DIY "Rolling Chassis" costs?

[Bryan27]

I have been very impressed with the projects that I've seen in this section and my ignorance of the subject raises a few questions that I was hoping a few of you could share some of your experiences about. I'm curious what the materials would cost to build a "rolling chassis" for lack of a better term. I define that as being a frame with wings, landing gear, flight controls with rigging and brakes, wind shield.... Basically everything but the instruments, FWF and covering/paintjob. Is there much to be saved by starting from metal stock and completely fabbing the frame or is a coped kit or tack welded kit worth the cost compaired to starting from scratch? I've heard mention of D&E wing parts (I think that's the name) but haven't been able to find a website. Seems that the wing kits are pretty expensive for stamped metal, I'd think they could be done much cheaper some other way. Anyways, just thought I might start some discussion about the various cost avenues that can be taken to building one of these beauties. Anything you can add about scratch built, kit built, tack'd frame, prefab wings, wing parts and kits would be appreciated. I imagine that when you get down to rigging the controls, rolling gear and brakes the cost difference is going to be based more on your preferences than the amount of fabbing you do, but I'd also like to hear some thoughts on those as well. Thanks

EDIT: I also thought I'd throw an idea out there and see what others think about it. How about a "sticky" at the top of this section and title it something like "Building Suppliers" where there could be a list of contacts and links to various businesses and recources that are helpfull in building a cub. Supplier lists, references etc.

 

[kevin]

You should talk to Bugs 66 on this website. He built his from scratch. Check out his website at www.supercubproject.com. He might have some rough numbers there posted.

 

[Bryan27]

You should talk to Bugs 66 on this website. He built his from scratch. Check out his website at www.supercubproject.com. He might have some rough numbers there posted.

Thanks,

I've been keeping track of his site/progress since I found the link on this site. It's been like an internet soap opera, always looking forward to the next installment! I think he needs to build another now that he's finished building the first one.......He's got an audience to think about! I place a high value on his opinion of this subject and would like to hear his view, but he accomplished his goal one way. What I'd like to hear about as many different ways to reach the same goal as we can come up with, including Bugs 66.

 

[behindpropellers]

With the prices of flying cubs coming down considerably.....don't rule out that option.

It takes some serious time and dedication to get one of these machines flying from scratch. Long days at work have snuffed out the progress on my project.

Tim

 

[Bugs66]

D&E wings are a great choice and are about half the cost of Dakota or Univair. You do have more work to do with them. www.de-aircraft.com

I would use them again for another experimental. There are things you can do to make them a little lighter too.

Here is a good certified project for someone:
http://www.barnstormers.com/classified_389539_1974+Piper+Super+Cub+Project.html

 

[aktango58]

about eight years ago the guys here figured it was 80k in just parts including engine and prop ect.


I just bought a frame, 15.5 or there abouts. Powder coated, but more importantly straight and well made :lol: A real piece of art.

How long do you think it would take? Cubs are costing less every day it seems.

 

[Marty57]

Cost is one of those things that is hard to define. It comes down to time vs money. My exp. Pa14/2+2 is completely scratch built with a lot of scrounging. I have used landing gear and used "new" Cleveland wheels, breaks, and tires. Rolling fuselage with tail feathers (less cover, pulleys, and doors) was about $3,000. BUT, about 1000 hours to that point. I have lots of other parts; engine, prop, radios, gps, most of my wing parts (wood wing ready to assemble) seats, pulleys, breaks, master cylinders, material for struts, tailwheel and more. Still need lots but my investment is still under $10,000. so, I should come in under $20,000 but probably will be over 2000 hours and maybe 6 years. Just one way to do this but you have to enjoy building.

Marty57



www.xanga.com/martyfeehan

 

[On Patrol]

I would think from seeing Cal ( I fly lower) with his fuselage and surfaces built basically from scratch is that the importance for true and proper jigs are critical. Cal bought one of the tacked together fuselage that needed to be all finished welded. When he got to Pierces last year his frame was way off did I say that DW said it was way off. It was sawzall time. With a little help from his friends and a good jig it was correctable.
This time I saw Cal start to assemble his wings and realize that he would need to invest in the order of 40 to 60 hours each. He was surprised by this and I heard the comment that he always seemed to underestimate the time needed and it always surprised him. I think if you have plenty of time your first order of business is to build jigs by copying some of the already performing jigs.
John

 

[aktango58]

Formulas:


Cost per hour: Hell, if we cared we would own a boat!


time needed for a repair: Three days beyond when you really need it.

Time to build a plane: Anticipated time multiplied by a factor of four. Square this number if you have a spouse that demands time or a flying aircraft already. If spouse is not understanding, don't even try.

Time to install finish and trim: Equal to time it took to do all the big parts.

Cost of any of the above: twice anticipated cost, or thirty percent more than you can afford.


Seems how it goes.

 

[Marty57]

Your formula is great! :lol: When some one asks when I will be finished, I tell them two years ...... I've been saying that for three years now. Gotta love building as much or more than flying to build from scratch.
Marty57

 

[Jim Miller]

Byran
What part of tenn do you live in? You are welcome to come by for a look at my project. I started with a tack welded fuselage. I live about 5 minutes from Tullahoma, Tn airport.

Jim Miller

 

[Bryan27]

Cost is one of those things that is hard to define. It comes down to time vs money. My exp. Pa14/2+2 is completely scratch built with a lot of scrounging. I have used landing gear and used "new" Cleveland wheels, breaks, and tires. Rolling fuselage with tail feathers (less cover, pulleys, and doors) was about $3,000. BUT, about 1000 hours to that point. I have lots of other parts; engine, prop, radios, gps, most of my wing parts (wood wing ready to assemble) seats, pulleys, breaks, master cylinders, material for struts, tailwheel and more. Still need lots but my investment is still under $10,000. so, I should come in under $20,000 but probably will be over 2000 hours and maybe 6 years. Just one way to do this but you have to enjoy building.

Marty57



www.xanga.com/martyfeehan

I've enjoyed reading over your site as well, doesn't look like a project for the easily discouraged. The phrase "eating an elephant" comes to mind.

 

[Bryan27]

Byran
What part of tenn do you live in? You are welcome to come by for a look at my project. I started with a tack welded fuselage. I live about 5 minutes from Tullahoma, Tn airport.

Jim Miller

I live in Memphis. If I remember correctly, Tullahoma is out by Smyrna? I was out that way this past sunday scavenging for parts with my brother to get his Dodge Power Wagon project off the ground. Next time I'm out that way I'd love to swing by if it would be convenient for you.

 

[Jim Miller]

Byran
I tried to PM you but it didn't seem to go thru. Tullahoma is just south and west of Murfreesboro and Shelbyville. I only work about 20 hours a month so am home most of the time. My project is here at home with the fuselage ready to cover. I am currently building a rudder and vert stab.
Stop by anytime. My e-mail is ddsrph@hotmail.com

Jim Miller

 

[Bryan27]

Byran
I tried to PM you but it didn't seem to go thru. Tullahoma is just south and west of Murfreesboro and Shelbyville. I only work about 20 hours a month so am home most of the time. My project is here at home with the fuselage ready to cover. I am currently building a rudder and vert stab.
Stop by anytime. My e-mail is ddsrph@hotmail.com

Jim Miller

I appreciate the invite very much and will definitely shoot you an email when I get back out that way, may be a little while but I'd definitely like to see your project. The PM must not have gone thru. Thanks for the offer!