Your Most Coveted Parts (Warbird & GA)

[AHancock51]

Hello again, WIX'ers!

Have a simple, maybe, question of you all. Basically, I am curious as to what one part (or parts) are the hardest to come-by or reproduce. This can be due to scarcity, cost, rarity, complexity of machining/manufacturing, etc.

I am just curious as to what the "holy grails" of warbird, vintage, and GA aircraft is. Thanks!

[L-4Pilot]

1. 8 Ft and 54" FM whip antennas for O-1, O-2 and T-41B ....very rare to find
2. Original interior panels and seat cushions for O-1, O-2 and T-41B almost non existent

[PinecastleAAF]

It is my understanding that B-17 wing spar tubes are very hard to make. I was told the equipment that made them and method (rod drawing and reeling) no longer exits. Not sure if that is the type of thing you are looking for. Of course Ball Turrets are pretty rare plus more exciting.

[Triplane102]

Maybe Prop Blades for, F8f BearCat, P-63 King Cobra, P-40 B/C, P-51H , B-26 , B-29 & most electric ones for F4-f Wildcat, P-47, & SB2- C Helldiver , & Sea Fury ? Oops! Almost forgot, P-38 & P-82 also! & most parts for Centaurus & Mercury Engines !

[AHancock51]

1. 8 Ft and 54" FM whip antennas for O-1, O-2 and T-41B ....very rare to find
2. Original interior panels and seat cushions for O-1, O-2 and T-41B almost non existent

Ahh, most interesting! Thank you for the input. What differs between the T-41 seats/panels as compared to a traditional 172?

It is my understanding that B-17 wing spar tubes are very hard to make. I was told the equipment that made them and method (rod drawing and reeling) no longer exits. Not sure if that is the type of thing you are looking for. Of course Ball Turrets are pretty rare plus more exciting.

This is EXACTLY what I am looking for, thank you for the "lead." And yes, Ball Turrets are always cool!

Maybe Prop Blades for, F8f BearCat, P-63 King Cobra, P-40 B/C, P-51H , B-26 , B-29 & most electric ones for F4-f Wildcat, P-47, & SB2- C Helldiver , & Sea Fury ? Oops! Almost forgot, P-38 & P-82 also! & most parts for Centaurus & Mercury Engines !

Ohh yes, of COURSE blades are going to be on the "rare" list. I remember when the VWoC Spit nosed over here, back in '04. The wood blade was split, and you could see the layers of laminate/glue/wood/etc that held it together. Very complex and precise work.

Thanks all! Keep 'em coming!

[ProudKerman]

Serviceable Beaufighter props and airworthy early Mk Hercules engines.

[L-4Pilot]

Here is an original panel from the T-41B we are restoring. The T-41B has the same seats as the O-2. The AF T-41A is a different aircraft and used the 145 hp engine and civilian interior with no quick release door. The B has a 210 HP engine and different type certificate..

[Fleet16b]

On my bucket one of my hard to find items is an exhaust assembly for the Kinner 5cyl radial engine
as used on Fleet 16b Finch biplanes
I have been looking for approx 3 years now .
Don't know if they are rare or my adds and inquiries have just not been sen by someone that owns these parts
I have about 50% of it but am still hoping to get enough to make up an entire assy
Please PM me if anyone has anything

[JohnB]

The tailfin from an early H-13, probably a D or E.
Unlike most you see on flying aircraft, it's fabric covered like a control surface.

I finally saw an airworthy Bell with one just last week, the H-13E kept at the CAF hangar in Mesa.

[grimes]

Original B-17 and original B-29 Yoke Cap

Click for larger image

[K5DH]

VFM is in need of a set of prop hubs for our Piaggio P.136 Royal Gull amphibian. Only 42 of these aircraft were ever built, and just a few still exist. The prop hubs are ultra-rare and there is no substitute for the originals. We could restore our Gull to flying condition if we could obtain a set of prop hubs.

After watching seasons 1 - 4 of "Ice Pilots NWT", it seems that C-46 exhaust parts and Lockheed L-188 Electra propellers are in great demand and hard to come by. I recall hearing that a set of good spare props for an Electra are worth nearly as much as a complete flying airplane. The Buffalo crew has literally traveled the world in search of C-46 exhaust parts.

Last edited by K5DH on Wed Feb 04, 2015 9:09 am, edited 1 time in total.

[garbs]

I had heard once that the attach points for P-82 main gear are complex castings and the number of functional sets extant equals the number of Twin Mustangs now in museums or under restoration exactly (i.e., no spares). Apparently this is the part you break if you flare too high and pancake it on the runway.

[Clifford Bossie]

F-84F/RF-84F Canopy, pylons, drop tanks and cockpit parts. Then I could bring War Eagles F-84 up to the display standards I envision.

[AHancock51]

Very good input, thanks!

[Rick65]

Aren't P-39 reduction gearbox parts the items limiting the number of Airacobras able to return to the air?