Stinson 108 Technical Info
Page Created 1/31/99
Updated
12/31/01
Gathered here are technical tidbits that
I learned while restoring my Stinson. Some are hard-to-find facts,
some are sources for hard-to-find parts, others are simply my solutions
to challenges found during the restoration. Also included are technical
tips from other Stinson 108 restorers.
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Alternator
Conversion. Joe Kendzicky has installed the Stan Bedford alternator
conversion on his 108. Here are photos and documents. Added
7/15/00
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Calibration
and Use of Cable Tensiometers. Rigging the control cables should
be done with the aid of a cable tensiometer. Rich Tweedie provides
info on using these tools and specific tips for rigging the cables on the
Stinson 108. Updated 4/12/99.
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Center
Stack Avionics. Joe Kendzicky has designed a custom instrument
panel that includes an avionics "center short stack." See how he
did it. Updated 2/20/00.
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Circuit
Breaker Panel. The original circuit breakers are of the automatic
resetting type and are hidden behind the panel. I switched to modern
breakers and made a subpanel to avoid non-original holes in the face of
the main panel. Learn what I did here.
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Control
Column Universal Joint Boots. After 50 years, the original rubber boots
on the universal joints on each control yoke end will need to be replaced.
Here's where you can find replacements and what is involved in doing the
job. Updated 3/4/99.
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ELT
Installation. Here's a method to install an ELT with a hidden
antenna. Updated 6/6/99.
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Engine
Options -
a summary of known alternatives to the Franklin 150 and 165. Updated
12/31/01.
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Flap
Cable Alert. Many Stinsons have
a dangerous situation involving flap control cable misalignment that could
lead to loss of control of the airplane. Inspection and correction
is easy. Thanks to Rich Tweedie for this very important tip. New
2/23/99.
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Fuel
Valve. An improved fuel selector valve is now available
from Univair. Here are the details.
Added 11/9/99
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Fuselage
Tubing. Here are some trouble spots that you should inspect and
methods for repairing the tubing.
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Franklin
220. Rich Tweedie's notes on installing and operating the Franklin
220 in his 108-2, N175C. Added 4/9/99.
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Franklin
220, Part 2. Rich Tweedie's baffles and tandem oil cooler installation.
Added 4/27/99
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Instrument
Panel. Those who wish to restore the instrument panel of 108-1,
-2, and -3 aircraft to original condition may find my sources of parts
helpful. Updated 11/16/01
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PZL-220
Crankshaft in the Franklin 165. For those who need a new crankshaft
for the 165HP Franklin, this crank substitution may be an alternative to
an engine conversion. No STC required.
Updated 12/31/01.
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Rudder
Pedal Torque Tube Removal. Removing the torque tubes for the
rudder pedals is a little tricky. Here's how to do it.
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Stinson
Woodwork. In addition to the "woody" panels in the Flying Station
Wagon, wood is used in the cabin and baggage compartment of all 108 models.
Here's information to help in restoring the woodwork in your Stinson. Updated
8/23/00.
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Woody
panels for the 108-3 Flying Station Wagon. These are difficult
to make because of the "bent" wood used in the -3 model. Here's a
source for replica panels. Updated 3/15/01.
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