A new build, KF 5

[Jerrytex]

Well, at first... if you build a KF4, why not build a 5? So that's what I am doing. I am back in the building arena. I picked up a KF 5 from a member that used to be on here. He found a brand new kit in a barn that sat untouched for 20+ years. He didn't have time to work on it so I got it. It is a KF 5 but what is weird is it has the long wings with no provision for extensions? Has the quick build wings so I am going to build it as a long wing. Has a zero time Rotax 912ul which I'll upgrade with a zipper big bore kit. Spent a lot of time looking through everything and cleaning 20+ years of dust off it. I am short a few items like a wing tip, wheels and brakes, along with flaperons but hopefully I can pick up the items on the way. I'll try and attach a few pics. 16491

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[efwd]

Nice Jerry. Congrats on your new project.

[bbs428]

Wow! 20 yrs untouched... makes you wonder how the missing parts went missing. Especially the flaperons. Kinda big to just get misplaced.
Easy to replace as with anything else mia.

What a great barn find! Enjoy!! :)

[Doucette]

Shame it had to set in a box for 20 years before it got into someone else's hands. I hope you'll snap a pic or two every once in a while to show us the progress, Jerry.

[jmodguy]

If you want to change the color of the cockpit tubing - do it now...
Good luck with the build! Us 5ers gotta stick together! 😂

[Av8r3400]

Great find!

[Esser]

Nice find Jerry. I would upgrade the elevator/tail(depending if you have a trim tab) And get the SS7 firewall forward with the boot cowl. Also, if you are getting wheels and brakes might as well get the brakes for 29's. I have the double puck groves that came with the kit and I can't hold full power will my turbo spools up. Just things to think about.

[Jerrytex]

Upgrade the Elevator...Which upgrade is that?

[Esser]

One or two things: the SS7 elevator is bigger and gives you more authority definitely do that. If you have a an older model with a trim tab, now is the time to upgrade to the trimable. Thisvalso gives you more elevator authority

[Jerrytex]

Cool. It has the “jack shaft” trim, not a trim tab. I guess I need to figure out if it has the bigger elevator? I wonder if there is an easy way to know? Measurement? I was planning on starting the tail soon but I’ll hold off until I can figure this out.

Thanks

[Esser]

You can see the picture of the two elevators on this page.

http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=6639&highlight=Dream+plane&page=4

[Jerrytex]

Oh yeah...I forgot about that thread. Some good info.

Thanks!

[Jerrytex]

Noticed that I kind of abandoned this thread so I thought I'd post a few pics. A kitfox build is a kitfox build so most of the pics are like all the others posted. I have been steadily working on this project and using the wealth of info on this site to guide me along.

The latest progress is I am covering the wings. I ended up alodining the inside of the spars the best I could. On the outside I used 2k rattle can epoxy primer. In case anyone is thinking about using epoxy.....it worked great. $20 ish a can at amazon and will take 2 cans.

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[alexM]

Thanks for the inspiration. I agree that two part rattle can epoxy goes on really well.

[Jerrytex]

$89 paint booth.... We'll see how it goes.

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[Jerrytex]

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Like Harlan's, my manual also says install engine......

Anyone ever use anything besides the Windlace around the firewall that came with the older kits? Seems heavy and really doesn't seal well. All the pre-boot cowl models would have had to deal with this.

[alexM]

Can't help with that question but your firewall looks fantastic. How long did that take you?

[Jerrytex]

The "burnishing" about 45 minutes. I used a scotch brite pad, cut in a circle on a drill pad.

I will say that cutting and drilling stainless is a huge PITA. In addition, it took alot of fitting, cutting, grinding, sanding, removing, reinstalling, rinse and repeat to get the fit right with the cowling.

[jmodguy]

Like Harlan's, my manual also says install engine......

Anyone ever use anything besides the Windlace around the firewall that came with the older kits? Seems heavy and really doesn't seal well. All the pre-boot cowl models would have had to deal with this.[/QUOTE]

I picked up some edge seal from mcmaster.com. Has a flap that seals a little better.

[Jerrytex]

Thanks Jeff.

I always forget to check there.

Is it the orange Silicone one?

[jmodguy]

No it is black. I think it was part number 12335A28. Edge of the firewall shouldnt get hot enough to affect it.

[Jerrytex]

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Big Day! First engine start! Smooth and sounds amazing.

[DesertFox4]

You bet that is a big day. Glad it runs smooth Jerry. Congrats!👍👍

[Jerrytex]

My garage ornament made it to the hangar!


One step closer to a maiden flight!


Taxi tests done, engine runs complete, and brakes burned in..... just waiting on a weather window.

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[desertdave]

Congrats!! Looking forward to the first flight report.

[bumsteer]

An ornament no more!. Hope the flooding rain stops soon.

Rick

[DesertFox4]

Good to hear you are close to flying now Jerry. Best of luck.

[Delta Whisky]

A big step checked off complete! Congrats.

[Jerrytex]

Got my weather window this morning. 409TC took to the sky.

Flew great! Very happy to have a flying plane again.

Couple of little things to fix......

1. The pilot...... On my landing, I wasn't sure if I was in an airplane or a hovercraft until finally it set down. I was shocked at how far it floated compared to my KF4. But I came in way too hot so that will take some tweaking. 2 year hiatus in not flying a kitfox didn't help either.

2. EFIS was saying it was getting hot. Maybe add a fan?

Overall it was a success and I am a happy camper.

36 more hours of phase one to go.

https://youtu.be/p1Ddn7PJmtA

[DesertFox4]

A great big CONGRATS Jerry! It sounds goooood too.😀👍
Enjoy every flight.

[Eric Page]

Looking good, Jerry. Well done, and congrats!