My new $75.00 airplane

[geraldmorrissey]

Dragged this little cutie home today. My wife was PISSED. Bought it for the tubing so I can sharpen my welding skills. It's a Piper Colt, they same type I flew on my first solo so many years ago. My neighbor started cutting it up and was surprised to find the interior of the tubes to be free of corrosion. Got enough tubing to weld till the cows come home. None of it will go into my Patrol though. Ah, she'll get over it.
Cheers
Gerry
Patrol #30

[Bcone1381]

I'm jealous, Gerald. I think I could have made it in the salvage business...I learn so much from taking stuff apart and seeing how it's made. Another thing. A collection of tubing is SO handy!!! I found (and continue to find) Aircraft Spruce's "bargin bag of 4130 tubing" essential.

[Redneckmech]

I’m a little envious as well! Most of the aircraft I’ve welded on looked like the attached photos (two PA-12s and a straight 108 Stinson). It’s rare to find one without corrosion, most of it is internal and only becomes visible after wire-wheeling. Two of these aircraft came in as flying airplanes for float fitting installations but escalated into major repairs once corrosion was discovered. (All repairs per AC-43.13)

Welding on tube-type aircraft has taught me a lot about what I want to do on my build. I plan to drill ventilation holes between tubes to prevent moisture buildup and allow linseed oil to flow throughout the fuselage. I’m also considering adding a drain in the lower longeron, similar to the Stinson seaplane STC requirement. (pictured below)



I’m really looking forward to welding on my Five—it will be a relief to work with new, clean metal without linseed oil, primer, or other contamination. If you get practiced up on the Colt tubing, your patrol should be a cakewalk with new material!

first PA12 (hard landing on floats, rust found during repair)
PXL_20240302_005754520.jpg

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2nd PA12 (flying aircraft for float fittings)

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Stinson straight 108 (flying aircraft for float fittings)

before/in process
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after:
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