I headed back to Florida yesterday (driving, argh) to bring my ‘63 Chevy Impala SS and Harley back for the summer. This last session back home we were able to complete a LOT OF WORK on the project. The last challenge was completing all repairs to the belly tank from the “no gear” rough terrain landing. I had 3 penetrations into the tank and one spot with enough evidence of damage I had to open it up and inspect it (ended up being fine). Two of those repairs were fairly extensive, with one requiring repairs to the fuselage below the wing fairing attachments.
I ended up making a Styrofoam MOLD to reproduce the destroyed lower front area of the wing fairing, which ends up being part of the sealed area of the belly tank. It turned out great. This past Monday we closed out the last two large repairs, after extensive cleaning of the belly tank using various toolls, mirrors, flashlights, and a borescope.
I also repaired the bulk of the wing fairing, performed micro bodywork on my intake transitions for smooth air flow into the intake plenum. We fitted one gear door and are ready to fit the other one. When I get back to Michigan my next project will be leak testing the tank.
Re: N994PT (IVPT) in extensive rebuild now.
Posted: Sun May 05, 2024 3:38 pm
by George Wehrung
That’s quite the extensive work!!!
Did you drive the lizard back down to Florida?
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Re: N994PT (IVPT) in extensive rebuild now.
Posted: Sun May 05, 2024 9:26 pm
by Tom Sullivan
I drove my truck down this trip to pick up my ‘63 Impala, my Harley, and Joe Trepicone’s engine in Deland.
As far as “the lizard”, I think you’re referring to Rock’s encounter with one in his IVPT. That wasn’t me.
Tom
Re: N994PT (IVPT) in extensive rebuild now.
Posted: Sun May 19, 2024 2:55 am
by George Wehrung
Sorry. I guess I got the posts missed up
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Re: N994PT (IVPT) in extensive rebuild now.
Posted: Tue May 21, 2024 1:53 pm
by Ryan Riley
Lots of work, but looking like great progress.
Re: N994PT (IVPT) in extensive rebuild now.
Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2024 1:02 pm
by Tom Sullivan
My New Engine for the airplane rebuild saw it's first run by Quentin Cook on Friday, June 7th. Quentin commented it was a VERY STRONG engine, seeing really high torque without hitting max ITT !!! Hopefully it makes for a FAST IVPT !!