337G Project - Progress

[SkyMac]

Good Morning Everyone


Firstly I trust all of you have had a safe and Merry Christmas with family and friends, tomorrow another year begins and happy New year to all.

I thought it was about time I gave a short update on restoration of my 74 337G as it nears completion.

But before I go into more detail, I truly want to recognise Herb, Don Nieser, the team at Preferred Airparts, Yingling and this forum, without all the assistance completing this mammoth task would not have been possible.

And I am sure I will be calling on the expertise of this forum as we start to de-bug once it is operational.

So where are we?

I am now 5 years down the path of the restoration with over 1600hrs into the project, keep in mind I spend up to 7 months of the year overseas with work. Firstly my aim was to keep the aircraft as original as possible, therefore I have scoured the world for many new parts.

Since arriving back into Aus just over a week ago both engines and props have been installed (just doing the plumbing) refurbished exhaust and new baffle rubbers (McFarlane) should be fitted in the next couple of days.

Every nut, bolt and washer that was removed has been replaced with new, all hydraulics actuators have been rebuilt, hoses replaced and electric pump O/H. Instruments either rebuilt or replaced with original, complete new set of circuit breakers and new terminals fitted, new cables, fuel tanks removed and repaired, new tyres, brakes and bearings, rebuilt front leg, new plastics, new leather interior, rebuilt yokes, rebuilt cowl flap systems, all new micro switches everywhere, a strip and repaint naturally and the list goes on..........and yes SiD's have been completed.

I feel there is still approx. 200hrs to go before we attach wings, booms etc. Before any of you ask, yes I am still married! very patient wife and she doesn't like being in small planes.

The cost so far, lets say it's considerable, but worth every bit to bring this back to better than showroom condition.

A little bit of history, it took me 2 years to find a suitable 337G to undertake a project of this extent, one that was complete but not loved. OK so I have gone way beyond what I originally planned, but I am looking at this old girl as part of the family and it will see my flying days out.

Anyway I have recorded every minute I have spend removing and replacing each component, nut, bolt etc and in doing so come to learn that patience is something you need with aircraft, deep pockets and very small hands which I don't have. You might say I could have bought one cheaper in operational condition and flown it straight away, but think of all experience I would have missed out on and all the great connections I have made along the way.

Main thing, the end is near!

So a couple of photo's of the engines installed this week.

Aircraft details
Reg:VH-DMS
1974G SN337-1575
Airframe TT 1953hrs
FE IO- 360G 553 SFRM - Calender 12 years to go (Just been bulk stripped and freshened up, rings, bearing etc)
FP 227 S O/H - Including Gov
RE IO-360GB1B 589 SFRM - Calender 8 years to go
RP 227 s O/H - Including Gov

Everything else is new.