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Thread: Modernizing the Pacer?

  1. #21

    Join Date
    Jun 2010
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    Hutchinson, MN
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    Default Re: Modernizing the Pacer?

    Dynon Skyview including auto pilot.
    Garmin 650 type radio.
    Complete re-wire.
    Electronic Ignition
    180 Hp with CS prop.

  2. #22

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    Jun 2010
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    Hutchinson, MN
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    Default Re: Modernizing the Pacer?

    Forgot to add: Slotted Wings

  3. #23
    Administrator Steve Pierce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Modernizing the Pacer?

    What is your mission? That would be the first question. I bought a T18 Thorp a while back and keep looking at the 1977 panel and avionics. I got excited thinking of the possibilties because of it being experimental. It quickly became aparent that I would be sending thousands of dollars to replace things that work fine with these great new wonders to fly day vfr from point A to point B which I do right now just fine with the bare minimum instruments and an older handheld GPS. The new stuff is really nice but I would rather spend the money flying it and going places. I am sure I will slowly upgrade the radio, transponder and engine instrumentation starting with a fuel flow gauge a friend gave me.

  4. #24

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    May 2018
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    Central Louisiana
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    Default Re: Modernizing the Pacer?

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Pierce View Post
    What is your mission? That would be the first question. I bought a T18 Thorp a while back and keep looking at the 1977 panel and avionics. I got excited thinking of the possibilties because of it being experimental. It quickly became aparent that I would be sending thousands of dollars to replace things that work fine with these great new wonders to fly day vfr from point A to point B which I do right now just fine with the bare minimum instruments and an older handheld GPS. The new stuff is really nice but I would rather spend the money flying it and going places. I am sure I will slowly upgrade the radio, transponder and engine instrumentation starting with a fuel flow gauge a friend gave me.
    I'm at the same place with my Pacer, have a 430w sitting on the shelf but have an ipad mini mounted in the plane that does everything I need to do. Would like to finish my IFR rating, but have no plans to fly actual IFR in the Pacer.....

  5. #25
    wmvosburgh's Avatar
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    Feb 2017
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    Default Re: Modernizing the Pacer?

    If you're doing the complete rebuild I would consider some of the x-brace modifications discussed in this thread:
    http://www.shortwingpipers.org/forum...hlight=x-brace
    I'm thinking this would be a big priority if I had the fuselage bare for an upgrade.

  6. #26
    Administrator Steve Pierce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Modernizing the Pacer?

    Quote Originally Posted by wmvosburgh View Post
    If you're doing the complete rebuild I would consider some of the x-brace modifications discussed in this thread:
    http://www.shortwingpipers.org/forum...hlight=x-brace
    I'm thinking this would be a big priority if I had the fuselage bare for an upgrade.
    The Pacer has a V structure overhead like a Husky so it is pretty good in that area. Brian does something like an X in the tail.

  7. #27
    alaskadrifter's Avatar
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    Aug 2008
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    Default Re: Modernizing the Pacer?

    I wouldn’t add any fancy avionics to mine, maybe a Garmin G5. But some carbon fiber here and there and those slotted flaps would be awesome.

  8. #28

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    Feb 2010
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    Eufaula, OK
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    Default Re: Modernizing the Pacer?

    I put a Garmin G5 in my Thorp because it didn't have an attitude indicator or a vacuum system. I occasionally lose the GPS signal in the turns so I recommend using an external antenna with it.

  9. #29
    rsrguy3's Avatar
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    Dec 2014
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    Ogden
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    Default Re: Modernizing the Pacer?

    I'm with ak drifter on the g5, I'd probably install 2 and throw out the ancient dg and ai. That would also allow me to use the second one as the vor(if ever), I'd probably go with a cgr 30p and install the fly pad on the right side just like Mark. I'm not excited about the surface mount look of the g5's so I'd machine a flush mount for them and go back over the whole panel with a factory style bezel. For sure I'd do the airframe SB and ad a pilot door and the skylight. Then I'd rewire, install LEDs and a uavionix adsb, then I'd pillage all the excess weight. I'd get really excited if I could use oratex. Once I decided on the mission (bush or xc) I'd install -18 gear, tail and cartoon rubber, or streamline for speed. Oh and a O360 and cs.... So, to recap, unless I got all those components for a song or donated I'd be bucks ahead to rebuild a basic 180, 185 or 206, or a -18, disgustingly it probably wouldn't cost alot more than my dream pacer, and it would be easier for the bride to sell once I attained room temp..... Sure wouldn't be anywhere near as fun to fly though. Flying a spam can is like........ lots a boring
    Last edited by rsrguy3; 11-05-2018 at 05:12 PM.

  10. #30

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    May 2009
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    Navarre, FL.
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    Default Re: Modernizing the Pacer?

    I would leave as much out as I could.
    I "Modernized" in 1975 and if I rebuild again I would do 1950.

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