N2255D wrote:gahorn wrote:
Beware... Whelan's claims they "fit Grimes" fixtures...because they DIDN'T FIT MY ORIGINAL GRIMES fixtures, and I had to change them out and obtain Whelan combination units. (Don't ask...I don't know why they didn't fit...I just know when my "prebuy/annual" inspector tried to install them during my initial prebuy/annual inspection...he called to inform me he would have to buy the Whelan nav units and remove the original Grimes units because they are NOT actually compatible.)
In 2001 I installed the Whelen 3 position comet flash strobes in my 170. I have grimes position lights and had no problem fitting the Whelen strobes to them. I had to drill one small hole for the wires and remove the connector to pass the wires through the hole. Then reinstall the connector.
I wouldn't be surprised to discover something simple like that was the real issue. You'd have to understand the mentality of my seller. (not a criticism...only a humorous "jab", considering all the "jabs" I'm on the receiving-end of here at the forums, as the result of my "originality" theme.)
For instance, When I made the offer to buy my airplane, the seller, who I'll call "BG" to protect the guilty (having spent 16 or 17 years restoring it to a highly-original state...which itself was a major reason for my interest in this particular example) .. I offered a certain amount of money predicated upon the aircraft passing a fresh annual inspection. BG accepted the offer but was so picky in his workmanship and protective of his baby (something else I liked about him and his airplane) that he wanted to do the annual personally and my inspector supervised his work. Frankly, he did far more disassembly than I expected, perhaps I think in order to show-off his work to my guy.
Well...back to the subject... as for originality... When I made my offer, I also stipulated that Whelan wingtip anti-collision lighting be installed and BG's dedication to originality became evident when he declared "You KNOW that wasn't ORIGINAL...!!!...???"
I said, "Well...Yes...I know that but, ...and I hate to tell you this but plan to actually operate this airplane off a ranch-strip and I do a lot of my flying at night!"
BG gave a pause...then a sigh-of-concession and said, "Well...I guess that's what Cessna made it for..." as he agreed to do the work if I'd pay for the extra parts/labor.
A day or so later he called to describe some technical detail as to why the original Grimes nav light fixtures were unsuitable and asked if I'd authorize him to purchase replacement Whelan units. It may be that he simply hated to drill a hole in original fixtures and preferred someone more committed to originality than myself
to have them.
(He more than made up for it when I came to pick up my new baby and he had her loaded down with boxes and boxes of surplus goodies, parts and supplies beyond my imagination. He was one of the most pleasant fellows with which to do business I've ever encountered.)
) original plane with the Whelen wingtip lights. They don't seem too obtrusive... I think we may splurge on the replacement tail light assembly also. It fits the Grimes housing, and provides position as well as tail-strobe functions. We'd welcome any further ideas, as well!