modifing pa-12

[rooster]

hi fellas, as I said last month I purchased a 46 pa-12 in a basket. I have cross winds weight increase going in now and I am going to add the cabin x-brace and the dog leg for the lower extend baggage.What do you guys think of the cathedral brace for the upper storage? Is this a good mod or does this just add weight for the small amount of upper baggage that can be carried?

 

[PA-12 Lover]

I had it in my 12 and it was really nice to be able to access the upper baggage from outside simply to throw "stuff" in. No clue how much weight it added, but the inside was simply covered with fabric.

 

[Speedo]

Also consider adding a battery access door if you don't plan to put the battery under the seat. Without an external access door it's a pain in the neck to crawl into the baggage compartment, unscrew the access panel, and reach back to get back to the battery. And you usually have to do this when a) it's after dark and you have no lighting handy, b) it's freezing cold and you're wearing bulky clothes, and c) the baggage compartment is packed full of gear.

 

[Scooter7779h]

The PA-14 top deck is really worth it. I flew my -12 with a huge baggage, but the original cross brace, and it was always in the way. When I rebuilt in 96', put in the -14 top deck and it is really nice. You can easily load over the top of the rear seat, or in my case load the rear baggage from the outside access door much easier with it. For just a little welding and a field approval when you are in the middle of a rebuild process, GO for it.

We built a trick little tray to hold a lightweight battery up in the boot cowl with an outside access panel. This makes a short cable run to the starter, keeps the battery outside of the cabin, and keeps it under the engine cover for winter preheating. We also did a underseat location, but don't need two batteries, so use the underseat area for storage of tool kit, and keep primary battery up front.

Hope that helps, there are photos of my -12 in the user gallery.

 

[mmr]

Keep her light and learn how to fly her!
Mark

 

[RedEye]

12

From the looks of your avatar, I'd say you've had one too many Old Styles !!!

 

[CubLite]

Mark:

I've never seen you look so good!

Pat

 

[airmonty]

Rooster,
I may be a rookie but, I think that when you can make more baggage room, it's a good thing.
Mark........with a clown-face like that, I wouldn't let you near my toddler or my newborn!
Take care, Lorne

 

[mmr]

Thanks David and Pat for the nice complement
on my new hat and facial tattoo I got in Belize this past week.
Mark
Oh! More baggage room is a good thing!