1979 Bensen B8M rebuild

[Mark Spies]

Hey Guys
The before picture when I got it and when I an now.The complete Airframe has been taken apart,cleaned and built back with all new hardware,bearings,ect.It's looking better and should have the Airframe finished next week and then on to the mac engine.This has been a fun project so far.If anyone has some pics of their rudder and nose wheel setup that I can look at that would be great.Well back to work... Mark

[scandtours]

Hey Guys
The before picture when I got it and when I an now.The complete Airframe has been taken apart,cleaned and built back with all new hardware,bearings,ect.It's looking better and should have the Airframe finished next week and then on to the mac engine.This has been a fun project so far.If anyone has some pics of their rudder and nose wheel setup that I can look at that would be great.Well back to work... Mark

Mark
I dodnt know if this can be of any help. I have all Besen detaild plans which I can send.
Giorgos

[Mark Spies]

Thanks,
I have a set of plans but could use some pics of one done to make sure I am going in the correct way. Mark

[Timchick]

Here's how I have my front wheel connected.

[Mark Spies]

Tim,
Thanks for the pics, Mark

[Timchick]

Mark,
The springs I ended up using to couple my nosewheel to my pedals are smaller/lighter than the ones in the photos. When I'm sitting still I can move my rudder pedals back and forth and the springs stretch, barely moving the front wheel. Once I'm rolling the springs will move the front wheel when I move the pedals. If I land with any rudder input the springs are light enough to allow the front wheel to straighten.

[Mark Spies]

Tim,
What about the rudder return springs,there were long ones from the bottom of the pedal back to the center tubes about 16". Mark

[Mark Spies]

Here is what I have so far...And with the metal tail do you need the 10* to the right. Mark

[kss1000e]

My demand BENSEN size diagram paper, who have? younghao@hotmail.com

[Mike484]

Good work, I like to see these older gyros resurected. They are what started all of this sport stuff and it's such a shame to see one sitting and rotting in a garage or barn.

[Mark Spies]

Well I have been at a stand still for a few weeks.I have the engine in and two jugs are on and all the fuel lines and pulse pumps are run.As soon as I get the last cyl from R&D I will be able to fire her up.The 90 Mac has been completly rebuilt and looks almost too nice to start.I also have gotten a few small parts from Tom for the pre-rotor.I will post some new pics soon. Mark:rapture:

[scottessex]

Mark, just make sure you tie that sucker down, before trying to hear it run! ;)

[Mark Spies]

Well Guys nothing to report at this time.Still waiting on the jug and piston from R&D and it's starting to get old fast.Have been trying to get the engine together since April 08 andI just sit here and wait.....

[Timchick]

Tim,
What about the rudder return springs,there were long ones from the bottom of the pedal back to the center tubes about 16".
Mark

Sorry, just noticed your question. I have springs on the top of my pedals going forward to a point on my front boom. Those springs hold tension on my pedals.


.............Well Guys nothing to report at this time.Still waiting on the jug and piston from R&D and it's starting to get old fast.Have been trying to get the engine together since April 08 andI just sit here and wait.....

Mark

Been there, done that. Go Rotax.

[Mark Spies]

Tim,
Maybe this week they will show up:rolleyes:If I did not have so much money in this Mac I might go there....

[Friendly]

Mark,
are you going to bring the gyro to Gonzales April 21st.?

[Mark Spies]

Maybe if I have the engine finished,I have it over in Houston at this time.Not much to do to finish it,check the rigging and put the pre-rotor on. I would like to get over there if I can.

[Mark Spies]

Well guess what UPS brought me today.:noidea:..the parts from R&D :drum:.I should have the engine finished this weekend.I will post some pics ASAP.

[Friendly]

Mark
What parts did you get from R&D? I am fixing to tear down a Mac for rebuild and will need new parts if available

[Mark Spies]

I had to replace one Jug,piston and rod for this 90HP Mac.I also bought a new NOS set of cooling cowls,overhauled the Mag,new everything else in the engine.I also got a new CHT with 4 position switch,18mm thermo couples,new tach.Right now as we speek I have 2632.00 in just the engine.Call me and I can give you more info...

[Mark Spies]

Some new pictures of the engine ect:

[Friendly]

Looks nice, the pictures are small. hope to see you at Gonzales

[All_In]

It does look good!!!

[Mark Spies]

I really do not know who to get the pictures bigger...

[Mark Spies]

Well after almost a year the Bensen is finished.Would like to thank a few people for their info and advise in getting this done. Rick,Tim,and Mike Thanks...Also Red Smith for getting me the cherry Mac parts.Her dry weight is 297.8 and she is just as stock as she came in 1979.I am very happy:whoo:it is finished...now on to the next project.....:rolleyes:

[Mark Spies]

Just a few more...

[Rick Whittridge]

Mark, It looks real good. You should be proud of your rebuild. Glad I could help you. SAFETY FIRST , Have you had Fire in Hole? Be sure to tie the machine down while you break in the engine. :whoo:

[Timchick]

Looks great. It's hard to believe how much weight that paint adds. ;)

[Friendly]

Looks great. It's hard to believe how much weight that paint adds. ;)

We still use lead in the paint .

Mark,
you will never get over the Bensen with a Mac. They are like first loves.:first:

[Mark Spies]

Thanks Guys,
It has been fun and she is rebuilt correct.I had a good platform to start with.I will try and get her started as soon as I can get up to Hooks to get sone Avgas.Now she will sit till I can find someone to do some training.I did fly one 20 years ago with a overhead control,just some bunny hops.I really just wanted to restore her,thats what I love to do...maybe she will get put up forsale.I have so many hobbies it is hard to just stay on one.Anyway again THANKS to all who have help me on this project,you Guys are the BEST..... Mark

[Mark Spies]

I knew I forgot someone...Tom...Thanks for the tank seat and pre-rotor parts. Mark