Oshkosh 365 - Discussion Boards - Repairs needed in eastern Pennsylvania... Please....

Repairs needed in eastern Pennsylvania... Please....

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6
Posts

#1 Posted: 4/2/2011 21:14:13

Well, I've managed to ding my newly purchased Starduster Too about two weeks ago and had to leave it in eastern central Pennsylvania..... Hazelton, PA. [ KHZL ]. About 40 miles north west of Allentown, which is north of Philly.

I'm in desperate need of a homebuilder, who can weld 4130.... who would be willing to meet me there [ I'm from Texas ] to help facilatate the repairs. No prop strike, no wing damage, no tire / wheel / brake damage. The right main folded up with on a bumpy landing. One crushed fuel line, one broken tube, several broken welds. Some new 4130 tubing will be needed.

All the guys at HZL have been very, very helpful, but there is no one on the field who feels they want to take on the project. There is a local AP, at HZL.... who has offered up all his tools, welder, jacks... etc... what ever may needed.

I would like to find a local guy in eastern Pennsylvania [ or New York, New Jersey, Maryland ] who knows tube and fabric aircraft,... someoone who has Starduster, Acro Duster, Pitts type knowledge and someone who can weld. I'm pretty sure it's a one weekend project if we have all the needed parts on hand [ 4130 tubing and some fuel line tubing ] . I'll cover your expenses and more.....

Please.... if anyone knows of someone who can help, please advise....

Photos and more info available, just drop me a line.... here at OSH 365....

Thanks.... Mike V

Charlie Becker

109
Posts

#2 Posted: 4/4/2011 16:15:31

Mike,

Sorry to hear of your predicament.

I would suggest getting in contact with the chapters in the local area. It doesn’t appear that there is one in Allentown but there are some nearby. Typically, a chapter usually has an expert homebuilder or local A&P that works on homebuilts. Here is a chapter map where you can look up the contact info for each chapter.

http://eaaapps.org/chaptermap.aspx

Best of luck getting your bird home.

Built Sonex, Own J-3 Cub

Neil Sidders

50
Posts

#3 Posted: 4/4/2011 18:14:36

<Biplaneforum.com> May be some builders in that area that can help.

Mike Vessels

6
Posts

#4 Posted: 4/4/2011 22:08:45

Hello Charlie.... thanks for your reply and the link to the EAA chapters across the country....

I'm going to contact all the chapters within about 100 miles of Hazelton, PA. Hopefully, I will find a willing soul who can lend a hand !! Thanks !!! Mike V

Mike Vessels

6
Posts

#5 Posted: 4/4/2011 22:11:23

Hello Neil.... thanks for your reply and I'm going to do just that.... contact some of the nearby EAA chapters to see if someone may be able to help. Charlie was kind enough to post a link to a US map, that links to EAA chapters all over the country. I'm going to get started emailing tonight....

Thanks again... Mike V

John Melvin

3
Posts

#6 Posted: 4/7/2011 22:50:33

Mike,

Contact me direct at jmelvin106@aol.com . I may have a solution for you.

John Melvin

Mike Vessels

6
Posts

#7 Posted: 4/7/2011 23:35:07 Modified: 4/7/2011 23:36:38

I'm happy to say that the response has been amazing. On Monday night I went to the link that Charlie Becker suggested. I contacted several EAA chapter presidents in the area of Hazelton PA. and made my plight known. My mail box was full the next afternoon. I had a reply from every single EAA chapter I contacted !!

Everything has come together in just a few short days. Mr. Doc D., a member of EAA Chapter 390, has taken a look at the aircraft and has committed to making the repairs. Mr. Mike H., from KHZL, has kindley offered up his vacant hanger so we are out of the elements. I can't thank these guys enough for their help.... and all the other guys at KHZL who have helped out.... Dave, Tony, Barry, Bob, Chris, Roman, Mike... and more.... Makes me proud to be an EAA member and a member of the aviation community !!

Thanks again to all....

Mike V