The Rebirth of Cessna 140 NC3771V

[8342]

Use the old cable to pull the new one through.

Years ago I modified a turnbuckle to be able to pull a new throttle cable on a Cessna 421.

Rick

Any opinions on using salvaged cables vs new? Steve

It looks like you are doing a very extensive over haul on the rest of the airplane, why not go with new?
That way you know what you are putting in.
They are available from MacFarlane.

Rick

[regular122]

Use the old cable to pull the new one through.

Years ago I modified a turnbuckle to be able to pull a new throttle cable on a Cessna 421.

Rick

Any opinions on using salvaged cables vs new? Steve

It looks like you are doing a very extensive over haul on the rest of the airplane, why not go with new?
That way you know what you are putting in.
They are available from MacFarlane.

Rick

Makes sense. Are there any issues mixing old with new? Steve

[8342]

I can not think of any reason not to mix them.

Rick

[8342]

Would-a, could-a, should-a....

(How can two layers be lighter than one?)

I went back and took another look and the weight savings would be if you used two layers of 104 (light weight) fabric.

Unfortunately you cannot use two layers of 104 fabric on a certified aircraft. You can on experimental.
The first layer needs to be 102 fabric on certified aircraft.
So on a Cessna 140 the weight savings would not apply.
My mistake, sorry.

You still gain added strength, easier application of finish tape, and a cleaner look.

Rick

[regular122]

Time for an update.

25 Aug 2020 - Both sides of the fuselage are finished. Still a bit on the top that remains, although the cowl area will not be buffed as it will be painted in the factory red trim.

Cessna_140_3771V_25Aug2020e.jpeg (381.23 KiB) Viewed 54380 times

We received the custom 18" Sinclair decals. They look nice and are just the size we needed.

Cessna_140_3771V_25Aug2020a.jpeg (401.9 KiB) Viewed 54380 times

Matt also painted the yokes the 1940s color. This will match some of the instrument panel knobs as well.

Cessna_140_3771V_25Aug2020d.jpeg (341.24 KiB) Viewed 54380 times

More in next post...

[regular122]

5 Sep 2020 - Finally! All the wing control surfaces are stripped. They will get a light buffing to match the top of the plane. Only the two elevators remain to be stripped, then it is wing prep and covering time. Slow but sure, Steve

Cessna_140_3771V_5Sep2020.jpeg (345.96 KiB) Viewed 54380 times

[regular122]

Quick Update and a Question

15 Sep 2020 - Matt pulled the wingless plane out for a rinse to get all the residue off. It is looking really nice. Ready to prime for paint trim.

Cessna_140_3771V_15Sep2020.jpeg (183.29 KiB) Viewed 54302 times

18 Sep 2020 - Got the Rudder done. Needs to be buffed along with the ailerons and flaps. Two elevators to go then nothing exterior has paint left on it.

Cessna_140_3771V_18Sep2020.jpeg (360.88 KiB) Viewed 54302 times

A panel question: Is there any way to remove just the knobs of the control panel? I really do not wish to disconnect every cable to remove the plexiglas panel behind them.

Cessna_140_3771V_13Jun2020b.jpeg (339.62 KiB) Viewed 54301 times

Am I missing something or are the knobs permanently crimped to the cables?

Thanks for any assistance. Steve

[2356]

You will have to remove the entire cable assemblies. Just removing the knob will not allow you to remove the plexiglass panel.

[regular122]

You will have to remove the entire cable assemblies. Just removing the knob will not allow you to remove the plexiglass panel.

Sad Face. Any recommendations on how not to mess up what was a working system of cables, controls and instruments? Steve

[8342]

If possible take a lot of pictures. And make of notes of how they are run.

Kudos to the work so far.
Very impressive.

Rick