Looking for a Throttle Quadrant Cover

[Karsten Wallis]

Just bought a PA-39 that has an ugly throttle quadrant plastic cover. Does anyone have one laying around or a source for a new one? Color doesn't matter because I have matching paint. Thanks

[Kristin Winter]

Try Webco! I got one from them several years ago.

[N3322G]

Karstan,

Welcome to Twin Comanche ownership and to the ICS Forum!

After 40+ years my Twin's cover was looking ratty. I got the blank from Webco and Clifton Aero did the customization with a dremel tool and used the old one as a pattern. They also managed to transfer the decals for me. It is heavier and heftier than the original. Took the opportunity to have the shop dissemble and clean the power quadrant parts. Filthy was an understatement. Re-assembly took real concentration due to the number of parts - see the parts manual for the best explosion of this area. It is on the Home page under the tech tab. Be prepared to spend some iterative time getting the levers back to being even.

Hope this helps.

[Karsten Wallis]

Thanks, I will give Webco a call tomorrow to see what they have.Based upon my reading of other topics and the number of responses it seems you two are quite knowledgeable of twin comanche idiosyncrasies! So glad I joined. The forums here have a wealth of information and knowledge. I have looked at the parts manual for the quadrant diagram and it looks fairly complicated. I have to dive in though to fix my non-operative friction lock. Any experience with this? Will clean, lubricate, and replace any worn parts while i'm poking around in there (good snow day project).

[N3322G]

Karsten,

The friction lock can get loose over time. Haven't had to do it in awhile but IIRC, there's a small lever that flips to release the friction lock from its base, you pull it off entirely rotate it, put it back on and then close the lever back. Be sure to test this on the ground to make sure you've rotated it correctly.

I'm no mechanic and this is something I can do easily. If I've described incorrectly, by looking at it, you'll be able to figure it out.

At times, debris in the quadrant will tighten different levers unequally - this is why I eventually had it taken apart and cleaned it.

Good luck.

[Karsten Wallis]

Thanks for the input Pat. I'll try your suggestion when I go to the airport next. Really though, I like the idea of disassembly and cleaning of all the 40+ years of junk out of the lever pivots. Just by looking in there I see all kinds of dirt .Also, called Webco today and ordered my new quadrant cover.They have a lot of parts not listed in their catalog.

[N3322G]

Karsten,

So true about Webco and their parts! Having been there, it reminds me of the truly old time hardware stores where only a few know where to find something in the rabbit warren. If you call again, say Hi to Philip, John, Matt and Bob for me.