Resources available to replica builders

[baldeagle]

For vintage instrument overhaul try Dave Rogers at Legacy Aircraft Instruments in San Francisco. He did all of the instruments in Frank Schelling's Oshkosh Grand Champion Curtiss JN-4H Jenny. I've also had a number of instruments done by him, including some WW1 era stuff.

Legacy Aircraft Instruments: 415-309-6239

[Jim Bruton]

As per Jeff's request, I am putting the Coker Tire company info here. Nice tires, though pricey. As I am building a DR-1, I am focused on the right tire size for that model. If you know the original tire size for your reproduction aircraft, then see what Coker has.

For a Fokker DR-1, go to the Coker Tire Company (Coker Tire Company) and punch in the following part numbers:

The tires are 28 x 3 part no. 791923 Firestone smooth all gray clincher.

The tubes are for 28 x 3 motorcycle part no. 87090.

Before you mount the tubes and tires, wrap the rims with several layers of duct tape over the spoke nipples to protect the tubes. I used a 2 1/2" black gaffer's tape- better than duct- and it worked perfectly.

Always run these tires at the max. pressure listed on the sidewall to help prevent cracking- 65 lbs is what mine says.

Coker sells dressing that may help them to last longer. The white and gray tires deteriorate much faster than the black ones.

Rick Bennett can make the rims for you- look back at my photos on the DR-1 (Sands) Builder's site- the spoke angle on the outside is greater than the spokes on the inside- this is historically correct but not found on any motorcycle rim. Rex had a hard time finding the Harley Sportster rims that he needed for his Triplane but eventually did. I paid $1200 for my rims and almost $600 for my tires and tubes. If that doesn't scare you off, send me an email and I'll put you in touch with Rick. Again, his work is wonderful and worth every dime.

In the end, you don't have to have the historically correct style, but they look so cool you just can't resist wanting them. Yes, they will be covered so whatever solution you employ may be not be seen by the general public. Without going crazy, Ed & I are trying to keep some of the original details, though it will be hard to ignore that larger cowling housing our Lycoming engines. Certainly something we can "fix" later on.

Jim Bruton

[PeterFokDVII]

Try contacting Jim Steck for rims too, he's got an adjustable rim rolling machine. I was going to have him build rims for a D.VII , but I don't want to foot the bill for another custom tire batch. He's already made D.VII rims (Dick Enos') and still has the tooling. (His main business is restoring and scratch building antique Alfa Romeos). I ended up with original barn fresh 1928 21" Ford Model A rims ($30 each!), which I'll respoke to my own hubs. And, high pressure, non-clincher Model A tires are real cheap from Coker Tyre. He can make any size though, just give him the specs.

Jim Steck's web site.......Alfa Romeo Performance Engines

For custom spokes (and rim drilling if you need it, from drawings or your parts), try BUCHANAN'S Spoke and Rim Company. They've been around since the early 1970's, and are VERY reasonably priced.

Buchanan's web site........Buchanan Spoke and Rim, Inc.

.............................................Pete

[Jadecy]

My name is Doug Cvelbar. You can leave me a private message if you have any questions.

I have produced 2d CAD drawings and cut out fittings for Rick Bennett and Fred Murrin. I have also made some parts for my father Al Cvelbar who is building an Albatross DVa. Tools I currently have for producing parts:

9x20 metal lathe
J-Head bridgeport milling machine
TIG welder
MIG welder
Small metal cutting bandsaw
Drill press

(many other hand/power/air tools)

Here is a sample of my machining:

(This engine was built completely from barstock from purchased plans)




Link to the engine running:
Video of MLA-17 running 1 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Here is a motorcycle I rebuilt this summer:
DISCLAIMER for the purest: (this is not a BMW but I did what the customer wanted) this is a Chinese CJ750

Work done:
- rebuilt regulator system with solid state components
- replaced carburetors.
- assembled engine top end, set valves.
- installed distributor and set timing.
- stripped fenders, tank, and sidecar to bare metal.
- Black base, air brushed letters with stencil, clearcoat, sanded and buffed to mirror finish.
- replaced tires.
- Made BMW emblem beuty rings on lathe.

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c.../bike_tank.jpg
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/c...nt_corner3.jpg

I am not always available and probably not the fastest because this is a side thing/hobby and have limited time. I have a bachelors degree in electrical engineering technology and my profession is computer programming.

If I am not available to do something my dad is available for some things. I will make a seperate post for him in the next few days. I learned my mechanical skills from him so for now you can look at my work as a reflection of his abilities.

[Jim Bruton]

Nice looking work Doug- we're glad you are here! I imagine you will find some interested parties...

Jim Bruton

[Nieuport pilot]

I have made parts for some other builders in the past. It is not my normal work, restoring Porsche sports cars is, but I like helping other builders. I have done cowls for Fokker Dr-1s, D7, and Nieuports. I hammered out the cowl for my N-23 without the use of an english wheel. Since then I built one and have used it to make parts like Richard Enos's lower cowl. I have also done fuel and oil tanks out of aluminum and steel, wheels, axles, and some rotary engine parts.
I built a GL 7/8 Nieuport five years ago and am currently working on a full scale Hanriot Hd.1 all authentic and a steel tube Pup both to be rotary powered.
I can be reached at 440-298-9735.
Rick Bennett

[jumpinjan]

Originally Posted by Jadecy

My name is Doug Cvelbar

Hi Doug,
I have met your father many times.
I like your work a lot. Nice work on the CJ750, I mean it's really good. I'm building a replica WWI German bike w/sidecar and also do a lot of restoration work & machining too.
(If any of you need any British Sunbeam Tiger or Alpine restoration work done, please let me know. Hey, if Nieuport Pilot can plug it, I should too, right? Hi Rick! )
jan

[Von Writter]

Originally Posted by Nieuport pilot

I have made parts for some other builders in the past. It is not my normal work, restoring Porsche sports cars is, but I like helping other builders. I have done cowls for Fokker Dr-1s, D7, and Nieuports. I hammered out the cowl for my N-23 without the use of an english wheel. Since then I built one and have used it to make parts like Richard Enos's lower cowl. I have also done fuel and oil tanks out of aluminum and steel, wheels, axles, and some rotary engine parts.
I built a GL 7/8 Nieuport five years ago and am currently working on a full scale Hanriot Hd.1 all authentic and a steel tube Pup both to be rotary powered.
I can be reached at 440-298-9735.
Rick Bennett

Hey Rick, Nice to see you on here. Can you PM me with details on the DVII lower cowl?

[Jeff Brooks]

Rick Bennett offered to do some sheet metal work on this thread. I asked him to make my cowlings, and he sent me these pictures. I thought I would share them in case anyone else is interested in having him make something.
Here is the engine cowl he made for Dick Enos' DVII...

[Dogtail2]

Wow! Those cowlings are beautiful.