Grimes Landing Light

[regular122]

Question: Since the Grimes motor, G2905, seems to be standard across a variety of Cessna types, as well as the bulb, is there any cross over of Grimes lights from another Cessna type to a Cessna 140? These Grimes lights (G3602) seem impossible to find but the 300 and 400 series seem to be out there in numbers. I am seeking whether or not another one could be configured. They all seem to be 25 Amp. Any help is appreciated. Or, if someone has a Cessna 140 / 120 Grimes light they want to part with that would work as well! I am to the point I need to cover the left wing.

Question #2: Is is possible, advisable to cover the wing without the Grimes light where one could easily open the wing say with an inspection cover and install one once found?

Thanks, Steve

[6597]

Landing light (Grimes G-3602 or D-3040A)

Even though the TC shows the G-3602 the operating manual lists the D-3040A also, if that helps....

[8342]

I did the leading edge light STC when I recovered the wings on mine.

The hardest part was fabricating the new lens out of plastic. It took me 6 tries before I formed one I could live with.

It does away with the weight and maintenance of the the up/down motor. Along with the massive amp draw when the light is on.

Rick

[regular122]

I know the leading edge light is more practical but I want to keep it original. I understand an LED bulb seems to help solve the amp issue.

Steve

[6643]

So does an alternator!

[4004]

Question 1: If I interpret your words correctly, seems like you have the light but need a motor, if so, have you checked with AvLite, he specializes in Grimes light parts, etc. Just ask for he "main man" - receptionist will probably refer you to him anyway. I spoke with him this past week.

Question 2: I suggest you go ahead and recover providing for the light and if you have the light with bad motor, install it with log book entry "in opt" until unit is repaired or cover the wing allowing for the later installation with a temporary cover ( "inspection") sized to fit the opening, again with appropriate notation in the paper work. Run this by your signoff IA before doing - I believe most "reasonable' IAs would have no problem, at least I wouldn't. You already have large size covers under each wing at the strut attachment points. After all, if one has a covered wing and installs the leading edge STC, one has to cover the opening.

[a64pilot]

I’m not sure about part numbers but I used parts from old ones laying around the plant.
We use Grimes retractable lights for crop duster night working lights, the ones in the wing are huge, but the small taxi light in the nose is the same size as the ones in our Cessna’s. Motor and everything else fits.
Also it enabled me to adjust the light, the bulb comes on when the light is barely extended and stays on until it’s almost retracted.

Air Tractor makes their own lights, but Thrush uses yellow tagged Grimes.

I wanted to keep my plane as close to it was in 46 as I can, but if I wanted to go to leading edge lights, I’d use Maule lights, one in each wing, the are extremely light, small easy to fit and would enable wig wag anti collision lighting.
On Thrush’s I would install Maule lights and use a MaxPulse, which is solid state and weighs 1 ounce, and has many different flash rates etc.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/ ... 37_stc.php.

I never Certified the lights in the Thrush because the FAA wanted me to dive the airplane to VD with one lens removed and I refused. I don’t believe they had ever required that of anyone before.

[8474]

Not certified, but.....
https://www.crazedpilot.com/led-strobe- ... ontroller/

[regular122]

Thanks guys. This helps. I do not currently have a light or motor. The left wing is set up for mount. The wires were never hooked up and appear unused although I will switch them out. Cloth covered wires and 70+ years are not something that gives me comfort even in good condition.

Cessna_140_3771V_14Nov2020d.jpeg (399.82 KiB) Viewed 5402 times

To John C. - Agree on the alternator! We replaced the generator in 2018 and removed all the old cloth covered wires. So at least that will help as well. Now if I could just find the light. Steve


PS - for those who want to see the rest of the project you can find it here: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1137

[regular122]

Question - Are there any Cessna Models whose lights are interchangeable with the 140? The Grimes G3600A out of the 310 sure looks similar. Like David stated above, I have confirmed that the D-3040 is also a designation for the Cessna 140 Landing Light as confirmed by an owner who pulled his out. Still can't find one of those either. I am pretty sure when I no longer am looking for one I will see dozens. Steve