2 Attachment(s)
Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild
Part II
Attachment 21853
So after pulling the wings off and storing them, the plane is now resting in the garage where it will be worked on.
First step, remove the cowling. Take the doors off, Turtle deck off, and begin to dismantle the engine.
It didn't take to long to remove the exhaust, radiator, lines, and wiring connections.
We also pulled the instrument panel out at the same time.
Leaving us with this.
Attachment 21854
The next step was to pull the fuel lines and the remaining wiring and connections from the firewall forward.
After wards the engine mount would come off.
The plan is to strip the plane down, and remove its controls for cleaning, inspection, and then reassembly and lubrication.
Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild
Very nice write up of the beginnings of your project. I hope you have lots of fun with the rebuild and even more when you start to fly it. Welcome to the group! JImChuk
Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild
Interesting story. I look forward to watching your rebuild.
Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild
It sounds like there are a lot of emotions tied up in that airplane. I'm glad it's in the family and I know that all involved will love to see it fly again.
Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild
Welcome James and congrats on reaquiring the family Kitfox. Should be a fun project for you and your dad.
Congrats also on your Sport Pilot license. Have fun.
Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild
Great full circle story. Except the accident part of course. Rebuilds are great to follow. I expect to do one myself someday since I don't expect to sell mine;) welcome!
Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild
Excellent story, full of the trials of life. I'm glad your part in this story has come full circle.
Congratz on your Sport pilot ticket! Congratz on acquiring your fathers plane!
Some might have been tempted to fly her with some band-aids and bailing wire.
Your "fix it" right attitude is to be commended.
Hope you enjoy your journey bringing the plane back to her former self and have many hours of safe, thrilling flying adventures!
All the best!
1 Attachment(s)
Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild
Thank you all for the well wishes.
It means a lot to me.
I'm only able to work on it on the weekends but we go at it the whole time.
My grandfather comes down every few hours to see how my father and I are making out.
He helped build the plane and he enjoys seeing me tackle it now.
Its always good to be with and doing something with family.
Part III
The firewall has been removed.
The plane has been throughly washed and cleaned and we began to take apart all the control surfaces.
Some very light surface rust was evident in a few areas. So we began to disassemble and clean those items.
The original engine is a Rotax 532.
With less then 300 hours, its not a bad candidate for a rebuild.
But hasn't run in decade though most likely.
The prop was starting to delaminate when my father sold the plane. At this point it needs to be replaced.
Well it turns out, good luck and fortune has struck me.
I found a gentleman who was sitting on quite the pack of items.
This man had a Kitfox Model II that was never completed.
He ended up selling the kit, but the buyer didn't want the engine and some other items.
So I am now the proud owner of a never been used, was still in the shipping box, Rotax 582.
As well as the Exhaust, Bing Carbs, and all the engine related items that shipped from Denny Kitfox back in the early 90's.
As well...as brand new still in box, GSC propellers.
Attachment 21857
Having dual ignition over single is worth it to me for the safety factor alone.
As well as not dealing with points ignition.
I'll be setting up and running the oil injection system as well.
3 Attachment(s)
Re: Kitfox Model II Rebuild
Part IV
A little before and after.
Attachment 21872
Prior to any restoration work.
Light surface rust, a ding on the forward tube, and cleaning to be done.
After a little welding that was fixed. All the surface rust was treated, removed, and then the tubes were given a fresh coating.
Attachment 21873
All the control surfaces have been removed.
Cleaned up, recoated where applicable, and lubricated. Reinstallation and it all works flawlessly.
Time to move onto the next step.
Planning the replacement of the dash.
And oh boy....has that been a doozy.
Attachment 21874