AvidJack

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About AvidJack

  • Rank
    Advanced Member

Profile Information

  • Gender Male
  • Location Austin, Texas USA
  • Interests Dean Wilson Designs. Pretty much anything outdoors.
    27 years of Unix/Linux means I don't spend a lot of
    time messing around with computers anymore.

AvidJack's Activity



  1. AvidJack added a post in a topic Bungee questions   

    I had the same thought- I'm working on the gear, final lube, filling the brakes, and was in that section of the (old, skystar) manual this morning-
    The initial install of the gear instructs you to use 5 wraps, and then notes that you'll do six wraps after covering and painting.  So, you were right both times!  With six wraps, I'm standing high and proud.  Jack
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  2. AvidJack added a post in a topic Bungee questions   

    I started out with 5, but as I added weight (motor, etc) , noted that there was about a 1 inch gap between the gear and the fuselage.  I've flown an Avid MK4 with loose bungees, didn't like it, made ground handling a bit too exciting. Don't remember how many loops it had, or how I did it then (suspect vise grips), but did replace the bungees on it to correct the issue. These are the original bungees from the '92 skystar kit that I picked up, and I didn't measure them- If/when I change them, I'll try and remember to measure.
    Weight and balance coming up in a couple of weeks..!
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  3. AvidJack added a post in a topic Bungee questions   

    Ok. I'm in the redo phase on my build (classic 4 speedster), correcting all of the things that I did wrong before.. like using 5 loops of bungees instead of 6.  I've fought these in the past, and am by myself, so no extra hand around.  After several failed attempts, I hit on a magic tool (actually a scrap leftover from the flaperon alignment blocks) that made it a snap.
    Similar to the technique in the youtube video above, you pull your bungee tight through the opening, bend it down, then slide this wedge (bungee side is NOT sanded..) in from that side, and.. it grips! I tried the full width (1.5") to begin with, and then split it in half.  It was a bit unwieldy on the last wrap, so maybe a bit thinner, but no second person involved.
    Probably a simple wedge would work just as well, I think the bungee side rough is the key.  Example picture of the idea below, sorry, did not want to undo it to create a demonstration video :).   
    Although, now that I read the thread above, maybe seven loops..?  Redo of the redo?  
     


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  4. AvidJack added a post in a topic MGL engine monitor wiring question   

    I'm hooking up mine for the first time as well.  I did look through the possibilities, and wanted as much info as possible, so I ordered the mgl cht probes.  If you go that route, you'll also need to extend the wiring, the probe wires are only six inches long! MGL supposedly has an extension wiring kit (mentioned on their site) but I couldn't find a way to order it, and they don't respond to email.   I ended up buying extension wire from another source, along with a splice kit.
    I have one last hookup to make- oil pressure (bought a universal sender on Amazon, but just for the wiring connector.  Choked when I saw the price for the Rotax branded connector..  Connector fits just fine, wires are a different color, but..).
    Will make that hookup today.  
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  5. AvidJack added a post in a topic For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    it would appear as though there is a ready-made answer on barnstormers:  and one heckuva deal
    $.02
    Jack
     
    KITFOX III PROJECT FOR SALE • $9,500 • MOTIVATED SELLER • PRICE SLASHED! Selling a 1990 Kitfox III (with control system upgrade to IV) in Durango, CO. Wings and control system mostly completed. Includes Rotax 912 80hp engine with 0 hours, propeller, more than a basic set of instruments, all major kit components, any related tools we have, and the nuts/bolts/washers etc. Also includes hauling trailer and wing cradles. Have build log and full instructions. • Contact Teresa Craft , - located Durango, CO 81301 United States • Telephone: ---------- • Posted July 31, 2025 • Show all Ads posted by this Advertiser • Recommend This Ad to a Friend • Email Advertiser • Save to Watchlist • Report This Ad • View Larger Images
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  6. AvidJack added a post in a topic Another catalina / amphibian on the market   

    And, yet another (again, an amphibian). on barnstormers..
    AVID CATALINA AMPHIBIAN • $19,000 • FOR SALE • 95% completed. Needs canopy and flaperons finished. Too many other things going on to finish. Has rotax 532 engine. This can be finished as 3 seats or two seats for light sport. Building log and build pictures are on the EAA builders log for easy access. • Contact Ronald Kline , Owner - located Finleyville, PA 15332 United States • Telephone: ---------- • Posted June 16, 2025 • Show all Ads posted by this Advertiser • Recommend This Ad to a Friend • Email Advertiser • Save to Watchlist • Report This Ad • View Larger Images
    and, I learned to copy the pics- hadn't seen this one.

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  7. AvidJack added a post in a topic Another catalina / amphibian on the market   

    The radiator location is the one that avid chose.  I agree, not great, and some have actually used the area of the rear cabin fairing along with a side scoop in one side of the passenger area to place their radiator. I can't figure the scoops either, unless it's a reverse-flow way to get more air into the cabin.  And, since II tried before (and failed)  to post a picture for future reference, I'll try again-
    Jack
     

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  8. AvidJack added a post in a topic Firewall   

    Finally made it out to the hangar.  That upper ledge on my firewall ended up being 3.25 inches, to accomodate as much room as possible for the exhaust on the 912.  Pic of the 3rd iteration of the firewall attached.  Note the angle iron on the outer edges- those provide reinforcement and stiffening for the rudder return springs located on the other side.  You may not need as tight a ledge if you're going with the 582.  I'm still trying to figure plumbing routes.
    I had to make my floorboards as well, as mine didn't seem to be included.  I later found them on the bottom of the big flat box containing sheet metal and such, under cardboard. Old projects can be full of their own mysteries.  When I picked up the catalina, the guy selling it swore that that long chunk of formed wood (banister railing) was part of the project.  Jack


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  9. AvidJack added a post in a topic Firewall   

    And...  in your picture, unless I'm mistaken, the one in the front (right rudder) is attached in the correct place to give a longer (and stronger) stroke. The original brakes (mine) had two flaws- not enough leverage, and the piston size in the old (discontinued) matcos was enlarged to give more volume.  The rudder return spring (in my plans) fits onto the same place as the rudder cable- you can catch it in the lower right of this picture. Only one per side.  Jim might have insights into those brake pedals- He's seen a lot more than I have, but I'm guessing they're more like the avid redesign?
    $.02

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  10. AvidJack added a post in a topic Firewall   

    My original floorboard picture had an installation of the old matco MC2 (I think) slave brake cylinders, no reservoir.  The firewall picture shows the MC1 I later switched to.  In looking at your brake setup, I noticed that the installation has changed- those tabs make more sense than fabricating the hinge blocks to accept the brakes.  But it might change the width of the pocket a bit, since the cylinder is now on the central side of the pedal?  The one cylinder you have attached looks like a matco- maybe another to match?  It does have the built-in reservoir, so whatever it is, it looks as though you're halfway there.
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  11. AvidJack added a post in a topic Firewall   

    As Jim pointed out, they're matco.  They came along with the rest of the partial kit.. and if I recall, they're the matco mc1, the old master with the built-in reservoir. While the plumbing is easier, I'll probably end up replacing them with one of the newer models with a remote reseervoir down the line- it's easier to do a quick fluid check if you have a glass reservoir, or even visibility of the line going to the cyinders.
    I made my firewall out of galvanized material- scrap HVAC plenum material.  Those creases add a bit of rigidity, and cut down on transferred vibration (noise). Not sure of your desire to make it all out of one piece, but you may have a larger brake available than I have. Without the actual dimensions (still haven't made it out to check on that top ledge length, which would pretty much define the shape and angle) it took more than one try. Drilling out the (SS) rivets was easier than scrounging another plenum.  I didn't want the hassle of the firewall blanket on the engine side, so went with a 1/4" carbon felt welding blanket on the cabin side before installation. That, too, should cut down on noise, and provide heat insulation and protection.  Plus, I like the way it looks :-).
     

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  12. AvidJack added a post in a topic Firewall   

    I had to redo my firewall after receiving the exhaust for my 912.  I'd guesstimated the need for pedal clearance, and while I had plenty of clearance on that side, the exhaust didn't fit..  IF I remember correctly, the top of the pocket ended up being 3.5 inches,  It'll be a couple of days before I can get out to measure.  Bottom went straight to the floorboard, then folded under to add a bit of protection under the footwell.
    Mine's a 1992 skystar speedster kit, 1200 gross, with incomplete manuals.  The plans for the firewall in that era were all over the place.  I very carefully followed the instructions in my original (partial) manual as I fabricated the first iteration of the firewall, and.. discovered that those instructions were for a different 912 CDI setup, moving it into the cabin. Third time's the charm?  Picture is of the first iteration, including that *(& window, which was to be hinged.
    I'm looking at the floorboard for your kit, it appears to be stopped short of the firewall?  Here's mine (the outer edges had to be trimmed later to fit the cowl.  That might be where you could get a bit more depth? 


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  13. AvidJack added a post in a topic kitfox IV under seat storage.. how?   

    And, of course, sudden realization comes along when you put in the upholstery.
    It's a nice place for stuff you really don't need very often.  Depending on the W&B, it may be a home for the ELT, maybe tools?   In hindsight..
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  14. AvidJack added a post in a topic New beginnings   

    Looking at the corrosion on your tubes reminds me of my catalina project- it had been stored on the coast near houston for 20 years, and it was pretty far gone.  I stripped what little fabric had been done, and, started in sanding.. and sanding, and..
    Found a local place that advertised blasting, and although they'd never, took it on as a challenge.  Did the whole fuse, and then sprayed it with epoxy, I think for like 800 bucks.  They asked if they could use it in a picture for advertising..
    I'd still be sanding today.
     

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  15. AvidJack added a post in a topic Oil cooler bracket/location?   

    And sometHing turned up quickly.. this should have been in the kitfox IV forum, since that's what I'm working on.  Drat. I'll let it ride for the moment, and see if..
    Jack.
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