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Author Topic: Looking for a 500 B,U,S  (Read 3498 times)

JimC

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Re: Looking for a 500 B,U,S
« Reply #15 on: April 12, 2022, 10:22:24 am »
Are there any gotchas with very early 500Bs? I'm looking at one of the first ones (serial number < 10) and it's LIGHT - 4450 lbs. My research shows that the corrugated skins were lighter but slower, and the switch was made during 500B production at serial number 197 to go to thicker smooth skins. Does this sound right?

It seems that average 500Bs are about 4850 lbs and fat ones are over 5000 lbs. 400 lbs is a LOT of weight to leave behind - is it all skins or were there other structural changes?

Edit: I've found other 500Bs with serial numbers under 197 that have corrugated skins, and they're not this light. Does anyone know where the 400 lbs was added?
« Last Edit: April 12, 2022, 11:06:18 am by JimC »
500B, B200

JimC

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Re: Looking for a 500 B,U,S
« Reply #16 on: April 14, 2022, 08:28:22 pm »
Three weeks and I'm done. That was fast, even for me.
500B, B200

donv

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Re: Looking for a 500 B,U,S
« Reply #17 on: April 14, 2022, 10:19:58 pm »
So? What did you get?

JimC

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Re: Looking for a 500 B,U,S
« Reply #18 on: April 15, 2022, 08:36:17 am »
It's under contract but hasn't closed. I'd rate closing as "very likely" but it's not a 100% done deal yet. I'll share when I'm the owner.
500B, B200

JimC

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Re: Looking for a 500 B,U,S
« Reply #19 on: May 08, 2022, 10:35:36 am »
My brand new 1963 Commander 500B is in its new hangar. Unfortunately, it blew an o-ring in the Cleveland caliper right at the end of training my CFI, so I'm down for a few days.

It's a AirCenter conversion with almost all the mods. It's missing the co-pilot's frameless window, flap gap seals, and front door. I'll be adding the first two quickly, and the door later this summer.

It needs some work but we put almost 20 hours on it over the last two days bringing it home and doing as much training with Gary as possible.
500B, B200

donv

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Re: Looking for a 500 B,U,S
« Reply #20 on: May 08, 2022, 11:19:31 am »
I assume the door adds even more forward weight?

donv

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Re: Looking for a 500 B,U,S
« Reply #21 on: May 08, 2022, 11:59:14 am »
Also, pictures? I know they exist because I saw one on FaceBook!

JimC

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Re: Looking for a 500 B,U,S
« Reply #22 on: May 08, 2022, 04:30:16 pm »
Yep, the door will be more forward weight. I'm holding off for now. Removing the nose would be impractical without a donor nose - too much is missing and/or glued to new parts.

I think the cg is accurate - my trim lives at the end of the range in the nose up position and I need serious muscle to prevent a nose slam on landing.

Pictures: (not much has changed; they aren't old)
https://www.aircraft.com/aircraft/200803711/n151lt-1963-aero-commander-500b

I'll put up some of my own when I have something noteworthy to show.
500B, B200