Hi all!  My Dad was building an engine as a first step to building a plane as he wanted to get back into flying in retirement.  Alzheimers had other plans.  He got everything machined, and started assembly, and it stopped there.  He's in NE Indiana.

The one thing he had going for him is that he has always been an dedicated note taker.  If you're in the area and would be interested in finishing this up, my dad would love to see it meet the air, and my mom would love to see it gone, with the realization they won't get from it (money-wise) what my dad has spent on it.

As far as my dad's mechanical aptitude: He's rebuilt everything his whole life, and has rebuilt many straight-4 Fords, a Mopar slant-6, 318 V-8, lawn mower engines, etc.  He has machined his own gears to keep my mom's food-processor going for a decade longer than she wanted to own the thing.  So he had the gift.

My mom isn't tech savvy, so I'm the intermediary.  I'm working on getting pictures, parts, specs, and all of that for the work that was done, but I'm in TX, not IN.  In the meantime, if you're close (or flying by - they live near the DeKalb County airport, Auburn, IN) and want to talk airplanes/engines with my dad, he'd love that, and can walk you through his notebook of what he did.  But know that any for-real pricing needs to go through me or my mom, as my dad (depending on his mood) may not be realistic is pricing (and his price may change during a single conversation).  And send me all queries, we'll get a conversation going.  I'm having to educate myself on what specifications are important when it comes to using Chevy's Corvair motor for an aircraft.  My email is jon.e.kruger@gmail.com

Views: 3487

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I finally taught my Mom how to take pictures, and have some more detailed information.  Thanks to one of your great members, Mark, for helping me understand the engine tech ground vs. air use!  In this vein, his build is too old to include a stroker crank, and isn't machine to use VW jugs instead of Chevy.

Pictures are below!

A picture with the case cover lifted:

Also: Car parts came from Clarks in MA, and Dave's in Michigan did the machining.  The build started about 10 years ago, and so my mom is still sifting through a lot of papers trying to find documentation. 

Jon-

The engine work looks nice. I'm not ready for an engine quite yet.

Does your dad ever get to the monthly VAA 37 breakfast at DeKalb county?

-Brian

Brian:

He does not.  When and where?  (I'm assuming at the DeKalb airport?)

~Jon

Jon-

Last Saturday of every month, at the VAA hangar. There is usually a sign at the get, a bit west of the terminal building. I think they cancelled this month's breakfast due to Coronamania. They have next month on the calendar (May 23).

-Brian

Joe did you ever get your motor sold ?

Joe did you ever get your motor sold ?

We have not.  I have gotten side-tracked from trying to sell it for him because I became my late aunt's soon-to-be executor (slowly making my way to a probate court date).

Jon thanks for getting back to me. I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy. About the engine do you have an idea what you would be willing to sell it for. I believe your father was a fine mechanic, but I believe I would have to tear it down and reassemble it checking all specs and tolerances. I have a 601HD that I was never able to finish but hoping to pick up again and it needs this engine. Please let me know your thoughts. I live in Oregon so coming to see it would not be practicable especially with this COVID pandemic. 

John:  I think at this point, anything would be accepted.  My Dad has almost no memory that it exists.  My mom just wants it gone.  I'd just like to see it get used because I hate waste.

Jon sorry for the late reply, I am still interested considering I would need to arrange for shipping what do you think you could accept for the engine, I may be able to come up with about 1,500 or so next month.

RSS

New from Zenith:

Zenith Planes For Sale 
 

Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...


Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith
:

Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.


Zenith Homecoming Tee:


Zenair Floats


Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz


Builder & Pilot Supplies:

Aircraft Insurance:

 
 

West Coast USA:

 
Pro Builder Assistance:

 

Transition training:

Lavion Aero

K&S Aviation Services

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!

How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com

Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.

© 2024   Created by Zenith.Aero.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service