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May Navion Project Update
Ray continues to soldier on- with apologies for
the long delay, which we fully understand. Check out that great
shine on the fuselage! The gold thing in the crate is his newly
acquired baggage door which Ray says is a rare find. Imagine how
surprised someone must be to find theirs missing!!
Moving Day
Ray
Laytham's "Project Navion" is now in its new home, one of the new
hangars at Delaware Muni, where work will continue on the total
restoration of a fine post-war luxury cruiser. It'll still be a cold
winter, but at least Ray will be in a far less drafty environment,
with a nice tight electric bifold door. Good move, Ray. (Note the
wheels under the carriage!)
Dave Boyers Back in
the Air
After about six years of being
"plane-less" Dave has purchased a 1961 Piper Colt (PA22-108) which
only slightly resembles its original configuration. N5150Z has droop
tips, a tail wheel and a 160HP O-320 engine. It's not quite what his
former Husky was on climb, but has more cruise speed and a heater
that actually WORKS!! What more can you ask?
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Jim Wilson's New
Zodiac CH 601XL SLSA
It's taken
"Captain" Jim several years to transition all the way down from
U S Air passenger jets to a Light Sport, but he's done it in fine style. The new 0-200A
powered low wing has a couple of years on it, but it looks brand
new. N342RJ will take up residence on Jim's new strip, and we're
looking forward to seeing it at a Saturday morning pancake breakfast
very soon. Enjoy your new ride, Jim!!
  
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Ray
Latham's Navion Wing De-mating Project
Taking advantage
of the winter season, Ray has begun the task of "de-mating" his
wings & fuselage, in the never-ending challenge all owners of
vintage aircraft face, keeping the bird safe from the ravages of
time. Photo at far right is Ray with Young Eagles after a flight
during the recent Aviation Heritage Days. Click images to enlarge.
More info about the project forthcoming. Check back for updates.
Ray shares the following links for more Navion info:
www.navionsociety.org
www.warbird.org/L-17
www.navion.com
11/16/08-
Not a lot of dramatic progress. Disconnecting control cables.
Putting the belly support scaffold in place. Hanging stuff on
the hanger walls ... (hum...maybe that's why they call 'em hangers
?)
11/21/08- The
reason for the de-mate is to easily replace the fuel hoses that
connect the main tanks and the accumulator tank, and the de-mate is
just the beginning. The wings come together like a bridge, so to get
to those components the wings have to be "split" where they are
joined. There is also an AD on the fuel select valve and a portion
of the compliance is a full fuel system inspection, so the de-mate
is another way to accomplish that. Plus, I like twisting wrenches. I
probably have more ambition than money, but I may look into
painting. Maybe a DIY project with the airplane broken down to its
major components? I would also like to do some interior work
with soundproofing, new side panels and upholstery. While I'm
at it ... maybe pull the engine, replace those hard to reach hoses
and clean up the firewall. The panel should be reconfigured and the
wiring straightened out. Will I get all that done? Who knows? But
with $5/gal avgas, it seems like a good pastime.
11/29/08-
Wings were down and free this past Friday.
Today, I have them comfortably resting on a hydraulic table.
From there, once the weather improves we should be able to guide
them out from under the fuselage.
During our
activity Friday, we were surprised to find intact (but empty) birds
eggs. Old dried out mouse droppings were also in evidence...I
assume from its 18 years out doors in Arizona.
  
12/29/08- Back in town from Christmas
break and I was able to get the wings "split" on Sunday...although I
don't have a picture of that. Also located a "powder coater"
in Ostrander that I hope to meet Saturday.
1/20/09- Here are some pictures of some progress. Wings have been
split and the fuel tanks are accessible. I built a stand for the
fuselage (forgot to take a picture of that). Began the process to
label stuff so I can yank the engine and clean up the engine
compartment. Guess I'm starting to run out of work on the wings
until the temperature will support paint stripping.
Have some parts at the powder coater and I'll provide pictures when
they return.
  
1/21/09-
You can see the engine clear of the frame, exposing
the "basket" (Navion parlance). The "basket" is held in place
by 4 bolts. So, of course, that had to come off !. Also
a pic of the messy firewall and the fuselage support that I kept
forgetting to photograph.
   
4/17/09- Still more from
the Latham Hangar- Here we see evidence of further disassembly,
including the instrument panel, tail group and control surfaces. The
shelves hold several components which Ray has stripped and had
powder coated by a supplier in Ostrander. Powder coating sticks
better, lasts longer and is more resistant to fuel and lubricants
than many paint products. Step into Ray's hangar and you'll soon see
how much a plane "expands" when torn down!
       
7/11/09- "Ray's Strip
Club" opens for business- getting serious about prepping for paint.
If you've ever done this kind of work you know the effort it
takes and the mess it makes!
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