RDavidson

Thanks for the ideas...

Ron

Chris, dholly, and Ed

Ok...that was what I needed. I had read through the thread before, but was just wondering if views had changed.

Unfortunately I have purchased the Caswell stuff already, but fortunately I haven't used it yet!

I plan on using straight Av gas until they don't make it anymore! That being said, sounds like not coating is my best option.

I did look into the other tanks, but I already have the fiberglass tanks installed, wrapped and not leaking! I just figured I would coat it before covering the wing if that is what you all are doing.

Chris, I did see the pics of your tank repair, great idea and craftsmanship! I copied those pics for future problems.

So, to clarify...I'm not going to coat my fiberglass tanks.

Thanks again guys!

Ron

I used the Caswell sealer and would recommend it. I have not used fuel with alcohol but this stuff will stand up. The mix is critical so get one kit per tank. I used one kit for two tanks but the mix was a little off and it took several days to setup. I do have a ongoing test with 1 1/2 years of the epoxy soaking in Gasohol and it is holding up.

Here is a link:

http://www.caswellplating.com/restoration-aids/epoxy-gas-tank-sealer.html

Paul S

Thanks Paul and Ed...that sealed the deal for me, no pun intended. I'm going to order it now!

Ron

Fellas,

I hate to start a redundant topic, but I was wondering if things had changed.

Are you guys coating your fiberglass tanks?

I know about the wing tanks that you can put inside the shell of your fiberglass tanks, but I would rather not loose the couple of gallons with that mod.

I have a Magnum with an O-320, so it's av gas for now. I would like to plan ahead for mogas. My tanks are mounted to the wing already, but the covering is not on yet. I could slosh the tank with another person or two.

I'd like to hear from someone who has used a coating method that they are happy with. Other options are invited too, including "don't do it."

Thanks,

Ron

What filler are you guys using on your fuel tanks and leading edge?

The manual says Bondo, but I know there are better, lighter fillers out there.

Thanks,

Ron

Well, I made 1" spacers and installed them on the pilots side. It did not completely solve the problem, but I am able to use the front 3 adjustment position with no conflict of the seat and push pull tube/ rudder cable. This is actually fine because The last two positions are uncomfortable and unrealistic, so I will make a hard stop there. I think a 1.5" spacer would allow for all of the positions without conflict, but because of my height I can't raise it any higher.

Here are some pics of the spacers and a comparison of the pilot seat with spacers and the passenger without. Notice I used a bushing on the bottom bolt to avoid crushing the welded tabs.

Thanks for all the ideas!

Ok...back after it now that the new year is underway.

Someone brought up a point about the bars I raised up with spacers being a structural part of the bungee truss, and that I might be weakening the truss with my spacers. So, I went back to the drawing board!

First, I removed the spacers and went back to the original attach points.

Second, I looked at the bolt head that was creating clearance issues and saw that where it attaches to the seat I could remove about about 1/4" of the bushing that it goes through. This pulled the bolt head in and out of the way of the push pull tube.

Third, I stated working on the seatbelt issue. I decided to put a longer bolt in with a bushing holding the seatbelt mount further inside the aircraft, avoiding conflict with the rudder cable. Then I routed the seatbelt between the framework of the bottom of the seat and the left side seat bracket.

Don't worry, I'm attaching pictures...

I think this is the best solution, without cutting and welding on the factory seat frames.

Magnum people,

Here is a link to the steps I took to solve some seat conflicts with flight controls. The Original Post was titled "Elevator Tube, Seat Belt, and Rudder Cable Clearance?"

Elevator Tube, Seat Belt, and Rudder Cable Clearance?

Let me know if you need more pics or a better explanation.

Thanks,

Ron

Try the seatbelt with the pads in place and across your belly - you might need to make an aluminum guard if things still rub - Be thankful we are not factory built - so you can do whatever works.

ED in MO

Well, I made 1" spacers and installed them on the pilots side. It did not completely solve the problem, but I am able to use the front 3 adjustment position with no conflict of the seat and push pull tube/ rudder cable. This is actually fine because The last two positions are uncomfortable and unrealistic, so I will make a hard stop there. I think a 1.5" spacer would allow for all of the positions without conflict, but because of my height I can't raise it any higher.

Here are some pics of the spacers and a comparison of the pilot seat with spacers and the passenger without. Notice I used a bushing on the bottom bolt to avoid crushing the welded tabs.

Thanks for all the ideas!

I will definitely post some pics for you this weekend.

I posted the same question in the yahoo group, and I was told to add a 1" spacer on the aft attach point of the seat rails. This should solve the control cable and tube conflict.

I will post pics of the seat adjustment system and the modification for the next guy, in the Magnum folder but I'll put a link here.

Thanks,

Ron

Here are some better pics...

I removed the seat and placed a block of wood under the left seat rail so I can make a template for the spacers that will hold the aft end of the rail exactly one inch higher. I hope that will be enough to keep the seat away from the elevator tube.

I still don't know how the seatbelt is supposed to be routed. I really think something is not in the right place, but there really are no directions for seatbelt routing s far as I know.

Thanks,

Ron

G'morning Ron-

I have never had the opportunity to see the Magnum seating install up close and personal, so I'm not sure exactly what would be involved in raising the seat. Is your seating arrangement the same as the Airdale Flyer's sliding base? There is a pic in the 'New Airdale Build' thread located in the Fat Avid Forum. I'd really like to see some more pics of your setup. Even though my Avid+ seat backs are re-positionable fore/aft, the lower cushion is stationary. That is a vast improvement over the f/g pan and sling seats I had in my Avid Mk-IV, but I always wondered just how much effort it would take to fabricate up and add a seat rail system ala Magnum, Airdale Flyer, Highlander etc.

I will definitely post some pics for you this weekend.

I posted the same question in the yahoo group, and I was told to add a 1" spacer on the aft attach point of the seat rails. This should solve the control cable and tube conflict.

I will post pics of the seat adjustment system and the modification for the next guy, in the Magnum folder but I'll put a link here.

Thanks,

Ron

If your P/P tube is installed, depending on where you need it bent, perhaps unfastening each end will let move it fore/aft enough and maybe even rotate it into a position where you can put in slight bends as needed. If no, can you modify the seat frame or raise it slightly using mounting spacers?

I think raising the seat would solve more than this one problem. However, I would have to cut the bushing holders and weld in a spacer. Is that what you are suggesting?

My Magnum seat slides on two bars is that how all Avids work?

Thanks,

Ron

Hello,

Ran into my first question today...I installed the seats in my Avid Magnum to make sure they fit, and I'm glad I did because there are issues!

The seat frame is too close to the elevator tube. The Construction Manual says to bend the elevator push tube out of the way of the seat, how do I do this? the push tube is installed and the fuselage is covered.

Also, I can't figure out where the seat belt goes? Does it go from the low mount in between the rudder cable and the elevator tube? It looks tight.

I'm going to try to post pics.

Thanks, Ron

I got is added! Sorry guys I was out at the lodge getting fire wood cut and trying to help keep the generator alive :lol:/>

:BC:/>

Thanks dholly, Ed and Leni

I bought my magnum about 2 years ago, but I was in the middle of restoring a Starduster Too biplane. The wife made me promise to finish the Starduster before beginning the Magnum. I did finish it and have been flying it on the nice days, but now that it has turned cold, I'm ready to start the Magnum.

The Magnum has been built with the fuselage and control surfaces covered, but nothing has been sprayed on the fabric. The wings have been built and fitted, but not covered. I have a lycoming O-320 D2C for it, but not installed.

I have read the construction manual cover to cover about 3 times, trying to figure out what exactly has been completed so far. Now I just need to get started!

I look forward to posting lots of stupid questions for you guys to laugh at!

Thanks for the welcome...

Take care,

Ron

Joey or Leni,

Ron made a request some time ago to have a Magnum site added to the Avid, Airdale listings.

I am just trying to get your attention to this matter which does not show as being added.

Hopefully, we will get more input and maybe more members.

I hope I am not stepping on any toes by posting this.

I know that things have been hectic for a newlywed and a hacker to screw (pun intended) things up! :lol:/>

ED in MO

Thanks Ed!

Ron

Hey Leni,

I'm new to your site, but wanted to thank you for setting it up. Lots of good information here!

I was wondering if you could add an "Avid Magnum" section. Not a whole lot of us out there, but it would be nice to find the others here.

Thanks,

Ron