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warhawk1

warhawk1

Member
Hey guys (and gals) I just purchased an RV-6 and I’m really excited to get flying. My plan is to fly it 25-50 hours without touching a thing. The airplane has dual emags, a Garmin 175 GPS, and not much else worth mentioning. I’m seeing lots of avionics for sale on the classifieds here. Does anyone have experience buying used avionics from here? It’s certainly cheaper than buying them new. I’d like to eventually do a G3X with autopilot.
I’m tall so also getting the almost a 14 mod and the slider extension for the canopy.
Does anyone have any info on the battery relocation? Are trays available or will I have to make one?
Sorry for the long post. Anything else you guys think I’ll want to add or need?
 
Welcome! As far as the avionics, understand that there are folks moving from some of the older avionics into the newer G3X type displays. Garmin just released the new AXIS and there are more than a few brand new G3X’s for sale that have never been used by guys upgrading to the AXIS.

I have a -7 that was made with minimum instruments & day VFR only. IMG_6941.jpeg The depth between the instrument panel and sub panel was insufficient for the radio depth. I had to cut a window in the sub panel for enough depth for the radios & connectors. The structure behind this window dictated the location of the radios on the instrument panel.
IMG_0251.jpeg My new G3X panel is almost complete IMG_8536.jpeg
 
Lots of new Garmin on here. There are some tips on how to avoid a scam. Probably worth reading.
Supertracks are awesome. Best slider mod. They do require a little work but not horrible.
Battery? It would help to know what battery is installed, where, what replacement battery, where and maybe why. Short answer is maybe. Vans sells the battery box. EarthX sells battery boxes as well.
 
Generally I've done OK buying used avionics here. **** However **** periodically scammers get in. Or you'll get a message 'oh, I see you are looking for a whatzit ... I know Joe has one, contact him at [email protected] Big red flag. The "looking for" posting will get you a lot of that.

Be sure you understand all the needed parts to make it work. Study the installation manuals (almost all available on line). You may discover to have your GPS talk (fully) to your 'whazit' it needs an extra interface box... that rarely comes up used and Garmin wants $$$ for it new.

The firewall battery box from the RV7 works fine... if you have the space not cluttered with other stuff.
 
Welcome. Help here is abundant. Just ask.

Good plan to fly for awhile and see how it grows on you. Regarding the battery, why would you want to relocate it? Just curious? You'll want to take CG into consideration.

Now is a really good time to be looking at a G3X system, even it it just starting to collect the LRU (Line Replaceable Units).

For example, I had bought all my G3X stuff and before I got a chance to install it, then Garmin releases AXIS. Damn. So displays are cheap right now. Other G3X stuff comes up regularly as well. You can probably put together a sweet system very economically.
If you want an autopilot (a really good addition if you want to do any long distance flying) before getting the rest of the G3X together, get a G5 and servos and you're good to go, plus it all joins up later when you get the stuff for the G3X.

One piece of advice, read the sticky "Never buy/sell anything w/o FaceTiming or Zooming the person" at the top of the classifieds.

Again, welcome and good luck. You'll love your 6. the more you fly it.

Laird
 
rockyfatcat said:
Welcome! As far as the avionics, understand that there are folks moving from some of the older avionics into the newer G3X type displays. Garmin just released the new AXIS and there are more than a few brand new G3X’s for sale that have never been used by guys upgrading to the AXIS.

I have a -7 that was made with minimum instruments & day VFR only. View attachment 124027 The depth between the instrument panel and sub panel was insufficient for the radio depth. I had to cut a window in the sub panel for enough depth for the radios & connectors. The structure behind this window dictated the location of the radios on the instrument panel.
View attachment 124026 My new G3X panel is almost complete View attachment 124028
Click to expand...
Love it! You’re giving me great ideas.
 
wirejock said:
Lots of new Garmin on here. There are some tips on how to avoid a scam. Probably worth reading.
Supertracks are awesome. Best slider mod. They do require a little work but not horrible.
Battery? It would help to know what battery is installed, where, what replacement battery, where and maybe why. Short answer is maybe. Vans sells the battery box. EarthX sells battery boxes as well.
Click to expand...
I just want to have some more room on the floor inside, that’s all.
 
Laird said:
Welcome. Help here is abundant. Just ask.

Good plan to fly for awhile and see how it grows on you. Regarding the battery, why would you want to relocate it? Just curious? You'll want to take CG into consideration.

Now is a really good time to be looking at a G3X system, even it it just starting to collect the LRU (Line Replaceable Units).

For example, I had bought all my G3X stuff and before I got a chance to install it, then Garmin releases AXIS. Damn. So displays are cheap right now. Other G3X stuff comes up regularly as well. You can probably put together a sweet system very economically.
If you want an autopilot (a really good addition if you want to do any long distance flying) before getting the rest of the G3X together, get a G5 and servos and you're good to go, plus it all joins up later when you get the stuff for the G3X.

One piece of advice, read the sticky "Never buy/sell anything w/o FaceTiming or Zooming the person" at the top of the classifieds.

Again, welcome and good luck. You'll love your 6. the more you fly it.

Laird
Click to expand...
Thank you! Just want to put the battery box firewall-forward for some extra leg room.
 
warhawk1 said:
Thank you! Just want to put the battery box firewall-forward for some extra leg room.
Click to expand...
I kinda liked the battery box between the pedals. I used it to help push myself up the seat to get out. Certainly options to put it on the firewall but I never liked the idea because of the hot environment. Always felt it led to premature battery failures. You'll have to reroute the big cables as well. Bit of a chore, but not insurmountable. Like you said, live with it awhile. You'll probably get used to it.

L
 
warhawk1 said:
Hey guys (and gals) I just purchased an RV-6 and I’m really excited to get flying. My plan is to fly it 25-50 hours without touching a thing. The airplane has dual emags, a Garmin 175 GPS, and not much else worth mentioning. I’m seeing lots of avionics for sale on the classifieds here. Does anyone have experience buying used avionics from here? It’s certainly cheaper than buying them new. I’d like to eventually do a G3X with autopilot.
I’m tall so also getting the almost a 14 mod and the slider extension for the canopy.
Does anyone have any info on the battery relocation? Are trays available or will I have to make one?
Sorry for the long post. Anything else you guys think I’ll want to add or need?
Click to expand...
warhawk1,
Welcome.
As a -6A driver, you will love it and want to "make it yours".
Good plan to for 25-50 hrs before prioritizing changes.
Buying used her can save $, realizing you are always a step behind the newest and coolest avionics.
Ditto what others said about avoidance of scamers.
Rather than scab together panel changes, think, think, think then get more input. Consider cutting a new one.
Daddyman58
 
The more you poke around on here, the more things you'll add to your list! Good plan to fly it and enjoy getting to know the airplane, some of the items may change in priority.

Welcome!
 
Daddyman58 said:
warhawk1,
Welcome.
As a -6A driver, you will love it and want to "make it yours".
Good plan to for 25-50 hrs before prioritizing changes.
Buying used her can save $, realizing you are always a step behind the newest and coolest avionics.
Ditto what others said about avoidance of scamers.
Rather than scab together panel changes, think, think, think then get more input. Consider cutting a new one.
Daddyman58
Click to expand...
I had read -6. If you have any of the -A nose-wheel RV’s, You should seriously consider the antisplat aero nose-wheel mod.
IMG_8701.png

The Nose Job 2 – AntiSplatAero

antisplataero.com antisplataero.com
 
warhawk1 said:
Hey guys (and gals) I just purchased an RV-6 and I’m really excited to get flying. My plan is to fly it 25-50 hours without touching a thing.
Click to expand...

Seriously, forget avionics for now. Update the airframe. The -6 is a fine airplane, but most have some age on them...and they are from a more free-wheeling era.

(1) obtain a set of plans if you didn't get them.

(2) find someone local who really knows the model. I'm not talking about a local A&P, but rather someone familiar with the -6 specifically. Ask them to inspect.

(3) review and confirm completion of all the service bulletins. Not to short change any of them, but the rudder pedal reinforcement and nose fork upgrades are kinda critical.

(4) if it has not already been done, update all the rubber parts, baffle seals and snap-crackle-pop hoses in particular.
 
The almost an rv14 mod is certainly worth doing, i did it on my tip up which was a bit more complicated than a slider would be, but it was still a weekend upgrade. Definitely have an A&P /or experienced builder help though. Do you have the vans style seats or fancier after market ones? That will play a factor in head room/comfortability as well (highly recommend getting classic aero or another brand of custom seats).
 
rockyfatcat said:
I had read -6. If you have any of the -A nose-wheel RV’s, You should seriously consider the antisplat aero nose-wheel mod.

The Nose Job 2 – AntiSplatAero

antisplataero.com antisplataero.com
Click to expand...
Consider it…sure. But know that several us have been tracking nose-overs for many years, and there are a number of them that had the Anti-splat that have gone over on the nose as well. It’s not a panacea. Proper piloting technique and careful selection of airfields probably has more to do with preventing rollovers than bolting something on that you then presume to keep you upright.

Anecdotally, I have seen far fewer nose-overs in recent years posted on this and other RV web-places…is that because folks stopped talking about them, because folks took the fact that you have to handle them right (and are getting better) seriously, because of the Anti-splat, or because Vans offered an upgrade for -7’s and above? Don’t know…but anything that moves the needle effectively is a good iea.
 
Ironflight said:
Consider it…sure. But know that several us have been tracking nose-overs for many years, and there are a number of them that had the Anti-splat that have gone over on the nose as well. It’s not a panacea. Proper piloting technique and careful selection of airfields probably has more to do with preventing rollovers than bolting something on that you then presume to keep you upright.

Anecdotally, I have seen far fewer nose-overs in recent years posted on this and other RV web-places…is that because folks stopped talking about them, because folks took the fact that you have to handle them right (and are getting better) seriously, because of the Anti-splat, or because Vans offered an upgrade for -7’s and above? Don’t know…but anything that moves the needle effectively is a good iea.
Click to expand...
+1

No splat stuff here.

1600 hours on my 6A with no flips and that includes two of my sons earning their PPL in it. I did go to extended lengths to insure they landed it properly though. My feeling is that pilot technique is the big factor along with things like gopher holes; just an opinion though.

To the OP, I would definately insure that the nose fork SB has beens done.
 
DanH said:
Seriously, forget avionics for now. Update the airframe. The -6 is a fine airplane, but most have some age on them...and they are from a more free-wheeling era.

(1) obtain a set of plans if you didn't get them.

(2) find someone local who really knows the model. I'm not talking about a local A&P, but rather someone familiar with the -6 specifically. Ask them to inspect.

(3) review and confirm completion of all the service bulletins. Not to short change any of them, but the rudder pedal reinforcement and nose fork upgrades are kinda critical.

(4) if it has not already been done, update all the rubber parts, baffle seals and snap-crackle-pop hoses in particular.
Click to expand...

This......
 
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