Model IV-1200 / Model IV-1050 How do you Know ?

[kmach]

Hi, I have come across a Model IV-1200 for sale ,at least that's what it is advertised as. What are the distinguishing features if any,that a person can identify the aircraft as a model IV-1200 or model IV-1050 ? I received info from the seller saying it was a Denney kit, so I want to make sure it is a 1200. Its aircraft ID plate has a gross of 1232 lbs and a serial number that doesn't correspond to any models in the history pages . I know the serial number on the fuselage tubing would help identify model weight and manufacturer (what are the locations again of the manufacturers serial number on the fuselage frame?), but if it is covered up , what else can a person use ? Vertical fin size? rudder size? anything else ? It has a 912s on it , if that makes any difference. Thanks all; Kevin

[Av8r3400]

The size of the fin will be an easy tell from a 1050 to a 1200.

What is the s/n that you were given? My 1200 is a "Classic" model IV and the s/n starts with a "C".

[t j]

Kevin, put a pair of calipers on the lift struts, landing gear tubes, spar and strut carry through tubes. They are one inch OD on the 1200. The rudder is 53" tall.

The serial number on the classic 4 is on the triangle of metal that the front of the horizontal stab bolts to. Not sure but on the model 4 1200 the serial number may be on the flat metal that the two center seat belt shoulder harnesses attach to.

The builder may have put their own serial number on the data plate.

Edited, oops, you cant tell the difference with these measurements. See post below.

[SkyPirate]

on the model 4's serial numbers 1723 and up are 1200 's 1722 and down are 1050's

Chase

[jdmcbean]

Chase is correct.. The ONLY way to tell is by serial number. Measurments will not.

[kmach]

This is the serial number I was given from the seller ,CO4020294 , It does not match any numbers on the kitfox homepage- history- model IV-1200 serial numbers, like mentioned earlier by Chase. Are the serial numbers on the frame easy to find/read on a finished flying airframe, the one by the shoulder harness attachment point I think might be, but is the serial number at the vertical fin easily accessed/read ? Kevin

[Jerrytex]

So what kit would ser # JCU-104 be? Classic 4 or 4-1050

[HighWing]

My first Model IV-1200 was ordered in late 2002 from Denney, and delivered in March 2003 by Skystar. The numbering system changed with the change of ownership. My serial number was CCU-008. This refered to the third month of the third year of the decade and I think the 008 was the eighth kit delivered. My take on your number would put it as a Model IV-1200 produced in October of 1993 and the 104th kit produced. The U designates it as a long wing IV vs. the Speedster which had a S in the third letter location.

The Classic designation came after a short period when the IV was discontinued and then reintroduced with the Classic IV name. Chase is spot on regarding the serial numbers during the Denney years, and would designate the 1050 from the 1200 during that time. The numbering system then varied according to who owned the company and all numbers after the break Chase refers to would be the 1200 as well as any with the odd assortment of numbers that follow, as the 1050 was produced for only a short time ending in 1992. My present project was delivered in 1992 and holds the serial number 1746.

[jdmcbean]

So what kit would ser # JCU-104 be? Classic 4 or 4-1050

It would be a Model IV-1200.. Long Wing....

Classic IV's begin with C4xxxxxxx

What is the difference from the Model IV-1200 to the Classic IV ?
SkyStar re-named the Model IV-1200 to the Classic IV... Both are 1200 max gross weight aircraft.

The Lite² was introduced and was essentially a Classic IV without some of the options (but the options were available and most often chosen) The first couple of Lite² were tail draggers only then the conversion became available. After that the Lite² and the Classic IV's had the convertability from tail to tri.

The most common place for the serial number is as shown in the pic... front or back side.... other areas were the seat belt tabs.. either the center or sides. Not sure why the different areas other than different production managers...
It can be difficult to read if not almost impossible if the powder coating was heavy in that area and the stamp wasn't very deep.

[Jerrytex]

Thank you for the info. This is the Ser # to my new Kitfox 4 classic project. I will post pics soon. I am a newbie so I am sure I will have a lot of questions and any help is appreciated.