Piper J3/L4 Cub parts wanted

Well an update at least on the Cubs progress – just returned from a nightshift and getting packed ready for holiday hence why I’m not working on it at this very moment!

I’ve overhauled virtually everything from the fuselage, these are now all inspected, boxed, and primed ready for fitting. I’ve made new floors, sourced scarce parts and am now toiling away with some of the larger items from my loft.

The fuselage to prevent damage was slung up in the roof of a barn and shortly I am looking to bring it down to transfer it off to the workshops. Firstly I have to undo the J3 modifications that the previous owner started to apply to it to get it back to factory L4H finish. The frame is then scheduled to be bead blasted locally before being etch primed and sprayed. I’m confident the interior fabric will be going on early in the new year, and then the last 9 months of parts overhaul will all come good and accelerate the project quickly.

Meanwhile whilst I wait for the workshop to become clear, I’ve been working the tailfeathers and I’ve included a picture of a completed unit (well actually I’m still waiting for new bushes to arrive from the US so I’ve gashed it together using pens for this photo!)

Meanwhile I’ve continued to gather many of the wartime fittings, blueprints, and photos to make it as absolutley authentic as possible. Its going o be time consuming to do the little bits, but it should look pucca by the end.

In world of paperwork, I’m collating everything to go to the CAA to change its registration to something more suitable – Hopefully its return to the register will appear in the aviation press in the new year (I’ll write to their news departments including piccies)

Whilst I’m away I still have a wish and wants list for the Cub project (its nearly xmas you know!). Hope someone out there may be able to help me…..

Time ex-d Continental A65 with logs, complete but in need of overhaul
Fuel Float and Cap Assembly
Both Gear Bungee Struts
Cabin Heat Knob
Cabin Heat Cable
Tacho Cable (straight type)
Carb Heat Cable
Fuel On/Off Cable
Throttle Cable
Both Fwd Brake Peddals
One R/H Rudder Peddal
One R/H Scott Brake Master Cylinder
RCA AVA-120 Antenna Reel
Airpath Compass Card Holder
RCA Non-Linear Antenna Amperes Gauge (black faced)
Scott Model 2000 (ex 3-24B) Tailwheel Unit Steering Arm
Early J3/L4 Rudder (straight back edge)

And thats it. If anyone has any info on where to find these bits, please get in touch via PM and I’ll get back to you when I return at the beginning of December.

FB

Yep, Im up on the ADs. There are a few parts coming to light here and there across the UK, plus a few contacts in the US are looking into a couple of items. I’d sort have hoped that with all the planes and parts shipped over here by the USAAF during the war that there would be more widely available parts in this country, it doesn’t really appear so – unless of course I’m looking in the wrong places! Maybe its time to wander through a few hangars…..

There are a couple companies now building new Cubs with FAA Certification. I’m sure new parts are there, not so sure about vinatge parts. Am Legend refurbs and rebuilds, Cub Crafters is more into Super Cubs. According to the latest issue of Air & Space magazine, there are still 263 vintage J-3s still registered in the US.

American Legend Aircraft Company
http://www.legend.aero

and
Cub Crafters
http://www.cubcrafters.com

Interesting sites, lots of pics, parts, planes and info

My Uncle flew a Cub in North Africa, with Pattons gang. He got hooked on flying and continued GA after the war. Never did get a pic of him with his old Cub.

…before I go for the new build parts. New Old Stock would be perfect.

I agree with your sentiments, but there’s a reason why they’re making new parts: a LOT of the old nose cowls, and landing gears, etc. had to be replaced because of minor incidents/accidents.

BTW: I’m sure you know about the FAA AD on struts…you’d be better off buying new parts there too.

Good luck with the project.
I’d love an L-4 with combat history!

Thanks for the reply, I had Univairs details already but not those of the Dakota club, thanks. Ideally tho in the first instance I’m trying to locate original parts in the UK, I’m sure there must be some lying around in hangars somewhere. I admit out of safety reasons that many bits such as cables, hoses and all nuts and bolts will be new, however, I’m trying to be as sympathetic to the breed as possible before I go for the new build parts. New Old Stock would be perfect.

For new stuff try: www.univairparts.com
I know they have the cowl parts.
Also, for ailerons and wing parts…
Dakota Cub Aircraft in South Dakota..605-757-6628