#Northernfox Build

[tracstarr]

Well, I've officially taken the leap and hereby dub my project #Northernfox.

This will be my unofficial post for keeping you updated with progress and frustrations.

Here's my backstory on getting to this point.

Originally, I'm an Icon A5 deposit holder. But, short story short - when they basically doubled the cost I decided no way. I have 2 kids to put through school.

Back in November/December there was a KF6 completed that came up for sale about 5 hours from me. I talked to the owner and was trying to arrange looking at it. However, my knowledge was very limited at the time and I was slow to act. Poof, it was gone.

After poking my nose around here for a few months I made my decision that Kitfox was the way to go and opportunity came at just the right time. I had literally just received back my final quote on a new 7 when that evening my phone dinged with a hit on a kitfox kit for sale. Not wanting to loose out (a second time) I was on the phone in minutes.

After a chat on the phone that night I decided it was worth looking at. It wasn't a 7, but one of the first model 6's. I called a friend currently building a 7 who's also been building for the last 20 years and asked if he wanted to take a drive. Next day we were on the road.

We spent several hours going over the kit, looking at the workmanship and making sure there were no scratches, dings or otherwise that would instantly turn us away. There wasn't. There were/are a few things that needed slight fixing/cleaning up, but only minor things. My friend has an eye for what to look for (I don't) so I'm glad he came along. Long story short, questions were asked and decisions made. I decided it was worth it. It's in great condition, lots has already been completed, it gets me months ahead of the game (current estimated shipping of a new kit is end of Sept 2018), and the price was right - delivery included.

After a few hours of packing it onto the trailer and making sure everything was secure we headed home. The stress wasn't over as delivery would be the next day. Until it was safe in my shop I was going to be worried. But, the next day 10am it arrived. The biggest trouble was getting stuck in the yard trying to turn the trailer around to unload. Everything else appeared to be fine after the trip. A little bit of rubbing from rope used to hang the wings, but only minor.

Now, it begins. Will inventory the hardware and figure out if and what might be missing. There are several items I will be selling as I don't need/want them.

My biggest hurdle right now is I have to finish the basement reno before I can start on this

I'm sure a few might be upset that i snatched it up (sorry but not sorry).

[DesertFox4]

Congrats Keith. The model 6 a great Kitfox. Alway glad to hear that a kit will be finished and flown and not languish in someone’s hangar barn or shop forever.
Look forward to your build progress postings. Enjoy the build.

[PapuaPilot]

Congrats on the purchase. That is how I got my Model 5 Outback.

Sounds like you have some real motivation to finish the basement reno. We are looking forward to seeing posts on your build.

[aviator79]

Congrats. If this is the one that went up on the forum last week, I think you got a very good deal. I look forward to seeing your progress.

[Esser]

Glad to hear Keith. I curious to know if it was the one in Niagra Falls? You’re going to have a blast and if that’s the one, you got a real leg up on the build both time wise and money wise. Looking forward to seeing pictures.

[tracstarr]

Yep, it's the one from Niagra. I'm now the 3rd builder on this kit. Hopefully the last.

A bit of background on the kit...

The original owner is out of KY and purchased in March 2000. I believe it was one of the first Model 6. The original invoice is still on "Kitfox Outback" headers with 5 scratched out for 6.

There was no original power coating, and I'm told the factory "paint" was removed and then powder coated by original owner.

Some of the build was done by the original owner in the early 2000s, according to the manual and page sign offs. Mostly work on the tail and some of the fuselage.

The second owner purchased and obtained the kit in October 2017. All of the hardware was replaced with new and all of the build that was already done was re-checked and hardware replaced. The build process continued finishing the majority of the fuselage and wings. The wing twist and sweep was completed. The tanks are not mounted nor the last spar or bottom false ribs. The inside of the aluminum tubes of the wings was primed as well.

Now it's up to me to move it along. I'll go over everything as it stands to make sure everything is in tolerance and nothing was missed. Then start on finishing the wings.

I'll then have to make decisions on all of the components and get those ready if anything needs to be mounted prior to fabric. Which, I've decided will be Oratex.

What is it missing....engine and engine mount along with all avionics (including strobes/navs).

It does have engine faring and cowling, but for a c-200. I'm not sure yet if i'll be able to work with this for my 912is or if i'll have to get new.

So, depending on how things look, I forsee putting up for sale
- fairing/cowling
- wheel pants (main) with brackets
- original roll of fabric still unopened and stored out of sunlight (so i'm told)
- all pinking fabric

[tracstarr]

Yes. Every surface the oratex touches requires glue. You can actually shrink very well then glue the cross members and ribs afterwards. It works very well. I also won't need reinforcing strips or tapes over any of those areas.

Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk

[Shadowrider]

A lot of people get hung up on what poly fiber manual says. I had the advantage doing Oratex in never doing poly fiber or reading the polyfiber manual. Hopefully you get things resolved so your inspector is happy.

[bbs428]

Just caught up on your thread. Moving along nicely!
Like your choice of tires. Here's to your covering turning out great.

[jrevens]

Yes. Every surface the oratex touches requires glue...

I don't know about that. It certainly wasn't a requirement, or even a suggestion when I was covering and staying in touch with Better Aircraft Fabric on a very regular basis. Is this another one of Lar's recommendations that differs from what the factory recommends (like the lack of finish tapes)? Just curious.