Posted Tuesday, May 29, 2012 @ 11:03 AM
Greetings:
I am going to have a copy of Collin's prop made... actually borrowing his and taking it to Newport, Or where his was made. It performs much better than the stock prop and since I Collin gave me a bit more HP, it should (hopefully) do as well in my aircraft as it does in his. Anyway, I just got off the phone with Jeff (prop guy) and the cost is $395. He fiber glasses the tips and use polyurethane finish overall. Based on other props from Jeff, they are all top quality and he will modify whatever you want. It could be painted gray if you want a copy of the original.
OK, my canopy was cracked trying to get it to fit the frame. I believe it was mounted on the bent frame so when we tried to get it to fit the frame after being corrected, there was too much strain and it did not fit. Plus of course it was old and brittle... no surprise. I think we had about 40 hours in the job when it cracked.... you all know how painful that can be. Anyway, the good news. I talked with Todd in Florida who specialized in canopies. He makes two sizes for the RF-4d... the standard with nice lines, and one that fits taller pilots... the price for the standard is $350. and it can come in clear or tint. Since shipping is a major expense.. as he told me, mostly he is shipping air, i.e., not much in the box, it doesn't cost much more to ship two or three at the same time. Again, if anyone is interested, please let me know.
Neither the prop or canopy replacements are critical... and I don't want to delay getting N7725 in the air. If anyone wants the web sites for the canopies or props, I will be happy to provide links.
Time frame for the props.... June 2012, and I am not in a big hurry for the canopy since I will fly with mine so I am thinking about ordering perhaps Aug 2012.
Regards,