My CH 601 HD Rebuild Thread

[Adrian Lewer]

Hi Guy's I am going to get a thread going on my CH 601 HD rebuild so I can have some sort of Log of what I have done and also so others can see what can be done and also give me advice along the way.

This is me in my new baby




The cause of the nose gear collapse



and the result

[Adrian Lewer]

11/04/2010

I wanted to remove the complete wiring system, Engine, Instruments Etc for a straight forward Repair.

Engine Out
I removed the wiring by literally chopping it off at the firewall. I was not happy at the install of any of the wiring and also wanted the chance to tidy it up and with wiring, I just wanted to start fresh.



Removing The Seats And Centre Console For Wiring Access

Removed the seats for easier access to the flooring.


Also had to remove the centre console to access the wiring up to the headset jacks...(not looking forward to re wiring this thing back up)



This Is What I Would Like To Fix

I don't like the way the aluminum can chafe the fuel lines and electrical connections.



Turtle Deck And Old Fuel Tank Removed

Now removing the instrument panel

The top turtle deck front will be replaced with new T6 sheet as the old one had a couple of creases in it.



Engine Mount Removal
Engine mount was bent. also had a repair from previous damage so it has to go. only 4 bolts.



Horizontal Stab Removal
Only 4 Bolts hold the Horizontal Stab on. I removed the control cables from the top and bottom... was surprised that the control cables have split pins but the 4 bolts holding the tail on don't ?



This Is The Damage From The Inside

I have not fully looked at this area as yet. to busy with stripping the Fuzz.




My 3 Yo son Julien loves flying and had his first flight in a J230 a couple of weeks ago.



Everyone Needs An Inspector Taking The Photos

[Ultralights]

wow, fuel lines, electrical wires and bare aluminium edge. potential for disaster right there!
i would fix it with a loom stand off to hold the lines and wires firmly and away from any chance of chaffing.

[Adrian Lewer]

I also did not like this..... here is the wiring wrapped around the fuel tap bar ?

This is my reason for a complete strip and re build to my standards. I will most likely be popping every rivet on this A/C just to check all is ok. This will also make the paint strip and re spray alot easier.

[Tomo]

Thanks for the photo's Adrian, some very disturbing ones at that! Good to see you fixing it all up.

[Adrian Lewer]

Thanks Tomo. I am looking forward to the rebuild.
The A/C was built by a TAFE as a project under 2 instructors (not sure what type )
the A/C was then rego'd under GA. The plane was sold to someone who then sold it to the person who had the accedent. I then purchased it from the insurance company.

The A/C was involved in an accedent some time ago which was not reported to RAA or CASA as I have been told by numerouse people who know the A/C history.

I will post the pictures tonight of the damage which occoured on the first non reported accedent.

Hope I am not stepping on anyones toes by reporting and doccumenting this here but hey, it's now my A/C I have limited Experience and need the advice and feedback to make this A/C safe for me, my family and those on the ground.

[Ultralights]

dont worry about the repercussions of its history being on display here, as you said, its Your aircraft now, and Safety first always! even if that means opening a can of worms from the past.

[Adrian Lewer]

Thanks Ultralights they where my thoughts.

Engine was ok'ed today by a rotax authorized repairer. come back with nothing wrong and apparently leak down was above average for a engine that had been sitting, this makes me more happier and wealthier ? or does it ? Engine log book will be filled out when I catch up with him to pick it up :0

Received A complete set of plans in the mail today. thanks to the Zenair distributer in bendigo (allan) as the set that come with the A/C where only partial ? Now I can start and make a list of T6 sheet needed to complete my Airframe Repair.

This Is The Turtle Deck With Ripples
As you can see even the canopy is botched up. I can fit my hand in the gap ?



This Is The Port Stub Wing
It is not even riveted to the ribbs ?



Port Lower Longeron With A Kink ?

[Deskpilot]

Adrian, gotta ask....why, in heavens name, did you buy that plane? Was it dirt cheap or what. I wouldn't trust any part of it.

[icebob]

Hi Adrian,
Looks like you have yourself a good restore job, hum just like doing up an old car.



Bob.