I'd like to start the parts gathering stage for my second J3 project. This is a '46 metal spar basket case that was my dad's first airplane fifty years ago. I'd like to keep it pretty much stock except for a few mods based on my use. I operate out of my farm and in addition to general off-airport screwing around I deal with soft ground and mud. Before you jump on my case that a Cub shouldn't be modified, my intent isn't to turn this into some kind of F Atlee Dodge mountaineering plane...just something that handles my farm Cub flying a little better than the stock J3 I already fly.
So help me out with advice about what you would do.
1. Engine. I have a C85-12 that will be converted to a -8 and I will use as many O-200 parts as possible mainly because I have a lot of NOS O-200 parts including crank. I have a 71" McCaulley prop. JimC's O-200 field approval would be ideal but I don't see that battle in the cards.
2. Main gear. Looking at Clevelands so I can use 26" Airstreaks. At 21 pounds the 26" tires seem to be a good balance between weight and flotation. Sort of expensive but a new 8:00x4 and tube isn't exactly cheap. What, if any, main gear mods would you recommend?
3. Tail. X-mod on the fuselage. I have several Scott 3200 tailwheels and lots of parts for them so this is likely what will be installed. A Baby Bushwheel tailwheel might be nice but I probably won't spend the money since I have 3200s available.
Other than that stuff my goal is to keep it as standard and light as possible. Poly-Fiber, sealed struts, original fuel tank only, etc.
What do you think?
So help me out with advice about what you would do.
1. Engine. I have a C85-12 that will be converted to a -8 and I will use as many O-200 parts as possible mainly because I have a lot of NOS O-200 parts including crank. I have a 71" McCaulley prop. JimC's O-200 field approval would be ideal but I don't see that battle in the cards.
2. Main gear. Looking at Clevelands so I can use 26" Airstreaks. At 21 pounds the 26" tires seem to be a good balance between weight and flotation. Sort of expensive but a new 8:00x4 and tube isn't exactly cheap. What, if any, main gear mods would you recommend?
3. Tail. X-mod on the fuselage. I have several Scott 3200 tailwheels and lots of parts for them so this is likely what will be installed. A Baby Bushwheel tailwheel might be nice but I probably won't spend the money since I have 3200s available.
Other than that stuff my goal is to keep it as standard and light as possible. Poly-Fiber, sealed struts, original fuel tank only, etc.
What do you think?
