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

[L-4Pilot]

Seat frames have been cleaned, inspected and primed. We replaced one seat frame top piece, one seat back, and two cams that were cracked or broken with new old stock Cessna parts. New seat roller kit will be installed, the bottom tangs and rails had already been replaced a few years ago.

[Enemy Ace]

Just curious but back in the day were the engines gold or silver? I always thought it interesting that the early 0-470's in Navy and USAF T-34's were silver... I don't know when continental started painting engines gold?

[shrike]

Just curious but back in the day were the engines gold or silver? I always thought it interesting that the early 0-470's in Navy and USAF T-34's were silver... I don't know when continental started painting engines gold?

Continental made the switch from gray to gold in 1964. Not sure what month exactly, but that was the year according to TCM (or CMC or CMI). Tracked that down for a couple of engines we've done for older airplanes.

[L-4Pilot]

We passed the 600 man hour mark this week on the restoration..

We decided not to put the full electronic engine instrument package in due to the $7,500 installed cost and are using the money to add altitude hold to the STEC 40 AP. We did install the Aerospace Logic electronic fuel gauge along with a RC Allen Oil gauge that uses electric transducers eliminating the oil pressure line to the instrument.

The glare shield will be padded and refinished.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/i ... ofl202.php

The center stack will contain the audio panel, KX-165, Garmin 430W and two military radios. The Sandia transponder will be located to the left of the center stack in a 3 1/8" hole vacated by the RMI. The final powder coat finish on the panel will be a dark steel gray. We still have a little more work to do on the new right side panel. The KX-165 and Garmin will be run thru the STEC 40 and King HSI. A KI-206 will serve both the 430W and the KX-165. The HSI also has a glide slope indicator.

Most of the baffles are now installed along with the new governor, fuel pump and some of the injection system.

It was 94 degrees in the hangar today........

[flightsimer]

Looking very good! The amount you guys have accomplished in the short time you have had the plane is amazing!

[L-4Pilot]

Fairly new stainless exhaust cleaned and inspected awaiting installation with all new gaskets and hardware.

Newly fabricated inner cylinder baffles awaiting nut plates and final bends before gold paint.

Cleaning and repairing all fiberglass fairings. You can see some of the original "Fort Rucker Trainer Orange" on this beacon fairing.

[L-4Pilot]

We finally managed to find the parts we needed to fully repair both seats. They are finished now and function fully as intended. We ended up replacing one bottom frame, one back frame, two cams, and assorted knobs, springs and levers.

Instead of making new back cushions we elected to go with the two used seat backs from a Veteran O-2, the bottom cushions are new old stock. The back covers look a little worn and slightly stained but we love them.

The seats have metal pans the the seat back has 1 1/2 inches of padding so we can fly it with and without chutes.

We ordered new parts for the door latches which were sticking and the handle return springs were broken on both sides. We thoroughly cleaned the mechanism removing a lot of old stripper, paint, dirt and rust. Replaced parts as needed and now the latches work like new. We continue to clean and restore dozens and dozens of small parts but I do believe the pile waiting to be done is finally getting smaller than the completed pile.

[L-4Pilot]

[DH82EH]

It's such a nice feeling when you can finally see the tide turning.
Taking parts you've restored and doing some final installs. Knowing that it's really coming together.

Your project looks great. The work looks first class. Congrats

Andy Scott

[Chappie]

Wow!! That seat looks fantastic!

Really enjoying watching this Cessna come together.


Chappie

[L-4Pilot]

Thanks Guys,

I love the way they wrote the POH for this aircraft. Here is the section on the Emergency Door Release.

The phrases "if it is desirable" and "causing unpredictable maneuvers" cracks me up.

[Obergrafeter]

Is there any information on how many or if anyone bailed out of a T41 in anger?

[shrike]

Are these seats subject to the same seat rail AD as the rest of the 172 family?

[L-4Pilot]

Are these seats subject to the same seat rail AD as the rest of the 172 family?

Yes they are

[L-4Pilot]

Left door panel fitted and attached to aluminum stiffner. The door currently natural aluminum will be sprayed the same exterior Olive Drab. The jambs and floors will also be painted at the same time along with the aluminum kick plate at the bottom of the door to protect the upholstery from being damaged. Civilian Cessnas use a carpet piece in this area.

One we are pleased with the fit the fastners will be installed but the panel will be removed when the aircraft goes to paint.