This plane has been flyable but due to the fact that as a new owner I want to ensure that it is structurally sound before any extensive flying. Also will be modified to non original paint schema. Will be painted as per the 1943 British Observation plane which is similar to the 11AC.

At this point the airplane is disassembled and in the shop. A base coat of paint has been applied and am now focusing on the control systems. There was a flaw in the design of the rudder peddles in that the individual break arms were attached to the peddle arm where the foot rests. In essence the heel of ones shoe is resting on the rudder peddle and during landing maintaining directional control requires considerable movement of the rudder peddle. Inadvertently a non intentional presser could be applied to one of the break arms causing the airplane to perform what we call a ground loop. Swapping ends while still moving down the runway sometimes damaging a wing or tail. I plan to modify this system to eliminate that possibility. This model of airplane has not been the most popular due to this design flaw.

At this point the plane is ready for cleaning, repair and reassembly. But this is where we start.

Fresh covering and paint on main fuselage of the plane. Military semi gloss. Rudder assembly, breaks and landing gear come next.

Began cleaning, blasting and painting of the various parts in the rudder peddle assembly. The most unenjoyable part of rebuilding is the cleaning and repairing.

The one thing unique about rebuilding an airplane is that every nut, bolt, screw and washer has a unique part number that that must be used. Especially rebuilding an airplane that was built in 1946 it can be a challenge to find legal parts but that is the fun of it. This is components of the rudder peddles and one of the control yokes. Had to be cleaned and the manufacture emblem repainted.

Inspection of the inner structure of the fuselage is critical as it is mandatory that any rotted wood or rust on the steel frame be repaired to new condition. The control cables are slack because of detachment. The steel tube frame provides the structural integrity and the wood formers provide the shape of the fuselage (body).

The tail wheel which is important to maintain directional control for landing and taking off and taxiing. This one has not been removed and rebuilt but is on the list to be done soon.

Auxiliary fuel tank will hold 8 additional gallons to the main tank holding 14 gallons. Unique feed system. The Aux tank is (in level flight) higher than the main tank so by opening a feed valve fuel will flow into the main tank via gravity.. Wow, high tech..

The 75 HP Continental engine is disassembled and on the engine stand. ready for the addition of cylinders, carburetor along with the rest of the accessories. Added two new Slick Mags with impulse couplers will make starting much easier. This old airplane has no electrical system except for magneto ignition so must be started my manually pulling the prop through ignition.

The original instrument panel as it looked in 1946. A newly designed panel will replace the old. Pictures to follow when completed.

In Texas one is always cautious even in a garage or shop. When I pulled out the seat frame from storage in my shop lookie what I found. A snake skin. Apparently been hold up in there for the winter. When ever I am working on the ranch, I always wear a small pistol with snake shot in it. When your not expecting it, that’s when you find them or they find you. While waiting for hardware for the instrument panel I will be re-finishing the seat frame and ready it for installation. This piece of skin was only about 1/4 of the whole thing..

Remodeled Instrument panel. Not so old fashioned style but a little more modern.Changed color of control wheel and polished Aeronca emblem. Still waiting for nuts and bolts for rudder cables and assembly.

Wheel hubs and break systems are under rebuild Left side completed except for installation.

Left landing gear rebuilt.. spring strut and covering. Currently right side in disassembly for rebuild.

Newly restored landing gear and break system. Standing on it’s own feet. Beginning to install the rudder peddles and break cables.

Completed installation and modifications to rudder / brake peddle to avoid premature breaking and possible loss of directional control.

Prepping the stainless steel firewall and making repairs in preparation of engine mount and engine installed. Waiting for ordered material currently.

New seat cushions for the chief. Still waiting for the rest of the engine mount bolts..

Finished deck and installed Fire Extinguisher.

Engine core mounted on engine mounts. Ready for cylinders.

Installed all four cylinders.

Instrument panel finished except for engine controls. There always seems to be something else to order.

Getting close on the engine. Always seems to be doing ranch work instead of working on my plane.

70 Year old mag switch and wiring.. Incredible that someone would fly an airplane with this. If I listed everything I have found, it would take a week….