---------------------------------------------------------- Pietenpol-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sat 01/29/11: 28 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 04:23 AM - Re: the Pietenpol has drag written all over it (Dangerous Dave) 2. 04:26 AM - Re: Piet building youtube videos (Dangerous Dave) 3. 04:33 AM - Re: Re: Wing Construction (helspersew@aol.com) 4. 04:57 AM - Re: Wing Construction (Dangerous Dave) 5. 05:10 AM - Re: Re: Wing Construction (helspersew@aol.com) 6. 06:01 AM - Ford Engine Modifications (PShipman) 7. 06:22 AM - Re: Piet building youtube videos (cjborsuk) 8. 06:23 AM - Re: Ford Engine Modifications (Doug Dever) 9. 06:26 AM - Re: Ford Engine Modifications (Doug Dever) 10. 07:28 AM - Re: Ford Engine Modifications (Pieti Lowell) 11. 09:10 AM - Fw: Aol mail address addition (Amsafetyc@gmail.com) 12. 10:13 AM - Re: Ford Engine Modifications (bender) 13. 10:27 AM - Re: Wing Construction (bender) 14. 01:05 PM - Re: Stainless firewall (carson) 15. 02:31 PM - Re: Ford Engine Modifications (PShipman) 16. 02:45 PM - Re: Stainless firewall (Dangerous Dave) 17. 02:51 PM - More progress (Dangerous Dave) 18. 03:50 PM - Re: Stainless firewall (Jerry Dotson) 19. 04:17 PM - Re: antenna (Ozarkflyer) 20. 05:34 PM - A few thoughts as the project winds up (Woodflier@aol.com) 21. 05:41 PM - first flight hour of 2011 (Oscar Zuniga) 22. 06:01 PM - Re: first flight hour of 2011 (airlion) 23. 06:01 PM - Re: first flight hour of 2011 (kevinpurtee) 24. 06:06 PM - Re: A few thoughts as the project winds up (kevinpurtee) 25. 07:16 PM - Re: Re: Piet building youtube videos (Clif Dawson) 26. 07:25 PM - Re: Ford Engine Modifications (Clif Dawson) 27. 07:42 PM - Re: Re: first flight hour of 2011 (Michael Perez) 28. 09:49 PM - Re: A few thoughts as the project winds up (TOM MICHELLE BRANT) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 04:23:21 AM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: the Pietenpol has drag written all over it From: "Dangerous Dave" So this is what I am building.Dave do not archive -------- Covering Piet Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328892#328892 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/untitled_213.bmp ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 04:26:59 AM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet building youtube videos From: "Dangerous Dave" My economy jig.dave -------- Covering Piet Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328893#328893 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/piet_8_28_10_011_210.jpg ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 04:33:31 AM PST US Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Re: Wing Construction From: helspersew@aol.com Chuck, Veeeeery nice. I can feel the vibes through the YouTube: You are having loa ds of fun. Good for you. I am sure you will be one of the ones that will fi nish and fly to Brodhead. Dan Helsper Poplar Grove, IL. (soon) Puryear, TN. PS Your shop is too clean and organized. How do you get anything done? do not archive ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 04:57:58 AM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Wing Construction From: "Dangerous Dave" Dan,Is this more to your liking?dave do not archive -------- Covering Piet Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328900#328900 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/2011_01_23_08_19_05_105_163.jpg ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 05:10:54 AM PST US Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Re: Wing Construction From: helspersew@aol.com Now THATS what I'm talk'n bout!! Dan Helsper Poplar Grove, IL. do not archive -----Original Message----- From: Dangerous Dave Sent: Sat, Jan 29, 2011 6:58 am Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Wing Construction Dan,Is this more to your liking?dave do not archive -------- overing Piet ead this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328900#328900 ttachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/2011_01_23_08_19_05_105_163.jpg -======================== -= - The Pietenpol-List Email Forum - -= Use the Matronics List Features Navigator to browse -= the many List utilities such as List Un/Subscription, -= Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, -= Photoshare, and much much more: - -= --> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Pietenpol-List - -======================== -= - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS - -= Same great content also available via the Web Forums! - -= --> http://forums.matronics.com - -======================== -= - List Contribution Web Site - -= Thank you for your generous support! -= -Matt Dralle, List Admin. -= --> http://www.matronics.com/contribution -======================== ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 06:01:41 AM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Ford Engine Modifications From: "PShipman" Has anyone built a Piet with a modified Model A Ford engine (i.e. high compression head, high torque cam, etc.)? If so, what have been the results? If not, what have been the concerns that have kept folks from doing that? -------- Perry Shipman Lakeside, CA Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328903#328903 ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 06:22:48 AM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet building youtube videos From: "cjborsuk" Mike, I let the capstrip soak about 24hrs. I bought a 5' piece of PVC pipe and a cap from Home Depot. I didn't even glue the cap. About $4, I believe. Gotta love Dave's jig for real economy! Chuck Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328906#328906 ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 06:23:38 AM PST US From: Doug Dever Subject: RE: Pietenpol-List: Ford Engine Modifications Talk to Pieti Lowell. I think his puts out aroung 90hp. Doug Dever In beautiful Stow Ohio > Subject: Pietenpol-List: Ford Engine Modifications > From: perrytshipman@gmail.com > Date: Sat=2C 29 Jan 2011 05:59:11 -0800 > To: pietenpol-list@matronics.com > > > > Has anyone built a Piet with a modified Model A Ford engine (i.e. high co mpression head=2C high torque cam=2C etc.)? > > If so=2C what have been the results? > > If not=2C what have been the concerns that have kept folks from doing tha t? > > -------- > Perry Shipman > Lakeside=2C CA > > > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328903#328903 > > > > > > > =========== =========== =========== =========== > > > ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 06:26:55 AM PST US From: Doug Dever Subject: RE: Pietenpol-List: Ford Engine Modifications In talking with the Model A hot rodders the biggest problem with it is it d eosn't breath well. Bigger intake valves do more to increase hp than anyth ing. You could probably go to 5.9:1 without any problems if you call that high compression. Lowell? Doug Dever In beautiful Stow Ohio > Subject: Pietenpol-List: Ford Engine Modifications > From: perrytshipman@gmail.com > Date: Sat=2C 29 Jan 2011 05:59:11 -0800 > To: pietenpol-list@matronics.com > > > > Has anyone built a Piet with a modified Model A Ford engine (i.e. high co mpression head=2C high torque cam=2C etc.)? > > If so=2C what have been the results? > > If not=2C what have been the concerns that have kept folks from doing tha t? > > -------- > Perry Shipman > Lakeside=2C CA > > > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328903#328903 > > > > > > > =========== =========== =========== =========== > > > ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 07:28:40 AM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Ford Engine Modifications From: "Pieti Lowell" An A or B can have inserts and a 6.5 compression ratio, I installed fuel injection on my A in 1992, ran it 2 years , and completely dissembled it to check it's Babbitt, There was no problems, When using a 76 X 42 Prop the RPM increased to 2500 at full throttle , Even at that speed there was no damage to the engine, The B I now run is highly modified with close to 80 HP, swinging a 76 X 47 prop. With many mods it was worked on in 1988, torn down for inspection twice . reassembled and is still working well. Carburetor in important, The best HP that I found , was a progressive two barrel. Pieti Lowell Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328913#328913 ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 09:10:36 AM PST US From: "Amsafetyc@gmail.com" Subject: Pietenpol-List: Fw: Aol mail address addition Resend Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless -----Original message----- From: "Amsafetyc@gmail.com" Sent: Sat, Jan 29, 2011 16:37:57 GMT+00:00 Subject: Aol mail address addition I have been experiencing difficulty posting to the forum of late. I have rejoined the board as Amsafetyc@gmail.com to try to resolve the issue so if you see the new address its still or just me. My apologies for the confusion I am going to keep the aol account active also so its still a viable off list address and requires no change to your address book for my contact. Thanks John Recine Amsafetyc @aolcom or gmail.com Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 10:13:48 AM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Ford Engine Modifications From: "bender" my engine is at Antique Engine Rebuilders now....i talked to the owner who has built a ton of A engines about what we do with the engine.. a high compression head seems to give the most bang for the buck and fuel and air are big too. my engine will have bigger intake valves modern chevy pistons, lighter and better ring seal.. a reground B profile cam that has a bit more lift and duration from what i understand. we talked about a new "340" cam... but he seemed to think that at 2000 rpm it may not be enough worth the $500 for the cam... he says spend the money on a good head and intake and carb. the B carb is bigger than the A but the A intake could be opened up to match the B bore. i plan to build my own intake... we'll see how it goes BTW snyders is working on a new casting for their 8 plug aluminum head... i'm on the list for one when they come out jeff Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328928#328928 ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 10:27:48 AM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Wing Construction From: "bender" is the marine ply you used Meranti or Okume ? i doesn't look like douglas fir.. i've been thinking of going the same route. one because of locally available wood two for strength and weight. it looks good jeff Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328929#328929 ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 01:05:17 PM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Stainless firewall From: "carson" What about a length of piano wire pushed through between the two pieces of metal then wrap each end around a short piece of broom stick and cut the glue that's how I have seen windscreens that are glued in cars removed Carson Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328935#328935 ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 02:31:51 PM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Ford Engine Modifications From: "PShipman" Thanks for the feedback. Yes ... the RPM range is the real issue ... there are lots of things you can do with an engine that is going to do lots of RPM but at the normal range we swing a prop it really limits the options. The Lion Speed Head IV on Scalded Speed Parts offers 6.5 to 1 in Aluminum with an 8 plug option. Pieti Lowell's comment concerning a progressive two barrel makes a lot of sense for both low and mid range power, IMO. I always thought, though, that big values hurt mixing-flow/torque at low RPMs ... is there an ideal size of the 2000-2500 RPM range? -------- Perry Shipman Lakeside, CA Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328939#328939 ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 02:45:34 PM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Stainless firewall From: "Dangerous Dave" Jerry,Get some of the nasty GOO GONE,the kind with all the tolulene and MEK and soak it and let it sit for a day,should be able to peel it off.They have it at Home Despot.Heat May buckle it and will probably color it,especialy if its polished,dave -------- Covering Piet Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328941#328941 ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 02:51:09 PM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: More progress From: "Dangerous Dave" Howdy,going to start painting em tomorrow.Yeah no more stitching!dave -------- Covering Piet Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328942#328942 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/2011_01_29_12_14_11_882_541.jpg http://forums.matronics.com//files/2011_01_29_15_10_33_467_308.jpg ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 03:50:42 PM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: Stainless firewall From: "Jerry Dotson" I got 'er done this morning. Propane torch did the trick. That is a nice piece of metal and the price was O so right. It has flanges on each side 24 3/8" inside. All I will have to do is trim a little off the flanges and shape the bottom and top. I hope to finish welding the wing tank tomorrow. My son is coming over. His TIG welding is much better than mine. -------- Jerry Dotson 59 Daniel Johnson Rd Baker, FL 32531 Started building NX510JD July, 2009 wing, tailfeathers done, fuselage rolling using Lycoming O-235 Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328944#328944 ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 04:17:43 PM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: antenna From: "Ozarkflyer" If you go to the RST engineering web site listed above, Weir has some informative how-to articles that were published in Kitplanes. Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328946#328946 ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 05:34:11 PM PST US From: Woodflier@aol.com Subject: Pietenpol-List: A few thoughts as the project winds up Now that I'm really about finished with Mike Lima, I thought I'd bore you all with a few random thoughts. Years ago, I wrote some columns for AvWeb on building the Piet. and in one of those, written in 2002, I opined that I thought I might be able to keep the cost at about $8000. I wish I'd been able to keep it at twice that! Of course, a lot of stuff increased in price from 2002 to 2011, but there are some things I should have done to keep costs down. I just had to add up all the invoices to pay the Commonwealth of Virginia "sales tax" on the airplane. All in all, I have a bit over $22,000 in it. $8400 is in the engine, which I had overhauled by Bob Barrows, the designer of the Bearhawk and my Technical Counselor. He's tops and I have great confidence in his work. I think the money put into the engine is worth the price. But, in looking at the 150-odd invoices from AC Spruce over 11 years, I paid a TON of shipping costs. The moral - try to combine your orders as much as possible. See if you can find a local or area source for the few things you may have overlooked. I thought I'd be able to build the airplane in 2-3 years. If I'd worked on it at least 5 days a week, for 2-3 hours, I think I would have finished in that time. But there are at least 4 years in which nothing was done, and sometimes weeks when I did no actual work on it. But often during those 'times off', I was thinking about a problem and often would solve them in my head without having to go down blind alleys and then redo things. I even remember once dreaming about a problem and coming to a solution in the dream. Other than some changes necessitated by the realities of flying in today's world, like seatbelts, shoulder harnesses, brakes and tailwheels, I stuck with the plans. I did appropriate Mike Cuy's fuselage tank idea, and Jack Phillips's tailwheel steering plan. But most everything else is pure Bernard Pietenpol. I'm already missing having the plane in the workshop and thinking and planning what's next. There are a few things left to do before the airworthiness inspection and that will keep me busy for the next weeks. It is true that the journey is as important, or more so, than the end result. I have thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I look forward to seeing many of you at Brodhead. Matt Paxton NX629ML ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 05:41:21 PM PST US From: Oscar Zuniga Subject: Pietenpol-List: first flight hour of 2011 Between this weekend and one two weeks ago, I logged my first flight hour of 2011 in Scout. The flight two weeks ago was a scant two-tenths... I went up to test some adjustments we'd made in the engine thrustline (good outcome!) but it was quite cold and we had had rain the day before so things were still messy. I had to keep carb heat on quite a bit to get full power, so conditions were ripe for carb ice and I didn't need to be up flying anyway. Today I put eight tenths on, giving rides to my daughter and her boyfriend. John Kuhfahl came out to watch and also helped with prop starting. The first flight, with boyfriend Ryan aboard, was surely very close to max gross on the airplane and the performance reflected that. We had a high overcast and a bit of humidity in the air, and I again needed carb heat more than usual so I tried to be wary. Flying with my daughter in the front cockpit, about half the passenger weight of Ryan, the airplane was back to its usual spriteliness but the engine still wanted carb heat a lot. I'm going to have to check the jetting and all the intake spider clamps, since the engine seems to be running lean and that's not a good thing. A good time was had by all, decent landings were made by the pilot, and we all went home smiling and talking about the afternoon so I guess the airplane worked its magic once again. I was pleasantly surprised for a few moments while flying my daughter, when I needed to adjust my shoulder harness and had to unbuckle both it and the lap belt to mess with them. For perhaps 10-15 seconds, my hands were off the stick and the airplane not only stayed mostly straight and level, it actually felt like it would have kept doing so if not for the thermals. It's never been this stable before so I'm glad we made the tweaks that we did: a bit of vertical stabilizer offset, some engine down-thrust and offset to the right, and just a tad of aileron balance adjustment between starboard and port. It's getting better and better. Pietenpoling in south Texas in January. Too chilly aloft for just shirt sleeves, but too warm on the ground for jackets or gloves. Wish you were here! ;o) Oscar Zuniga Air Camper NX41CC "Scout" San Antonio, TX website at http://www.flysquirrel.net ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 06:01:10 PM PST US From: airlion Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: first flight hour of 2011 I went flying today for the first time in two months and it was nice in the mid 60's. Hope it stays that way for a while. Gardiner ----- Original Message ---- From: Oscar Zuniga Sent: Sat, January 29, 2011 8:38:40 PM Subject: Pietenpol-List: first flight hour of 2011 Between this weekend and one two weeks ago, I logged my first flight hour of 2011 in Scout. The flight two weeks ago was a scant two-tenths... I went up to test some adjustments we'd made in the engine thrustline (good outcome!) but it was quite cold and we had had rain the day before so things were still messy. I had to keep carb heat on quite a bit to get full power, so conditions were ripe for carb ice and I didn't need to be up flying anyway. Today I put eight tenths on, giving rides to my daughter and her boyfriend. John Kuhfahl came out to watch and also helped with prop starting. The first flight, with boyfriend Ryan aboard, was surely very close to max gross on the airplane and the performance reflected that. We had a high overcast and a bit of humidity in the air, and I again needed carb heat more than usual so I tried to be wary. Flying with my daughter in the front cockpit, about half the passenger weight of Ryan, the airplane was back to its usual spriteliness but the engine still wanted carb heat a lot. I'm going to have to check the jetting and all the intake spider clamps, since the engine seems to be running lean and that's not a good thing. A good time was had by all, decent landings were made by the pilot, and we all went home smiling and talking about the afternoon so I guess the airplane worked its magic once again. I was pleasantly surprised for a few moments while flying my daughter, when I needed to adjust my shoulder harness and had to unbuckle both it and the lap belt to mess with them. For perhaps 10-15 seconds, my hands were off the stick and the airplane not only stayed mostly straight and level, it actually felt like it would have kept doing so if not for the thermals. It's never been this stable before so I'm glad we made the tweaks that we did: a bit of vertical stabilizer offset, some engine down-thrust and offset to the right, and just a tad of aileron balance adjustment between starboard and port. It's getting better and better. Pietenpoling in south Texas in January. Too chilly aloft for just shirt sleeves, but too warm on the ground for jackets or gloves. Wish you were here! ;o) Oscar Zuniga Air Camper NX41CC "Scout" San Antonio, TX website at http://www.flysquirrel.net ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 06:01:21 PM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: first flight hour of 2011 From: "kevinpurtee" Yeah, I wish I was there, too! Nice post, Oscar. Thanks. do not archive -------- Kevin "Axel" Purtee NX899KP Austin/Georgetown, TX Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328949#328949 ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 06:06:12 PM PST US Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: A few thoughts as the project winds up From: "kevinpurtee" Beautiful, Matt! Thanks for the post and picture. I've realized/done a lot of the same things you've mentioned: total costs, shipping costs, thinking about it while out of town, etc. Good Lord willin' we shall fly formation in July! Will be excited to hear about the first flight. Kevin -------- Kevin "Axel" Purtee NX899KP Austin/Georgetown, TX Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328950#328950 ________________________________ Message 25 ____________________________________ Time: 07:16:09 PM PST US From: "Clif Dawson" Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Re: Piet building youtube videos DD, THAT is the most intelligent and creative jig I've seen in a long while! Clif Great improvisers are like priests. They are thinking only of their god. Stephanie Grappelli, Jazz Violinist. "Dangerous Dave" > My economy jig.dave ________________________________ Message 26 ____________________________________ Time: 07:25:30 PM PST US From: "Clif Dawson" Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Ford Engine Modifications http://www.amuffler.com/dyno/dyno1.htm http://www.modelaengine.com/ Clif In talking with the Model A hot rodders the biggest problem with it is it deosn't breath well. Bigger intake valves do more to increase hp than anything. You could probably go to 5.9:1 without any problems if you call that high compression. Lowell? Doug Dever ________________________________ Message 27 ____________________________________ Time: 07:42:30 PM PST US From: Michael Perez Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Re: first flight hour of 2011 Here in Ohio it has been below freezing for quite a few days. Here at my house, we have about 12" of snow on the ground. (Down from about 18" or so we got a week or so ago.)Contrary to most, I LOVE it! I have a lot more free time in the winter which translates to more building time. Forecasts for next week is more snow...BRING IT! Michael Perez Karetaker Aero www.karetakeraero.com --- On Sat, 1/29/11, kevinpurtee wrote: > From: kevinpurtee > Subject: Pietenpol-List: Re: first flight hour of 2011 > To: pietenpol-list@matronics.com > Date: Saturday, January 29, 2011, 8:59 PM > --> Pietenpol-List message posted > by: "kevinpurtee" > > Yeah, I wish I was there, too! > > Nice post, Oscar. Thanks. > > do not archive > > -------- > Kevin "Axel" Purtee > NX899KP > Austin/Georgetown, TX > > > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=328949#328949 > > > > > > > > Email Forum - > FAQ, > - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS - > List Contribution Web Site - > -Matt > Dralle, List Admin. > > > > ________________________________ Message 28 ____________________________________ Time: 09:49:03 PM PST US From: TOM MICHELLE BRANT Subject: RE: Pietenpol-List: A few thoughts as the project winds up Matt=2C Thanks for sharing your experience - this is the kind of stuff that inspire s the rest of us. I like you have spent - and will spend far more on my Pi et than I originally thought. I started in 2000 and I still have a long wa y to go. I work on it when I can which is very seldom=2C but tonight was a good night. I finally got two of my spars cut out. I plan to start worki ng on the Cabanes this week and with a little luck i can get the center sec tion mounted to the fuselage in another week or so. Maybe by spring I'll s tart stringing the spars with ribs - or maybe not - depends on what life br ings I guess.. I've finally accepted that completion is a long term goal - not a short term goal. Congrats on your aircraft - it looks like a beauty. I'm looking forward to seeing it at Brodhead this summer. Enjoy. Tom B. From: Woodflier@aol.com Subject: Pietenpol-List: A few thoughts as the project winds up Now that I'm really about finished with Mike Lima=2C I thought I'd bore you all with a few random thoughts. Years ago=2C I wrote some columns for AvWeb on building the Piet. and in one of those=2C written in 2002=2C I opined that I thought I might be able to keep the cost at about $8000. I wish I'd been able to ke ep it at twice that! Of course=2C a lot of stuff increased in price from 2002 to 2011=2C but there are some things I should have done to keep costs down. I just had to add up all the invoices to pay the Commonwealth of Virginia "sales tax" on the airplane. All in all=2C I have a bit over $22=2C000 in i t. $8400 is in the engine=2C which I had overhauled by Bob Barrows=2C the designer o f the Bearhawk and my Technical Counselor. He's tops and I have great confidence in his work. I think the money put into the engine is worth the price. But=2C in looking at the 150-odd invoices from AC Spruce over 11 years=2C I paid a TO N of shipping costs. The moral - try to combine your orders as much as possible. See if you can find a local or area source for the few things you may have overlooked. I thought I'd be able to build the airplane in 2-3 years. If I'd worked on it at least 5 days a week=2C for 2-3 hours=2C I think I would have finished in that time. But there are at least 4 years in which nothing was done=2C and somet imes weeks when I did no actual work on it. But often during those 'times off' =2C I was thinking about a problem and often would solve them in my head without havi ng to go down blind alleys and then redo things. I even remember once dreaming ab out a problem and coming to a solution in the dream. Other than some changes necessitated by the realities of flying in today's world=2C like seatbelts=2C shoulder harnesses=2C brakes and tailwheels=2C I stuck with the plans. I did appropriate Mike Cuy's fuselage tank idea=2C and Jack Phil lips's tailwheel steering plan. But most everything else is pure Bernard Pietenpol . I'm already missing having the plane in the workshop and thinking and planning what's next. There are a few things left to do before the airworth iness inspection and that will keep me busy for the next weeks. It is true that t he journey is as important=2C or more so=2C than the end result. I have thorou ghly enjoyed the trip. I look forward to seeing many of you at Brodhead. Matt Paxton NX629ML ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message pietenpol-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/Pietenpol-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/pietenpol-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/pietenpol-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.