Southwest Stinson Club

Email Archives - Jan 97

I am considering purchase of a Stinson 108-1. I live in Connecticut and need a reference to a a+p experienced with Stinsons. I would like a pre-purchase inspection and a general idea of what the aircraft needs. Any ideas on what to look for or questions toask when I look at the aircraft myself. Thanks

Rob Fierberg

I have been having trouble with a clicking noise in my radio when I transmit. My Stinson 108-2 has a H.C. 165 Franklin. The ignition system is less than 2 years old ( Slick mags, shielded harness) and the spark plugs were replaced with resistor type at last annual, May '96. The "static/clicking" noise comes in at 1300 r.p.m.'s and speeds up as the engine developes r.p.m.'s. I have checked all my connections for the radio (a Terra 920) and have rebuilt the generator and replaced the voltage regulator. I have re-done the connections at the antenna, making sure I have a good ground. Basically, I feel like I have ruled out a grounding problem. Has anyone else experienced a radio noise problem like this? My A&P and I are scratching our heads. It's very frustrating to not be able to fly over what seems to be a minor problem.(the tower complains about my transmissions being "static-y & garbled") Oh, some additional info: I receive loud and clear and I have had the radio bench checked, twice!

Tim Payne
Jenks, OK

To the correspondent with the Terra radio transmit noise problems: Check to see that the microphone jack is insulated from the instrument panel with fiber or plastic insulating washers and that the wires from the mike jack are shielded and the shield connected to the ground terminal of the mike jack and only grounded at the radio connector. This sounds like a ground-loop problem. If you are using an intercom or an audio panel the problem can be complicated to find.

Larry Wheelock

I have enjoyed your page now for a few months. A lot of intresting things about Stinson's. I own 6793M, a 1948 108-3. She (Stella) is in fine shape. You can see her at http://www.inlink.com/~jack/dauster.html

Also, take a look at my "Smilin' Jack's Airport Page" http://www.inlink.com/~jack/

thanks,
Jack Irwin Capt. TWA

Recently, while working on another project, I ran accross some data that may be of interest. The following is the synopsis of the NTSB accidents for the Stinson 108-x and L-5 series for the past few years. I own a 108-1 and carry my family in it so dont misunderstand my intent. There are some things to learn here as well as some things to watch out for. Use your own judgment as to whether this is appropriate for your members. If you decide not to publish it, then those wishing to have the data may email their request directly to me. I will respond as time permits. Overall, the data sugest that the Stinson is a very safe aircraft.
D. Reeves
GO TO STINSON ACCIDENTS

John Hartley,

I saw your note in the SWSC web site, asking about a register of Canadian and US Stinson owners. There is a way to get a listing of U.S. based Stinsons from the Internet, though it is a bit involved. There may be a better method, but this is one I have discovered:

From the Southwest Stinson Club list of aviation links, look for the Larry Westin Stinson web page (a very useful compilation of information, Larry has done a great service for Stinson owners). From the Larry Westin web page, look for his link to N-number searches. This takes you to a variety of search engines to FAA aircraft and pilot databases. I use the "multiple field" search, and search state by state, carefully following the instructions and using the eight "aircraft codes" that pertain to the various Stinson models. For the 108 series they are: 9230402 and 9230412 (for the 108); 9230404 and 9230414 (for the 108-1); 9230406 and 9230416 (for the 108-2); 9230408 and 9230418 (for the 108-3). There are two codes for each model as some list the manufacturer as "Stinson" and some list "Universal Stinson." The search engine limits you to a response of 99 entries, so it is necessary to do your search in pieces. For smaller states, it is possible to search all of the codes at once. For larger states (such as California) you must search for one or two codes at a time. With a little experimenting, you will work out a system. Using this method I have printed out Stinson listings for all US states.

I have not been able to find a Canadian aircraft registry, but I have found lists for New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland and Great Britain. I would love to find a registry for Austrailia and Canada. Please let me know if you are aware of a method of obtaining Australian lists. Thanks.

John Baker Damascus,
Maryland Stinson 108-3 NC6197M
e-mail: sstarkey@erols.com

Bob Kendall asked me to advertise the following. Franklin 165 for sale, out of time engine complete,suitable for rebuild, replaced with 220 Franklinski .Interested parties please call Bob at 510.537.9670 before 7.00pm pst.

Regards, j.

January, 21 1997

Dennis,

Here’s some information about a Stinson project for sale that should be of interest to SWSC members. Could you please post this on the SWSC web page?

1943 Stinson V-77 restoration project Lycoming R680E3B 300 HP Electric starter Hamilton Standard Prop 2B20-9 Total operating hours: 488.15 No radios With logs for both airframe & engine Price: $25,000

The project is offered for sale by Mr. Arthur H. McEwen of Daytona Beach, Florida, who must sell due to health reasons. He purchased the Stinson in 1957 in Urbane, Illinois and left it there in storage for a year. In July of 1958 he flew the V-77 to Monroe, Connecticut and stored it in a barn on his farm. After retiring from the USAF, Mr. McEwen moved to Daytona Beach and taught at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. In 1982 he retrieved the Stinson from Connecticut, trailering it to Daytona Beach with the intent of restoring it. It has been hangared since then. Mr. McEwen has contracted Crohn’s disease, and wishes to sell the project to someone who will restore it.

I received a letter from Mr. McEwen’s wife, Edna S. McEwen, asking if I could forward this information to the SWSC. She says that Jim Kimball, a noted restorer in Florida, helped her with the pricing of the plane.

It sounds like that "airplane in barn" we’ve all been looking for. If I had the cash and weren’t up to my eyeballs in 108 parts, I’d consider it myself. Sure would love to have a Gullwing!

For more info, contact the owners:

Edna S. and Arthur H. McEwen, Jr. Post Office Box 265305 Daytona Beach, Florida 32126-5305 Telephone: 904-255-7655

Thanks!

John Baker Damascus, Maryland Stinson 108-3 NC6197M e-mail: sstarkey@erols.com

Dear Sirs, We are looking for our collection in Spain for an Stinson Reliant SR-10 similar to the units operating the time of the Civil War, if somebody have one and willing to sell it or to trade please call me:

tel: 34 3 205-5769 home/fax 419-2034 off e-mail : vonpodo@ibm.net

Best Regards,

Andres von Podolsky

Barcelona

+++

In the process of rebuilding my 108-1, I discovered it is equiped with 108-3 wings. I didn't think it was much of a problem, extra fuel too. The I.A. I'm working with, however, is going to require a FAA field approval. The wings have been on the aircraft since the Columbus Day wind storm in 1964, apparently with no problems. I haven't been able to find a STC for this subsitution; Univair engineering wasn't any help either ("don't why it wouldn't work"). I guess what I need is information on aircraft this has been done on (s/n's, 337 dates, and field approvals (if any)). Any help in this would greatly appreciated.

Please send responses to: gbunch@oregontrail.net

Thank you for any help!

Jerry Bunch

Membership is in the mail. Somehow I got ahold of an Oct 96 issue of In Flight USA. While browsing the paper, I came across a column by Elizabeth Galvin. She mentioned Larry Westin's web page, which I found to be just great. It of course, linked to SWSC page. Great again. I have two 108-2's. N446C and N9527K. I was looking for some good information and support on the Stinsons and the Franklin. I can't imagine me attending any of your west coast functions, but I can sure envy your better flying weather, and of course, more airplanes. This e-mail thing is great for keeping in touch. I welcome all having to do with airplanes. I am a crop duster by trade. Own and operate an AT301. I also have a couple of Howard DGA-15's which are not flying.

My snail mail address is: Ronald L. Cook, P. O. Box 672, Sergeant Bluff, IA 51054

Does anyone know of a spinner kit that will fit the new smaller 6 bolt hub? I would appreciate any information thanks

Larry Anzinger

My dad needs secondary wing struts and front seats for a 108-1. If you know of a place to buy them please send me the address or phone number.
thanks mark

I am looking to buy 6 "antique" inspection covers, They are steel, have cross clips, and have 4 small drain holes in the convex center section.

I cut a new inspection hole in my -2 and now find that I just can't buy inspection covers to match.

Chris Franklin E-Mail:
"Voyager@TheGrid.Net"
Voice: Days: (805) 781-5151 Nites: (805) 462-0126

Subject: Wanted: Inspection Covers
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 07:09:49 -0800
From: "Anon E. Muse"

I sent an E-Mail yesterday looking for inspection covers to match the one on my 108-2. I need to modify the request.

The covers I am looking for are Flat (as opposed to domed) Aluminum with stell clips. There are two crossed clips. About a third of the way in there is a ring and the ring has 4 drain vents.

If anyone knows where I can get some I'd really 'preciate it.

Chris Franklin E-Mail: "Voyager@TheGrid.Net" Voice: Days (805) 781-515 Nite (805) 462-0216

Thanks 'lot.

Subject: katherine stinson

I read with interest the note from Ms Cathy Orrick Luders, granddaughter of Martha Stinson Orrick. In regard to Ms Lunders interestin obtaining information regarding the Stinson family history, I wouls recommwend that she and her husband come to San Antonio, april 30th through May 4th when we are having the first Stinson Aerodrome Reunion. At this event will be a retired Air Force Col. who has made a study of the Stinson Family geneology. I do not have his name at my finger tips, but if Ms Luders would like additional information, she might want to contact Marcia Gietz at stinsonv@concentric.net. Marcia should be able to provide her a name and address.

I hope this may be of some use to Ms Luders and family.

Best regards,

Chuck Gruby and N300C

My name is Cathy Orrick Luders, granddaughter of Martha Stinson Orrick, whose nieces (I believe) were Katherine and Marjorie Stinson. I would like to obtain family history, not just aviation history. I have clippings and photographs of the Stinson girls and a photo of Eddie Stinson (who started the Stinson Aircraft Co. in Detroit), but I know little about the family. Are you able to assist in any way? Thanks.

Nathan Sharpe (S.W.S.C. Member) asked me to post his aircraft on the correspondence page. For Sale 1949 Stinson 108-3 2700 TTAF, 84 TTE 165 hp Heavy Case Franklin, 230 TTP McCulley 49 inch pitch, Engine majored in '95 to factory standards, Airframe clean, no damage history, Fabric 7 yrs old, Interior excelent, 3 pt harness, Full Panel EGT, CHT, T&B, VSI, Altimiter, clock, Intercom, Loran Flybuddy 11, Narco AT50 Encoder Mode C, Narco 810 Com Flip Flop, Narco 10C ELT, Wheel Pants & Skiis, Scott tailwheel, Cleveland brakes. $25,000 US or $32,000 CDN. Will also look at offers or trades.

Contact Nathan Sharpe 6357
South Kelly Rd.
Prince George, B.C. V2K 2G5 1-205-962-9796 or
E:Mail stinson@netbistro.com

Looking for oil filer kit for 6A4-150-B3. Any suggestions?

Hi, I'm learning very quickly how to get addicted to the internet. I grew up in Washington State, my maiden name is Stinson but I have no idea to what degree if any I'm related to Eddie, Katherine et al. I hope there's a connection. I'm a CFI, and several years ago I bought this model 10 which I found at the Winsted MN airport. She's all paid off, and between maintenance doses that always seemed to tie her up during the spring, summer and fall, I've probably put less than 40 hours on her. I'm considering paying off some debts, trying to simplify my life, and I keep considering selling the plane. It just seems silly to have a plane that needs lots of cosmetics and restoration (as far as I know she's mechanically sounds, though). She should belong to someone who can afford to fix her up, and perhaps someone who will fly and love her. Whenever I fly her, I talk myself out of selling, but I did take the plunge with an ad in Tradeaplane recently. So far I haven't sent any info out to the guys who've called. It's been too cold to go out and take photos. Well, I'm just checking in, would love to talk to anyone about this plane, this decision, whatever. I'm afraid to sell it, yet I'd love to be out from under the pressure of having to make so many payments for other things...long story, but I've been back in school, I'm switching careers. I had cancer a year ago and I decided to just go out and do everything in the world I want to do. No regrets, but debts do like to sit on your shoulder. If anyone knows this particular plane, or would like to know more, let me know. My flight school's in Winsted (where I found the plane) now, Lucky Mindy Aviation. I don't fly too much, leave it up to my business partner these days.

You can email me at luckymin@hutchtel.net

All the best to fellow Stinson lovers!

I have a 108-3 Voyager in a barn. The aircraft was being totally restored in 1972 when it was damaged in a wind storm. I subsequently moved the aircraft to VA in 1973 and it has been there ever since. The airframe and tail empannage are intact. The right wing is O.K. and the left wing is partially damaged. The engine is a 165 Franklin hardcase. It was rebuilt in 1972 and never started. It has sat on the bench of my shop ever since. I turn it over and put oil in the pistons a couple of times a year. If you are interested or know anyone that is. Please call me at 540-396-6112 or email at Greywolf@aol.com

I am trying to locate the Stinson that my father used to own. N number is 6010M. Want to find out if it's still flying, who owns it etc. Any help would be appreciated.

P.J. Ericson
513 Lake Forest Dr. Coppell, Tx. 75019 972-393-1818
or e-mail makitty@aol.com

installed new valve --appears to have four positions-off left,right,off.where have i gone wrong????? thomas.gaum@ns.sympatico.ca