will have a couple made to use when we are not chuted up. The first aid kit is also new old stock

They are not perfect and have a little shelf wear and patina.

I feel so fortunate that we were able to fine the original interior panels and seat covers for the aircraft. Detail matters in this kind of restoration.

[L-4Pilot]

In preparation for new avionics installation I finally started removing all of the old military wire and cannon plugs. Will take several days to tidy everything up.

[John Dupre]

I have long been used to reading statements like "after hydraulics came the wiring". It wasn't till I worked in the industry that I came to understand what that could mean. Your photos can help to educate a lot of people about what "wiring" means.

[Chris Brame]

Bet you won't want to even look at a plate of spaghetti for a while.
Will you be getting a pre-made harness to replace all that?

[WIXMOD-Charlie]

All topics merged. Please put everything in this topic

[Fouga23]

So what's the plan? Go back to the original T-41 wiring/instrumentation? Awesome restoration thread BTW

[JohnB]

Anyone else amazed at how much wiring is in such a "basic" aircraft?

Or course, the 172 is hardly basic, but we do tend to take them for granted.

[L-4Pilot]

Bet you won't want to even look at a plate of spaghetti for a while.
Will you be getting a pre-made harness to replace all that?

Carl Everitt of Monarch Aviation will be doing the new avionics install and go thru the existing wiring that remains for the auto pilot installation. I have known Carl for many years, he loves old military aircraft and will do a fine job on the T-41B
https://www.facebook.com/MonarchAviation

[L-4Pilot]

So what's the plan? Go back to the original T-41 wiring/instrumentation? Awesome restoration thread BTW

Thanks for all of the kind comments Gentlemen.

We are removing all of the old military wiring and heavy cannon plugs along with previous obsolete avionics installs done by the Drug Enforcement Administration. When the original avionics were removed wiring was simply cut and left in place. Behind the panel is so cluttered with so many unmarked wiring bundles it has to all be removed and done over correctly.

There was virtually no room left behind the panel to work and was extremely difficult to trace wires that needed replacing from the firewall area.

Most of the wiring will be replaced with new including the battery cable that runs from the rear tailcone.

We will be installing non functioning original radio heads along with modern avionics, the Stec AP, KX-165 with Glide slope, HSI and King transponder will stay and a new IFR approach GPS will be installed. We will try to reinstall as many original Army radio heads as panel space allows but they will be for historical accuracy and non operating.

We will try and strike some balance between original avionics and new safe, modern avionics that will make the T-41B a joy to fly IFR and improve the ability to travel and make more shows and events.

[L-4Pilot]

All topics merged. Please put everything in this topic

Thank You

[Chappie]

All topics merged. Please put everything in this topic

Thank You

When I saw the seat photos I was going to suggest this, but did not get to it in time. Glad to see that it is all in one thread. Going to enjoy it.

Chappie

[L-4Pilot]

Pulled all of the instruments and the panel today. Panel is out for powder coat Continuing to find and eliminate dead and obsolete wiring, replacing all 7 shock mounts, two were broken others deteriorated. Replacing the universal joint both yokes and teflon guides. All instruments sent out for bench check and overhaul as needed, STEC 40 also sent out by avionics shop for check.

All metal will be cleaned and reprimed behind the panel.

All breakers and switches will be pulled and checked, bus bar cleaned up and all connections checked. Panel will be repainted and labeled.

We also pulled the nose wheel off for inspection and found bad bearings, races and scored axle, all will be replaced.