Oz build SS7

[Flybyjim]

Thank you for the reply. I will add this to my list to order while at Airventure this year. I have been finishing an L-16A restoration this past year so my Fox is still at the starting line.

[Jono]

Ross getting the feel for some good old "Stick and Rudder" in the Mk IV.

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Apologies, couldn't seem to rotate pictures on my phone

Photos rotated by Desertfox4---no charge

[rosslr]

Thanks for a great weekend of flights Jono! I think the photos were just showing the angle of the steep turns ......

cheers

ross

[rosslr]

Thanks for the rotation DF4 - this site is great value... other sites charge for rotation!


r

[jiott]

Talking about neat options like the elevator spring assist, here is a list of most of the options available for the SS7 that don't come with the standard kit. Those of you that are thinking about or in the build process need to be aware of these. I found that I ended up installing almost all of these options:

Quick build wings
Pre-fab parts kit
Powder coated frame & parts
Laker leading edge
Wingtips for lights
Wingtip nav/strobe lights
Landing light
Wing strut fairings
Gas cap fairings
Butt rib closeouts
Bottom false ribs
Speedster tail
Trim position indicator
Elevator spring assist
Static port kit
Low fuel indicator
Aluminum header tank
!500# heavy duty gear
Alaskan Bushwheel tailwheel upgrade
Bigger main tires
Adjustable rudder pedals
Dual brakes
Parking brake
Bubble doors/tinted
Tinted windshield
Eyeball air vents w/NACA ducts
Cabin heater
Choke cable upgrade
Remote oil pressure sender
Oil thermostat
LiFe battery upgrade
Fuel bypass kit (for Rotax)
Push-to-talk control stick grips
Baggage compartment kit
Seat/interior kit

I have probably missed some, and of course this does not include any avionics, engine or propeller. Some of the above you can make yourself or do without, but they are all offered by Kitfox and really make a nice finished product you will be proud of. And yes they do add quite a bit to the total cost but I think are well worth it. No I am not getting a sales commission from Kitfox, but I thought a list all in one place would be good to help new builders not forget to consider these items.

[rosslr]

G'day Jim,

That's an interesting post. I went through the list and tick off most of them. I agree with you that they add somewhat to the base kit but I think most of them are pretty useful. What I do find a little frustrating is that the catalogue does not give a clear explanation of the advantages of the options - a good example is the 'spring assist kit' - basically just a title in the catalogue. I understand that space is limited there. Therefore, it may be useful for the moderators here to consider creating a separate discussion section on 'Kit Options' where each of the options in your list could be explained and discussed. Just a thought.

Jono left for home today after spending Easter here in Mt Beauty. I have added a link here to his take off (and wing waggle). It's interesting to look at the second video link of his friends Bird Dog that took off immediately after him and note the relative take off performance as they pass the camera. Admittedly, Jono was probably performing for the camera!

cheers

ross

https://youtu.be/el-2OaOy-wM
https://youtu.be/UDsUY1yx

[rosslr]

Today I marked out everything in the panel in prep for cutting. I am amazed how full the panel is after trying to keep it simple... anyway, I have been away in Brisbane for a few days work and yesterday the computer died! I would have loved to post a pic the layout of the panel to get feedback about things I may have forgotten but it will be a week until I get it back..

On a positive, we have a visit from another S7 builder and he is a LAME (Licenced Aircraft Mechanical Engineer in OZ speak). Of course have invited them to dinner tonight!!! Hope to have pics back soon.

Cheers

R

[rosslr]

today I bit the bullet cut into the panel...mama bit nervous about it but so far so good. Computer still on the blink so no photos today.

I want to paint the panel a matt dark grey but wondering about a hard wearing paint that will resist scuffs and not scratch or mark easily. any thought?

Also, I have looking at the door latches and thinking about ways to lock the cabin from the outside.mmhave any of you mounted latches - lockable or otherwise, to the bubble door set up??

Cheers

R

[mr bill]

If you are adding any lettering to the panel, you will want some sort of matte clear coat afterward. That should protect against scuffing.

[jiott]

I just used a matt enamel (Rustoleum spray can) and a Brothers label making machine for the lettering. After about two years of flying I have found I hardly ever touch the panel paint so have not had any scratch problems. The labels seem to be on for good. Not sure if they will show up very good on these photos. Also I have an AutoCad drawing of the panel outside contour (and my own cutouts) for the SS7 that I have sent to several builders. If you can work with AutoCad the drawing is easily modified for your own cutouts and can then be sent to a laser cutting shop to cut out your complete panel with absolute accuracy. Cost me about $100 to get it laser cut-well worth it.