When we worked on Sis, our 1947 Beechcraft Bonanza, before her freedom flight from Moraine, the restorer began a list of serviceable parts that should be replaced over time.
Tackling projects bit by bit has made the process more manageable allowing for us to enjoy flying when weather and life allow while still making progress. Here are some of the small projects we have tackled so far.
The ducts within the engine compartment were on that list, arriving with the baffle seals installed before the flight.
Replacement of Air Ducts
With Sis now flying, we can get little things like these ducts switched over as time and projects allow.
The ducts provide air to the cabin from the air filter in the engine compartment. Like so much in Sis, these ducts had been on there for a long time.
One of the advertisers on csobeech.com, Gee Bee Aeroproducts, sells both the seals and ducts made out of silicone for the straight 35 Bonanza that Sis is. In the opinion of the restorer they are the best available option for our early Bonanza.
Removing the existing ducts was a matter of removing screws that held the flange supporting each end of the duct before pulling out of the bottom of the engine compartment.
The restorer placed the old duct over the new duct on his bench to measure and trim the silicone duct to the necessary length.
Using painters tape in the general vicinity of the length, the proper length was marked before trimming with shears. A small excess was left on each end in order to ensure a good fit inside the engine compartment afterward.
Installation of Plugs for Stabilizer
The kit that arrived for sis also included a plugs for underneath the stabilators.
The conversation with the supplier indicated he knew his market as well as his products well. The restorer was confident the rear plugs would work but might need to be trimmed down as well.
While some trimming was needed, the plugs looked great after the installation was complete.
Replacement of Tail Light Lens
The tail light lens was also in need of attention. Cracked in multiple places, it had seen better days.
The restorer got a new lens cover for the tail while we were still working on getting Sis back in the air at Moraine.
The process of trimming and fitting the new lens
Using a rotary tool, he trimmed the new lens to fit a line scribed around the edge of the lens marked on painter’s tape with a thin-lined Sharpie. As he cut, the restorer mentioned being larger than the initial cut so it could fit exactly.
Once the new lens was trimmed to the proper size and verified to fit, the restorer marked where the screw holes should go and used a plastic drill bit to place appropriately. He then used sanding bits to remove any burrs from the holes and a blade of metal around the diameter of the lens to remove any burrs in order to prevent cracks
The area around the light bulb had areas of silicone the restorer scraped off gently before using painter’s tape and shop towels to protect areas adjacent to the area to be painted.
The application of primer and topcoat
The warmer temperatures made for better painting, as the paint dried quicker. The restorer applied the primer using light coats and waited for it to dry before adding the topcoat.
Wow. Both fresh paint and the new lens make a huge difference. While it took time to clean and prepare the area for paint, it was well worth the effort.
Little things certainly add up!
While the days keep moving forward, the restorer also moves along the list as time allows.
While life doesn’t always allow for huge projects to be completed, the satisfaction of getting these smaller ones off our list motivates us to keep going even though the project is not entirely complete.
Small steps taken consistently over time will take you somewhere.
Leave a Reply