FlyDave Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 During annual last month on the Bravo my mechanic found the center support on the heater shroud had all 3 welds broken and the center support was loose inside the shroud. They had sent it to Knisley who they've used before with good results. I've also heard good things from other shops about Knisley. The issues for me started when Knisley sent back a quote to fix the 3 welds for $1,500 and couldn't commit to getting it done sooner than 2 weeks. I thought "Are you Serious?". They were. 3 little freaking welds, $1,500. So I started a search and called Custom Aircraft in El Cajon, CA. I ended up speaking to Clinton the owner. Very nice guy AND knowledgeable. We discussed what I needed and he asked me a questions about how I run my engine, what the rest of the exhaust system looked like, etc.. After looking at the pictures I sent him he suggested I send the front crossover as well as the stack for #4 and the flange that the VBand connects to with the $200 gasket. He told me that if I can't easily get a new gasket on the flange then he should make a new flange as well. Everything he said made sense to me so I shipped him all 3 components. Knisley just sent a quote for the basic repair of the crossover WITHOUT asking any questions - thanks for nothing Knisley! One issue that my mechanic said they frequently run into with exhaust repairs is that the repaired/fabricated exhaust does not fit back onto the engine. Custom Aircraft is not an FAA certified repair station and my mechanic had not heard of them prior to me (CB). So he called another shop in San Diego to get the low-down on Custom Aircraft. He called me back a few minutes later and said "send it. I'll install it". Custom Aircraft turned it around in 2 days and shipped it out just as requested (I needed my plane back for the Mooney Flyer Summit). My mechanic said that all 3 parts were installed without a hitch - they fit exactly like removed parts. Custom Aircraft's bill to repair the front crossover including replacing a lot of pitted areas on it and the #4 stack and made a completely new flange - ALL THAT FOR $1,000.00 (yes, you read that right 1 AMU!). Also, don't forget that this is a Bravo - the plane with stories of $8,000+ exhaust systems. Kudo's to Clinton and team - GREAT to work with, on-time delivery and great pricing. If you need exhaust repair or fabrication, call Clinton - you'll be glad you did. CUSTOM AIRCRAFT PARTS Aircraft Exhaust Systems Specialist 14374 Olde Hwy 80 El Cajon, CA 92021 1-800-561-1901 1-619-561-5757 Fax 1-619-561-5177 E-mail: sales@customaircraft.com 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbs007 Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 Great info. KSEE is my home field and I'll likely need some work done in a few months. Always nice to hear about good experiences too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carusoam Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 No reused Bravo exhaust clamps, right ??? Thinking out loud. Reusing Bravo exhaust clamps can lead to issues. The clamps are expensive. I have no first hand knowledge. Best regards, -a- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exhaust Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 FlyDave, all of us here at Custom Aircraft thank you for all the kind words; we specialize in repairs as well as custom systems for the experimental market, and we do aim to please! Our slogan is "Big enough to service but small enough to care" Sorry your experience with Knisley Welding wasn't as good, but I can tell you Knisley produces some of the best exhaust systems out there. If someone is looking for new PMA parts their the shop to go to. Thanks again and Happy Flying. Sincerely, Mary Ann & Clinton Anderson Custom Aircraft Parts customaircraft.com 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jezzie Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 Give these folks a chance. With the strong US dollar you might have an advantage money wise. Probably worth a phone call. I know they have a lot of US customers. Acorn Welding www.acornwelding.com/ Cached Similar Acorn Welding is your quality One Stop Shop for aircraft exhaust and engine mounts. Serving customers around the world we are Canada's largest aircraft ... 10916 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3P4(780) 447-5955 Acorn Welding has grown to become Canada's largest aircraft exhaust and engine mount company. Growing even more in 2006 with the purchase of Radial Exhaust from West Virginia, Acorn is now also the largest radial and vintage aircraft exhaust company in the world. Between 1999 and 2009, Acorn Welding successfully performed 30,353 repairs to various aircraft components. In the same time Acorn Welding successfully manufactured 212,206 various general aviation components from small brackets, braces, and struts all the way to large riveted assemblies. Today with a modern 50,000 sq..ft. facility, forty full time staff, almost 100 new manufactured products, aircraft exhaust and engine mounts for over 50 makes and 270 models, 750 fabrication fixtures, Acorn Welding continues to grow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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