Twin Commander

General Category => Airframe => Twin Commander Piston => Topic started by: JimC on January 17, 2023, 06:39:56 pm

Title: Looking for parts...
Post by: JimC on January 17, 2023, 06:39:56 pm
I need the following for a 500B:
LH outboard wing flap (corrugated)
Lord engine mounts (can't find new; will accept used but serviceable)
Cleveland wheel spacers (new are available for $700 each, looking for used)
Spinner bulkheads

Anyone got any leads or suggestions on who to call?
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: donv on January 18, 2023, 12:45:04 am
What happened?
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: JimC on January 18, 2023, 10:37:19 am
A series of pencil-whipped annuals collided with a thorough shop. There are a lot of parts I need, but these are the most $$$ and/or tough to find.

Flap - corrosion beyond limits
Lord mounts - worn out, can't find new.
Wheel spacers - damaged by a gorilla with a wrench, $700 each if new.
Spinner bulkheads - damaged by improper installation of split cowl mod

Speaking of split cowl mods....I heard that someone did a nice fiberglass one instead of the 18-bolt monstrosity that comes with the 90 amp alternators. Does anyone have the 337 for a clean split cowl mod they can share?
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: appleseed on January 18, 2023, 10:45:59 am
Maybe the Barry engine mounts you need are in stock.

94110-01

For the used parts I would start calling salvage yards. If you have the part number, they usually will help you connect with someone who has your part, even if they don't have stock
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: JimC on January 18, 2023, 11:47:34 am
I don't see that mount as an approved part. I show that as a part for a 500 model with the 250hp O-540 mount, not the 500B with the 290hp IO-540.

The primary part number I have is J-9555-3.
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: wesair44 on January 18, 2023, 12:04:08 pm
I used barry mount 94110-40 on my 500B. It fits fine.

 I am also looking for salvage yard to find the landing gear support on my 500B... Let me know if you find any
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: JimC on January 18, 2023, 12:32:21 pm
Hmmm...that part is for a 500A. That's a bed mount, and the 500B is a dynafocal mount. Barry's catalog does not list an application suitable for the 500B, 500S or 500U.

I'll keep searching. I also found another part number from Lord's catalog: J-9844-1, but still no availability.
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: Adam Frisch on January 18, 2023, 06:52:37 pm
I do have flaps and ailerons for the 520 - wonder if they might be the same for the 500B?
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: JimC on January 24, 2023, 12:25:36 pm
I found a flap. Byerly's parts dept is helping me track down the new numbers for the engine mounts. Wheel spacers I just bought outright. I'm getting the spinner bulkheads repaired.

Now I need:
One triple gauge (oil temp, oil pressure, fuel pressure)
One dual CHT gauge.

Anyone got any leads?
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: donv on January 24, 2023, 12:56:19 pm
Have you talked to Aero Air? I know they have a substantial Commander parts department.
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: JimC on January 24, 2023, 05:47:13 pm
Thank for the tip! Nick at Aero Air didn't have any off the exact parts I was looking for, but he did give me a lot of suggestions.

One thing he DID have was the new part number for the Lord mounts. J9868-5 is a kit that includes two J9555-3 rubber bushings. J9868-5 is widely available.

I found a used CHT gauge; now looking for a used triple gauge. I have a line on a new one but I'd rather pay less for used in this case.
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: JimC on January 25, 2023, 11:21:01 am
New engine mounts - found and ordered.

As removed CHT gauge - found and ordered.

Overhauled triple gauge collecting dust on a shelf since 1975 - found and ordered.

I think that's it! Hopefully it'll be ready to go when the props come back from the 500-hour AD.
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: Bruce Byerly on January 25, 2023, 07:06:51 pm
Who’s doing the work Jim?
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: JimC on January 27, 2023, 01:11:06 pm
Janet has helped me with most of the stuff I've called about.
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: Bruce Byerly on February 02, 2023, 12:47:01 am
Janet has helped me with most of the stuff I've called about.

I meant what shop is doing the wrench turning?
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: JimC on February 22, 2023, 04:38:20 pm
Santa Fe Aero. One of the mechanics used to take care of the state's fleet of Commanders, both piston and turbine.
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: Bruce Byerly on February 22, 2023, 05:28:50 pm
Sounds good!
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: donv on February 22, 2023, 08:09:32 pm
Does the state of New Mexico still have Commanders?
Title: Re: Looking for parts...
Post by: JimC on February 23, 2023, 04:29:18 pm
Nope, one of the governors dumped everything in a cost-cutting move.

The fixed-wing fleet has been reduced to one Vulcan/Partenair P68 observer for Fish & Game. It's next to my 500B right now getting two new engines.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/spudshot/17867844220

State Police have a bunch of choppers.