Model IV smooth cowl

[Av8r3400]

Does anyone out there have a model IV with the smooth cowl? I am considering this on my project plane but would like to see some photos of what one of these looks like and how the visibility over the nose changes (or doesn't) with this difference.

[Geowitz]

In my albums there are a bunch of pics. Let me know if you need more.

There's definitely more room and I like the look better. My Kitfox reminds me of a mini Cessna 185. Visibility is better as the top slopes down to the thrust line which is the same as the round cowl.

* Also, in the "Engine" forum there are some closer pics on the "HKS 700T" thread.

[Av8r3400]

I knew there had to be someone out here with one. Thanks!

What was confusing me was/is the bump on the top of the SS cowl for the gearbox. I didn't know if this was also on the III/IV smooth cowl. The yellow plane below must be a IV with a 912 and the two part smooth cowl (note the belly radiator) where the blue and white plane is the later model (SS?) four part cowl with the radiator inside the cowl.

Which motor are you using?

Thanks again.

[Geowitz]

One more thing - The top half of the firewall is different than the round cowl. It has more of a shoulder than a rounded top. This makes the windshield fit a little different also, but not too hard to adjust. I just got a scrap sheet of stainless from our local ornamental metal shop to cut a new one from.

[Av8r3400]

I'm not concerned about the firewall because I need to build a complete new one. The one that was on my project looked like swiss cheese...

My project is basically a total rebuild, not just a recover.

[Geowitz]

Yeah, the second pic is an SS. The bump on the model IV cowl isn't toally neccessary for the gearbox clearance. More of a visual/style thing because it doesn't get as narrow as the SS does at the tip of the nose of the cowl. In other words it has more height at the front/hub.

I am using the HKS 700T. My thread in the engine forum will be following my progress. Starting on the engine mount this weekend.

[Av8r3400]

I just was looking at the 700T thread and it took me a minute to realize that was your installation. Sorry, here's my sign...