Does anyone out there have a model IV with the smooth cowl? I am considering this on my project plane but would like to see some photos of what one of these looks like and how the visibility over the nose changes (or doesn't) with this difference.
Does anyone out there have a model IV with the smooth cowl? I am considering this on my project plane but would like to see some photos of what one of these looks like and how the visibility over the nose changes (or doesn't) with this difference.
In my albums there are a bunch of pics. Let me know if you need more.
There's definitely more room and I like the look better. My Kitfox reminds me of a mini Cessna 185. Visibility is better as the top slopes down to the thrust line which is the same as the round cowl.
* Also, in the "Engine" forum there are some closer pics on the "HKS 700T" thread.
Last edited by Geowitz; 11-23-2011 at 10:51 AM.
I knew there had to be someone out here with one. Thanks!
What was confusing me was/is the bump on the top of the SS cowl for the gearbox. I didn't know if this was also on the III/IV smooth cowl. The yellow plane below must be a IV with a 912 and the two part smooth cowl (note the belly radiator) where the blue and white plane is the later model (SS?) four part cowl with the radiator inside the cowl.
Which motor are you using?
Thanks again.
Last edited by Av8r3400; 11-23-2011 at 11:01 AM.
One more thing - The top half of the firewall is different than the round cowl. It has more of a shoulder than a rounded top. This makes the windshield fit a little different also, but not too hard to adjust. I just got a scrap sheet of stainless from our local ornamental metal shop to cut a new one from.
I'm not concerned about the firewall because I need to build a complete new one. The one that was on my project looked like swiss cheese...
My project is basically a total rebuild, not just a recover.
Last edited by Av8r3400; 11-23-2011 at 11:06 AM.
Yeah, the second pic is an SS. The bump on the model IV cowl isn't toally neccessary for the gearbox clearance. More of a visual/style thing because it doesn't get as narrow as the SS does at the tip of the nose of the cowl. In other words it has more height at the front/hub.
I am using the HKS 700T. My thread in the engine forum will be following my progress. Starting on the engine mount this weekend.
I just was looking at the 700T thread and it took me a minute to realize that was your installation. Sorry, here's my sign...
Larry-
This is Ron Seyffer's model 4 w/ 912ul and smooth cowl. I think the smooth cowl looks great and offers much improved visibility, particularly with a TD. Unless you're totally enamored with the round cowl look, I would do it. Actually, I'm looking for a KF 5-6 smooth cowl myself right now.
Doug
-Aeropro CZ Aerotrek A240 Tri-Gear SLSA 912uls
-Airdale Avid+ on CZAW Amphibs 'FatAvid Floater' (building)
-Kitfox 4-1200 TD 912ul (sold)
-Kitfox Model III TD 582 (R.I.P.)
-Avid Flyer Mk-IV TD (sold)
Here is a pic of my Model IV that I just finished rebuilding with a smooth cowling. Hope it helps
Mike Bentley
Model IV-1200
Jabiru 2200A #438
Rotec Aerosport LCH Heads
Ellison EFS-2 Throttle Body
Prince Prop (64x34)
My SPOT Page