Allen Sutphin

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Everything posted by Allen Sutphin



  1. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Black Max Brakes   

    Kind of hard to get a picture of the wheel set up. Everything is hidden in the inside of the 8" wheel. I did modify the self-contained master cylinders to a larger capacity similar to a remote fluid supply. I couldn't believe the weight difference in the old brake system/wheels which were 9 lbs minus tires. The new system was almost 4 lbs minus tires. The old Enginetics brakes weighed a bunch and ineffective with the 21" tires.  The Black Max website has some decent pictures to go by. Last time I had deep dish wheels was on my 70 GTO, many years ago. But tomorrow if the rain holds off, I'll see if I can get a couple pictures.
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  2. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Black Max Brakes   

    Got the new brakes installed and bled. May be a little overkill on the stopping power. Rated for 1500 gr. wt.  Easiest brakes to bleed I ever seen. Fill up the res, open bleeder screw, have a cup of coffee, pump the pedal a couple times and tighten the bleeder screw and you're done.
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  3. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Oratex 6000 on a PA12   

    Well, with that attitude, you get an atta boy award!
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  4. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Oratex 6000 on a PA12   

    Makes me want to cry!
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  5. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Black Max Brakes   

    Frankly!!
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  6. Allen Sutphin added a topic in Avid and Kitfox parts Suppliers   

    Black Max Brakes
    Received all the brake componets from Black Max. Top quality parts. Easily adapted to the Fox or Avid w/ 3/4" axels. Only modifications I had to make was 2 new rudder mounting brackets. And those wouldn't be required if one used their existing master cylinders. I needed new master cylinders anyway.
    • 20 replies
    • 3,465 views


  7. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 on barnstormers   

    Yes I do, its the one I went to Pa and helped bring home on my trailer.  Owner is wanting something different. A good solid airframe with about 50 some hours on rebuilt engine. Serial # 608. Needs a few cosmetic things done for a nice plane. Mostly just a little time is needed, no major repairs or parts needed to put her in the air. 2 6 gal wing tanks plus nose tank. Overall not a bad little Fox.
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  8. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Model 4   

    Well, maybe nothing special that sticks out. Decent performance, enclosed cockpit, 2 seat, appealing looks, folding wings for around 20K. To many, that is a desirable aircraft. Play with the big boys for a third of the cost. Trent may move to a different aircraft, but when he starts talking Carbon Cub, Just Aircraft, etc. at 100-200K, most realize they are out. The Kitfox name allows some to think they are in the same ballpark as he is, even if its a model 1, 2, or 3. No 20K Carbon Cubs or Just Aircraft models to be had for that price.  Facts are, that for the most of us, a "classic" Fox or Avid gives us the same feeling as Trent's 100K model 5 does for him. But then, ask any owner if his aircraft is special to him.
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  9. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Model 4   

    That's today's prices!  Wait a couple years and see what they bring. If you look at what new kits (any kit) are going for, 20K+ isn't out of reason. Many RTF ultralights are well above 30K and that doesn't include the bugs in your teeth. I have a hard time understanding why everyone thinks a 1, 2, or 3 isn't worth that much.
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  10. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Model 4   

    Good point!  A new jab 2200 is 15K and the ad states newer Jab engine. I will probably tick a few people off but my opinion is  the 1's, 2's and 3's are the best bang for the buck. But again, he may no longer have a use for it. Think I'll stick with my new model 2. Just something about a restored "classic" that has that feel to it.  Yea, I am weird person when it comes to airplanes.
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  11. Allen Sutphin added a topic in For Sale and wanted, you got it, I want it   

    Model 4
    A model 4 with Jab 2200 in Pa. for 21,000 on barnstormers. Doesn't get much cheaper than that.
    • 10 replies
    • 5,225 views


  12. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic how to stop for few days   

    You would be surprised to see how long it runs at idle. Letting it run out of gas doesn't keep the oil off the plugs The residue oil in the cyl's will still drain down to the plugs. I flew an inverted engine for years and now have an upright engine and love it. Plus the excess oil left behind protects the cyl walls while it sets.
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  13. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Flaperon Kf3   

    I wouldn't suggest it just for cleaning an repainting. If one had damage, then there would be no choice. They are bonded together at the factory and not by the builder.  If one disassembles them, better plan on making a new set.
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  14. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Orange on 582 piston crown   

    Starting to sound better, maybe put a hour or so on it to make sure everything stabilizes and remains close to this. Would hurt anything to go richer but be prepared to return to the 2.74 jet.  1100 EGT is in the ballpark. Fuel also has an effect on EGT's. 87 OCT runs a little hotter than 91 or 93 OCT. Never ran 100LL in a 2 stroke so don't know about it but it would surprise you to find out the OCT rating when using the auto-fuel formula.
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  15. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start   

    To the FAA, this is a dead aircraft. It no longer exist as far as they are concerned. The N number has been reassigned to another aircraft.
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  16. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Orange on 582 piston crown   

    From the plug indications you are running too lean, at least any RPM above idle. The idle ring looks good, the mid range seems ok to lean and 3/4 and above looks to lean. And yes you can tell all three stages from the plug.
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  17. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start   

    If you have an A&P working with you then he knows a couple of tricks of the trade. We won't discuss what those tricks are here, but that's between you and him. As far as A&P's go, most who are a little long in the tooth (old) know the tricks and routes to go. Of course we all know that illegal is a sick bird. Anybody that has been around old cubs, T-crafts and such run into paperwork snafu's all the time.
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  18. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start   

    First, was the "N" number cancelled, removed from airframe, etc. If the AW cert was surrendered then its a different can of worms. You might be able to go on faa.gov and get a copy of the paperwork that was filed with the FAA, if you have the N number.  If it was surrendered, it had to be listed as scrapped, destroyed, disassembled, sold as parts, etc.  Could be a good deal, depending on what you paid, or a nice collection of parts. Which by the way are worth a small fortune. Been through this soup sandwich a couple times and it can be a headache. Get it straightened out, paperwork wise, before you start rebuilding.
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  19. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitfox 2 project start   

    Did any paperwork come with it when you got it.  N number, AW cert, logbooks, etc.?  If it has, the 51% rule probably doesn't apply.  In your situation, any paperwork could help re-register it. Anybody can repair one but the 51% rule only applies to the original build. So the paperwork or lack of can indicate which way you should go. A grey area depending on what the situation is. Either way, a good model to have.
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  20. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitplanes article   

    Someone who gets the digital version might be able to post the article. I still get the old school paper copy. Outside of the previous comments, pretty much the same yada yada Kitfox story. As with most all kit articles, only the latest and greatest model is the only one to get. Some truth to that if one can afford it. Doesn't matter if you are talking about airframes, engines, radios or anything aviation related. I guess people like me are getting priced out of the aviation game, which makes my model 2 more appealing.
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  21. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitplanes article   

    It's coming to that price, TJay. At the price of (any) new kit today, 20K for a flyable two place semi bush plane is not unreasonable. You know as well as anybody when you add up all the little, didn't think of stuff, you can get quite a bit invested. The thing I didn't care for was he advised looking no farther back than the model 4 for anyone considering a Fox. The 1's, 2's or 3's make a good bargain for someone wanting to test the off airport waters before committing to mortaging the house for a new kit. Many find that the "classics" serve the purpose quite well and don't see the need to go any farther. A light 1 or 2 will out STOL a 70K M5 most times. Sure the 5 or 7 is faster, hauls more and more room inside, but not necessarly more fun, and a lot more fun for the bucks spent. But then, I don't sell Kitfox kits, either.
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  22. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic Kitplanes article   

    Anybody read the article in June 2020 Kitplanes yet?
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  23. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic OSH AirVenture 2020 CANCELLED   

    Well, maybe starting a hillbilly pilots club might work. Though pilots around here are as rare as fish feathers.
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  24. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic OSH AirVenture 2020 CANCELLED   

    I agree with you 100% about things on the local level. Most are a really good bunch of people and a lot of knowledge to be had. But there are no chapters within 100 miles of where I am and to start one, you have to be a member of the EAA to start with. So that leaves me out.
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  25. Allen Sutphin added a post in a topic OSH AirVenture 2020 CANCELLED   

    I hate it for you guys that attend and look forward to it. Me, it doesn't bother me, I am not an EAA member not have I been to SnF or OSK in years. They rooted out the common flyer years ago. When they went to the Expensive Aircraft Assoc.
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