Bellanca Cruisair Aircraft Restoration: Chapter 2

After a month of some dirty work, it's time for an update on our Bellanca Cruisair Aircraft Restoration. The more progress we make, the more I fall in love with this classic machine. I hope you enjoy Part 2 of this adventure. Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts on this aircraft restoration. This is my first time restoring an airplane and I am learning a lot from the crew.

If you are new to this channel, welcome aboard! My name is Brady and I'm a filmmaker and pilot based in Florida. But above all I am a husband, father, and friend. On this channel you may notice I love the outdoors, traveling the world, history, and aviation. To fill in the gaps when I am not traveling or exploring I enjoy gaming and have been an avid gamer my whole life. Adventure is out there! Let's get to it.

#aviation #pilot #flying #aircraft #vintage #restoration #flightvlog #flight #history #bellanca #cruisair #vintageairplane #generalaviation #pilotlife #tailwheel #taildragger #classic #bradyskye

[captlarry-]

Best thing I ever did was install Cleveland Brakes on my Cruisair. The original master cylinders are easily rebuildable..and yes they will provide adequate pressure for the clevelands.. I spent years working on my expander tube brakes.. which of course failed anyway.

[tmiller]

I was a part owner in a 1947 w/the 165 Frank. N74403. Had the crank fail between the last two cyls. What I most remember is how much lift the wings had. Seems it would fly forever. Good luck with yours.

[russellesimonetta]

Lot's of aeromatic props out there. The main challenge is the blades for them!! Wood with plastic dip with a metal leading edge. Good luck.

[craigspicer]

Great utube videos and great production. Must be amazing experience your going through and having the talented people around you to make this come true.

[captlarry-]

About the Franklin engine.. the reason the original TBO was so low, was the poor lubricants available in the late 40's early 50's, and a lack of a real air cleaner and filter. The lower end can easily go 1500-1800 hours. Valve stem seizure is the most common engine failure mode, and it may be intermittant. It is cheap and easy to remove your valves, hone or replace the valve guides. DO This even if you feel you have an older O time engine ! and add the filters.

[django]

Man cant wait to see the finish restoration, love it

[brewz]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon your videos, they are great. I have been staring at my cruisair for about 10 years now, and you might be my motivation to finally start this summer. It is such a sexy little plane and perfect for some long distance trips. Good luck, you are doing great work!

[kristinchambers]

Keep it up! Can't wait to see the finished result.

[KBQAA]

I'm astounded at your reaction to an ashtray. You act as if it is some strange artifact from an ancient civilization that you can barely comprehend. (old guy).

[wareairaviationservicesllc]

Be sure to use Susan Prall for Franklin Parts, and AirWorx Aviation for Franklin repairs.

[josedavid]

WOW, what a master job! Well done guys! Congrat of keeping up history of AVIATION.

[briandallas]

very cool little plane, cant wait to see how your journey proceeds!


clear skys

[michaelwhite]

This is going to be an awesome airplane when you get it flying again! Gee. I hope Kent Tarver will work with you on the Aeromatic prop. Those are awesome props. This is one of the great post-war designs. It truly would fly 150 mph on 150 horses. Check out Leighton Collins's review of the Cruisair in his Air Facts magazine. I will continue to follow your restoration. I have flown two different Cruisairs. They are unbelievably smooth and just seem to glide through the air with absolutely no effort! Thanks for the videos!

[Wolficorntv]

Great update Brady. Love to see all the detailed, gritty love that goes into getting her restored. It's gonna be sweet.

[brownhorat]

It coming along nicely, lots of work, but will make you love it even more!

[bikramjitlubana]

Can't wait to see the whole plane ready . Just amazing you doing great work, ALL THE VERY BEST.

[splice]

Great work - I love it when folks take the time to do things right. If you are still looking for a prop, I stumbled on the Culver Props YouTube channel a while ago. It's a small family business which, over time, has turned into a one-woman shop! She may have a pattern for your prop in her collection. I think they are located in Missouri. Looking forward to the next update.

[IlyaZuyf]

Oh man! That is super nice! I like this model a lot, so beautiful. But never seen such good review of repair. So accurate and much attention to small details. Hope to see your last video with all results soon. To own this model of Belanca is like dream for me. Maybe in feature I will go your way to buy, restore and own.

[brianlott]

Thanks for the update. Not sure you will be able to realize the 150 mph goal. Most sources I have seen state 140 mph to 144 mph TAS is about the best you can hope for with the Aeromatic, the 165 hp and the wing root fairings. Of course, the airspeed indicator on the Cruisairs are notorious for indicating a higher than actual airspeed but they are considered accurate at the low end of the speed range. Your propellor selection will be key to maximizing your cruise performance. That will be a challenge.

What steps did your team take in inspecting the interior structure of the wings? I’d be interested in that process and what you’ve found.

[gordjenkins]

Great videos! I helped a buddy purchase and ferry a Cruisair from Alberta to west coast of BC back in '89. Couple things that I still remember - while reaching down for the flap handle, my shoulder pushed the throttle in. Not ideal but I did manage to find a better way to get at it. Also there was a small tab which would pop UP out of the top of the wing when the gear was cranked DOWN, and it would disappear back DOWN into the wing when the gear was cranked UP - what could possibly go wrong with that! :)