updated 5-29-08
5-23-08 Hi; and thanks for visiting this portion of our website. It is my intention to use this section as a log to document the construction of a Zenith 701 experimental aircraft. I will be scratch building this plane from plans with the serial number 7-6856. I have previously started forming parts for a Midget Mustang, and intend to eventually complete that project but for now I wanted an aircraft with 2 seats. I had decided that I liked the Zenith designs for there ease of construction and relatively low cost. I had initially decided to build a 601-xl low wing and power it with a corvair powerplant, but they have recently had some problems which has made me feel that I would always be less than comfortable with it. I purchased the plans for a 701 and have become quite excited about the design. I have yet to decide how I will power it, but that is a decision I will make down the road.
To date I have finished the flanging dies and all of the cutting and form blocks except for the firewall form block. I have ordered more clecos, and a Harbor Freight riveter.
5-26-08 Today I finished my Bending Brake that I have been working on. It is the brake designed by Larry McFarland who sells plans for it. It is a great design and I am really pleased with the finished product.
5-29-08 Picked up some steel and assembled the frame for a C-Frame Riveter. I still have to install the bushings, build the shaft, and Bottom plate. It is a simple project with drawings posted by a member of the Mustang group The only change I would make if I were doing it over is to shorten the throat to about 26" instead of the 36" called for in the drawings. 26" would get you to the middle of a 4' sheet, and I think it would be a little more rigid. As it is I think it will be a great tool which was inexpensive to build.