PA-16 Cowling Options

[colehanson4@gmail.com]

Hey all, I'm looking for recommendations for engine cowling replacements(upper and lower) for my Clipper, I understand a bunch of people would repair or make their own but I'd like to hear some other suggestions before I head in that direction. I've got an O-320 A2B installed currently and the cowling has had quite a few repairs in it's long life with patches over patches and such. How close is a PA-20 cowling to a PA-16? Are there any vendors of aftermarket replacements?(I've searched and haven't found any) Is there a decent probability I could find a good used set? Thanks in advance!

 

[mmoyle]

Both the PA20 and PA22 firewalls and boot cowls are different when compared to the PA16. Univair only offers the nose bowl. From the lack of results when searching for PA16 cowls it looks like you’ll need to have a cowl fabricated. If you make the cowl the nice thing since it’s sheet metal, an auto body shop can color match your and paint the parts in less time and cost than the average aircraft maintenance facility.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Gilbert Pierce]

I have seen a number of PA16’s with PA-20 cowls. Here are three Clipper’s with PA-20 cowls. Steve made my Clipper cowling.

 

[Steve Pierce]

I have built 3 Clipper cowls over the years. Pictures here. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ny62oeyvssYaFcyX6

 

[Bob E]

What is the best material and thickness to use making a new cowling?

 

[Smokey]

6061T0. greater than or similar tensile strength than the original 3000 or 5000 series used on the cowl. Cheaper, easier to work with (bending), and less corrosive and prone to cracking than 2024T3.

Since it is not structural you could go the T0 temper. That would allow you to form the lower lip or flange around a wood buck. If you used the T6 or T4 you may not be able to maintain a minimum bend radius (43-13.1b) on the lower flange to prevent it from cracking at the grain. I would also lay your pattern out at a 45 degree angle to the grain of the sheet to help prevent cracking. Or You could make the flange from T0 and the cowl from T4 or T6 and rivet it to the cowl.

I would also radius all the corners of the air inlet to stop cracks from forming in the future.

Todd

 

[Steve Pierce]

I used 2024-T3 .032" on the cowls I built in the photo album posted above. No cracks, dents etc. but I did use a slip roll to get the shape.

 

[Pacer42Z]

I started the restoration process on my Pacer in 2020 by restoring the cowling. I had to make a new top center piece and the right-side cowling. I used 2024 T-3 .032". Five years later and about 600 hours on it shows no cracks.

Juergen
Pacer N3342Z