Free A model in WI

[Sabremech]

The 56 M20 Mooney runs! Today I fired the engine and let it run for a bit. Cycled the prop and all appears normal. The wing inspection will be complete this weekend and that will determine pushing forward with doing what needs to be done to return this machine to airworthy. 
There’s not much information available for this early model bird and it’s interesting to see how it functions and how it was built. 
Throttle needs some work as the gear switch is causing it to idle at 1500 rpm. Have to pull hard on the throttle to get it below 1000. The switch is not part of the throttle cable like the C I had previously, but mounted on the firewall and gets pushed in when the throttle lever is pulled back. I found the switch is bottomed out and the throttle is not the stop. 
Quite a few things need attention. Will post a video when I get it. 
David

[hammdo]

Woo hoo!

gonna be cool to see fly…

-Don

[Fly Boomer]

1 hour ago, Sabremech said:

There’s not slot of information available for this early model bird and it’s interesting to see how it functions and how it was built. 

Sounds like lots of fun!
 

[Sabremech]

Managed to get the aux tank out today to finish with the wing inspection.  While O have the airplane this far apart, I’m going to repair some damage to the lower skins from a gear up a long time ago. I just can’t leave it knowing it won’t take long to remove the sheet metal and fabricate some new pieces. Started my list of items that need to be addressed to get it airworthy. If I have t said it before, super neat project.

David

[hammdo]

Looks really clean…

-Don

[Sabremech]

Worked on getting access to the old O-320 today. Engine mounts are bad as the engine is sagging quite a bit and the carb air box is touching the firewall. Going to look at relocating the oil cooler and make a new air induction to attach to the stock carb air box. Making my list of what needs to be done! 
David

[Sabremech]

Still plugging away inspecting the M20 for issues before starting to return it to airworthy. In my mind, I’m almost convinced that all is in good enough shape to start spending money to get things up to snuff. I finished my jack adapters to jack the wood wing. The manual says have two people lift the wing and put a saw horse under the hoist point. It’s almost impossible to find two people when you need them now days. So that why I built adapters to go on my jacks. 5206B did some hangar flying the other day. Nose gear picks are shot but mains seem ok. I still think I’ll comply with S/B M20-161 with used parts I have on hand plus one additional part I’ll need to source that I don’t have. 

[RoundTwo]

That’s a whole new take on a “short body Mooney”. 
Exciting to see one come back to life.

[EricJ]

My hangar neighbor with the A model seems to have figured out some way to put it up on the sawhorses, as he seems to do it routinely.   If I think of it I'll ask him the next time I see him.

 

[kerry]

I put a 3/4'' pipe through the mains of the landing gear just above the wheels. Then I use a floor jack under the pipe.  I lift the wing up high enough to slide a 34'' sawhorse under the main spar approximately 2' outboard the main gear. 

[Sabremech]

I installed the new engine mounts today and have to admit, they were much easier to change on my former C model. Dynafocals are much easier than really old conical mounts! 
on to more items including brakes, brake hoses and tires! 
David

[Fly Boomer]

1 hour ago, Sabremech said:

I installed the new engine mounts today and have to admit, they were much easier to change on my former C model. Dynafocals are much easier than really old conical mounts! 
on to more items including brakes, brake hoses and tires! 

This is like the world's most expensive annual inspection.  

[hammdo]

Labor free though ;o) That will be like a ‘new’ M20 though when done!

-Don

[Fly Boomer]

1 minute ago, hammdo said:

Labor free though

Not sure about free, but deep discount for sure.  

[Sabremech]

33 minutes ago, Fly Boomer said:

Not sure about free, but deep discount for sure.  

I’m not going to keep track of the labor. It would be scary to see!! There will be a ton of time spent on it before I fly it. 
David

[Sabremech]

Today was landing gear day and starting to disassemble the brakes, hoses and get ready to c/w SB M20-161. Found the clamping of the brake hose to be interesting. Fabric wrapped first then these metal strips wrapped around. I kind of like them and may go back on with them. Depends on how much patience I have at the time. 
David

[N201MKTurbo]

I have new straps like that. I bought them at an antique shop. Let me know if you would like some. Yours look usable. The fabric under them is friction tape. You can buy it in the plumbing department at Home Depot.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/145735799717?

 

[Sabremech]

Today it was remove the nose gear day as I’m complying with S/B M20-161 which is converting to late style shock disks. After disassembly, the dreaded dented truss was found. Luckily, I have most of the parts needed from previous purchases over the years at EAA Aeromart. 
David

[Shadrach]

2 hours ago, Sabremech said:

Today it was remove the nose gear day as I’m complying with S/B M20-161 which is converting to late style shock disks. After disassembly, the dreaded dented truss was found. Luckily, I have most of the parts needed from previous purchases over the years at EAA Aeromart. 
David

Are there visible date codes on those Firestone discs?

I'm guessing they’re original? There’s a reasonable chance that those are the last set of  Firestones installed on any Mooney, anywhere.

[hammdo]

Just a bit over 1/32" — wow..

[Sabremech]

8 hours ago, Shadrach said:

Are there visible date codes on those Firestone discs?

I'm guessing they’re original? There’s a reasonable chance that those are the last set of  Firestones installed on any Mooney, anywhere.

You might be surprised like I am to find there are still more out there. I’m putting together another set of parts to comply with S/B M20-161 for a 62 M20B that still has the original Firestone disks installed. 
David