Day 1 of my Zodiac CH650 Build

Strutwipe

Strutwipe

Pre-takeoff checklist
Joined
May 8, 2019
Messages
182
Display Name
Display name:
Strutwipe
Hi All,

This is a new to me Zodiac build. A coworker of mine, recently retired, gave me the Zodiac kit to take over. He has already constructed the rudder, horizontal stab, and ailerons. The skin was exposed to outside Arizona environment so I am going have to do a bit of cleaning. Everything else was stored inside. He did take pictures of the the sections he built for the DAR. Day one, inventory, damage inspection, and cleaning parts.

All comments and suggestions welcome.

So off we go!
upload_2020-8-23_9-55-12.png
upload_2020-8-23_9-58-59.png
 
Congratulations, Mark; you'll love the CH650! What engine do you plan on installing?
 
Stan Cooper said:
Congratulations, Mark; you'll love the CH650! What engine do you plan on installing?
Click to expand...
Thanks Stan, been busy cleaning up the skins. I'm going to look at a Corvair tomorrow. The owner, a friend of mine, says it's ready to go except the fuel, electrical, and accessories. He gave me a list of parts and the speed shop invoice for nitriding the crank and balancing the rods and pistons. I'm really considering installing an electrical ignition and fuel injection if I go that route.
 
So THAT'S what you were doing over there in the hangar. Ryan and I went out to troubleshoot a 172 on the ramp by the restaurant and saw you putzing around in the heat. I thought we were the only ones stupid enough to still be out in it. ;)
 
Good luck and have fun! I love the 650.

I built a Corvair... be sure to follow WW's latest guidance to get the most reliable motor possible. Tons of resources out there.

The skin in that photo above looks a little rough, did it clean up?
 
samiamPA said:
I built a Corvair... be sure to follow WW's latest guidance to get the most reliable motor possible. Tons of resources out there.
Click to expand...

Good advice. Be careful on Corvair engine selection. In my experience my Corvair has been very smooth, robust, & reliable. If you are seriously considering a Corvair conversion I'd recommend attending a Corvair college by William Wynne (Next one in Barnwell - KBNL in November but you have to register):


There are a few shysters out there selling so called Corvair flight engines (funny look at the truth):


Lord willing I should be at the Barnwell College with my Sonex along with a twin Corvair powered plane known as JAG:

 
Timbeck2 said:
So THAT'S what you were doing over there in the hangar. Ryan and I went out to troubleshoot a 172 on the ramp by the restaurant and saw you putzing around in the heat. I thought we were the only ones stupid enough to still be out in it. ;)
Click to expand...

Praying for a 99 degree day!
 
samiamPA said:
Good luck and have fun! I love the 650.

I built a Corvair... be sure to follow WW's latest guidance to get the most reliable motor possible. Tons of resources out there.

The skin in that photo above looks a little rough, did it clean up?
Click to expand...

Some water, Dawn, and elbow grease. I do need to find a better way. Those wing panels are 12 feet long so that is a lot of elbow greasing. Open for suggestions.
 
Daleandee said:
Good advice. Be careful on Corvair engine selection. In my experience my Corvair has been very smooth, robust, & reliable. If you are seriously considering a Corvair conversion I'd recommend attending a Corvair college by William Wynne (Next one in Barnwell - KBNL in November but you have to register):


There are a few shysters out there selling so called Corvair flight engines (funny look at the truth):


Lord willing I should be at the Barnwell College with my Sonex along with a twin Corvair powered plane known as JAG:

Click to expand...

Interesting you mention this. The guy that did the rebuild went to one of WW seminars/class but of course I will follow up. Kept the suggestions and resources coming, I really appreciate them :D
 
Thanks Crash n' Burn. With the pads I plan to use alodine 1001. I find the alodine serves two purposes. After cleaning with alcohol, the alodine etches and protects at the same time. Seems like a win win situation.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top