Esser's Model 6 Repair

[David47]

Josh, I'd recommend getting the main jigging points from Kitfox - i.e. wing pickup points, MLG pickups, tip of the vertical fin etc. You can then do a mensuration check to see if anything is twisted or not aligned. From reading the fb thread of the guy selling, I understand there's a bend tube above the cockpit - may be a sign of some twist or racking. Hate for you to do a lot of strip down and reconstruct and find you have a twist or other alignment issue that causes some balanced flight issues........ Just my thoughts.

[inflight]

Josh-

Fun project! You are indeed correct the engine mount was moved a few inches forward in the series 7 to help with CG when filling the baggage compartment. The baggage compartment is slightly smaller in the 6. Actually I think the baggage is the same size but the turtle deck doesn't extend as far rearward. The "swing chicken" as it is called, that bisects the elevator push tube is not there, instead a straight tube from the area of the mixer assembly to the elevator. There should be a shroud on the floor of the baggage compartment to protect the elevator push tube. There isn't a rake from the vertical stabilizer forward on the 6 and the elevator is smaller if that hasn't been updated. The smaller elevator isn't a huge issue if you don't change the firewall forward as the CG is slightly further back. If you do put the longer nose on it then I would absolutely put the bigger elevator on it or you won't be able to get it in to the 3 point attitude on landing with the more forward CG. Also, it most likely has non ethanol tanks (although I wouldn't put ethanol in any kitfox) and the plastic header tank is probably still in it. The rudder is rounded off, not square. On some, the control horns for the rudder are shorter (for a less sensitive rudder) but this causes the rudder cables to rub the fuselage and the linkages to leverage into the rudder. Hard to explain, let me know if you want pictures. Heater? Oil thermostat? Oil reservoir container location? Oil cooler location? Coolant radiator location? Movable rudder pedals? Trim switch is probably different, old design. Main Gear attach hardware probably different. Different flaperon brackets.

What motor is on it? If you are looking to go with a 914 the fit is very tight with the current engine mount. Let me know and I can send you some pictures.

These are the things I can come up with right now. My airplane is currently in Paul Leadabrand's hangar so I can give you some direct comparisons if you need any. Although you have that yourself now with two Kitfoxes. I will let you know if I think of anything else.



-Mark

[tracstarr]

Sad to see that. That's the plane I was originally trying to buy last winter. I talked extensively with the original owner (actually his brother - the originally owner died before finishing it). The plane was completed by an EAA member somewhere up North there. Hope you got it for a good price and the engine is ok after the prop strike.

I think some of the differences from 6 to 7 depend on when the items were purchased. Mine is a 6 and when I got the FF forward kit in the fall I'm sure I was told it's the same as the 7. Nothing it mounted, so i can always take pics or measurements for you.

Also, I may have an extra flapperon (not sure which side off hand) if you want to take a look. It has a bit of damage to the skin where the hing tore through it from being compressed during travel.

[tracstarr]

IMG_20170722_094109.jpg

This is what she originally looked like

[Esser]

. I heard good and bad about sloshing but if had the chance I would just replace them now. .

I think since I'll be recovering and painting already, it's a good time to swap them out. I never put ethanol in my tanks but you never know if an accident etc. might happen.

Wow! Great project. I recommend to strip the fabric off the wing to determine any damage not visible from the outside. While at that, strip the other wing and replace tanks to ensure there will be no problem later. Also, on the vertical stabilizer, after stripping off the fabric you can inspect to ensure there is no more damage there.

If the one wing is fine, I'll just cut out the tank area and pop the tank in. The other one I'll probably completely remove. The tail too.

Josh, I'd recommend getting the main jigging points from Kitfox - i.e. wing pickup points, MLG pickups, tip of the vertical fin etc..

I think I have those all in my Super Sport manual but I will be thoroughly checking everything. I actually think the bent tube up top came from him putting his hand on the bar to brace himself as he flipped over, but it for sure warrants further inspection!

Fun project! You are indeed correct the engine mount was moved a few inches forward in the series 7 to help with CG when filling the baggage compartment...

Thanks for all the great information! I'm just mulling over if I want to change the firewall forward now or if it will be fine as is. I'm not a huge fan of the two piece cowl set up. I guess with that swing chicken missing, you can't make an extended baggage area? I will probably enlarge the elevator if it hasn't been already since I'm covering and painting already.

The plastic header tank is in it but I will be replacing that. I think I get what you are saying about the rudder. Is it worth lengthening the horns? To answer the rest of your questions, from pictures it looks like: It has a heater, not sure about oil thermostat but the oil cooler is located just below the prop flange. Oil reservoir is in the center against the firewall. The coolant rad is on an angle mounted to some weird sheet metal baffle just below the engine. Looks like the baffle might actually be the firewall. It has adjustable rudder pedals, and the trim switch looks to be in the same location as my model 7. It has a 912ULS in it.

I think some of the differences from 6 to 7 depend on when the items were purchased. Mine is a 6 and when I got the FF forward kit in the fall I'm sure I was told it's the same as the 7. Nothing it mounted, so i can always take pics or measurements for you.

Also, I may have an extra flapperon (not sure which side off hand) if you want to take a look. It has a bit of damage to the skin where the hinge tore through it from being compressed during travel.

Yes I believe the only make the 7SS FWF now but it bolts on the extact same. The Model 6 was a different design originally. I'm potentially interest in your flapperon! Let me know if it's the right side and how much you think you want for it!


Thanks for the info and questions everyone!

[Esser]

Here are some more pictures.
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[Esser]

OK, we picked up the plane and got it home. The plane is in better shape than I hoped. The spars are fine with no dings. The one wing has two bays of trailing edge that need to be replaced, and a few loose false ribs on the outboard end. Really a testament to the strength of this wing. The wing tips COULD be salvage able if you were good at Fiberglass-Reinforced which I'm not...

The rudder tail post is straight and undamaged but the foam tip got all smashed so the fabric still needs to be removed and that fixed.

Right now I'm leaning towards removing ALL the fabric from the wings so I can really inspect the wing and recover. I'm really not looking forward to that process but I think it will be cheap piece of mind.

I definitely need to order a new strut and a new flapper for the right side.

[coosbo]

I guess with that swing chicken missing, you can't make an extended baggage area?

Just wanted to give this question a bump, as I'm also interested to know if you can make an extended baggage area in a 6.

[efwd]

shoot, sorry to here that. Kinda a big hit depending on how you look at it. Shoot, you know how to build, I believe you said your wife built with you. Put a little sweat equity into it. Enjoy it.

[aviator79]

That's a bummer Josh. I'm sure you were prepared for the possibility, but it's still a drag. One way or another I'm sure you'll get her all squared away.