Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > Kit Building
Reload this Page >

GM Precision Sunbird

Notices
Kit Building If you're building a kit and have questions or want to discuss kit building post it here.

GM Precision Sunbird

Old 02-25-2007, 10:50 PM
  #1  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default GM Precision Sunbird

I started on my Sunbird kit this weekend. This is one of my all time favorite airplanes. If you have ever built a GM Precision kit, you know how nice these kits are!
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Jh16172.jpg
Views:	132
Size:	143.7 KB
ID:	630010   Click image for larger version

Name:	Je10775.jpg
Views:	98
Size:	165.4 KB
ID:	630011  
Old 02-25-2007, 11:00 PM
  #2  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

I got both wing panels framed up.. One minor mod, I eliminated one rib per wing panel to save weight. All of the wood supplied in this kit is outstanding!
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Us53569.jpg
Views:	89
Size:	130.7 KB
ID:	630024   Click image for larger version

Name:	Gb90896.jpg
Views:	79
Size:	138.2 KB
ID:	630025  
Old 02-26-2007, 04:19 PM
  #3  
rc-sport
My Feedback: (12)
 
rc-sport's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Round Lake, IL
Posts: 3,180
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

I never heard of them, do they have website?
Old 02-26-2007, 06:52 PM
  #4  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

They quit making kits in the early '90s. They had some kind of quirky designs but I have yet to find a better quality kit.
Old 02-27-2007, 03:46 PM
  #5  
deckerv
Senior Member
My Feedback: (21)
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Wellsville, NY
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

Nice job so far! Always loved the way the Sunbird looked.
Old 02-27-2007, 07:25 PM
  #6  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

Thanks deckerv
I love the looks of the Sunbird too! This will be my third .40 size, I also built one of the smaller .10 size a few years ago for a friend. I've been saving this kit for a while because of its rareity, but I recently bought one on ebay so now its ok to build one of them since I'll now have a spare! Not only do these planes look really cool but they really fly great too. My last one had an OS .46 with a MAC pipe on it and it really screamed! One of the things it did really well was flat spins, I think because its has such a short tail moment and a long nose. Only problem was getting it out of it, I would have to expect at least 3-4 rotations with full oposit controls before she would stop spinning! Not a great plane for smooth aerobatics but certianly a fun plane to flip-flop around! Not sure what motor I'm gonna put in this one. I'm thinking of one of those new OS .55's....We'll see. The real beauty of this airplane is the kit. Every part is machine cut, the quality of the wood it absolutly flawless, every piece fits together perfectly! Even the hardware package contains much better stuff than your average kit. I'll keep posting photos as construction continues
-Johnny-
Old 03-07-2007, 09:18 PM
  #7  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

I've made a little progress. I've got the aileron torque rods installed. I'm going with a single servo for the ailerons even though I usually go with a dual servo set up. It will save on weight and I've used this set up on every Sunbird I have built with no problems. I'll pick out a new high torque servo.. I've also got the wing tips installed and roughly shaped. One small complaint, the wing tip blocks were about 1/4" shorter than the ribs that they are supposed to glue to so I had to laminate some scrap balsa to make up the difference. Not a big deal, I'm just glad I had some 1/4" stock on hand! I should be starting on the fuse this saturday, if I do, I will post pics.

-Johnny-
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Lj21978.jpg
Views:	84
Size:	125.9 KB
ID:	637511   Click image for larger version

Name:	Kf13645.jpg
Views:	73
Size:	114.6 KB
ID:	637512  
Old 06-05-2007, 10:34 PM
  #8  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

I got back to work on my Sunbird today. I have the wings pretty much done, today I started on the fuselage. I've got the basic box complete, next step is to mount the engine and build the nose out of the 1/2' thick balsa blocks. Then the turtle deck is next. The wood in this kit is outstanding! All of the parts fit perfectly. GM Precision kits are a lot like the old Pilot kits, every piece is machine cut and ready to be glued in place....no die cut parts. I'll keep posting photos as I progress.


-Johnny-
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Yw68289.jpg
Views:	86
Size:	104.5 KB
ID:	698452   Click image for larger version

Name:	Pk31385.jpg
Views:	79
Size:	103.4 KB
ID:	698453  
Old 06-10-2007, 10:51 PM
  #9  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

A little more progress this weekend. Now its time for some serious sanding!
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Ca81724.jpg
Views:	82
Size:	108.9 KB
ID:	701695   Click image for larger version

Name:	Ge95300.jpg
Views:	101
Size:	116.7 KB
ID:	701696  
Old 06-11-2007, 06:41 PM
  #10  
ptmac3
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
 
ptmac3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Riverhead, NY
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

I have a Sunbird 40 also. I look forward to building it in the future. GM Precision also made a kit called the Killer Vee. One of our club members had a couple of them and always raved about how great they flew and the quality of the kit. Good luck with your build.
Old 06-11-2007, 07:15 PM
  #11  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

Thanks ptmac3, I have a Killer Vee in my collection! They do fly really well, very fast. They also made a really cool pattern plane called "Rainbow Runner" that looks similar to an Ultra Sport. They fly very well also. This has been a fun project and I can't wait to get her done!

-Johnny-ptmac3
Old 06-23-2007, 08:52 PM
  #12  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

I had some time to work on my Sunbird this weekend. I mounted the wing and drilled and tapped the holes for the wing hold down bolts. I also glassed the wing center section and did some shaping on the fuselage. I also did some work on the tail...mostly sanding and shaping. She will be sporting an OS .46 AX with a MAC pipe. Still debating on the finish...I bought some Pearl Yellow Ultracoat but I am still thinking seriously about doing some kind of painted finish. Maybe silk and dope or koverall and dope. This is a rare bird that deserves a nice finish. Any suggestions???

Johnny
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Fd92453.jpg
Views:	99
Size:	89.0 KB
ID:	709563   Click image for larger version

Name:	Bz79324.jpg
Views:	73
Size:	82.2 KB
ID:	709564   Click image for larger version

Name:	Lg15433.jpg
Views:	76
Size:	82.2 KB
ID:	709565  
Old 06-23-2007, 10:46 PM
  #13  
Mike Mangus
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Columbus, MS
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

Never heard of the plane before but it is very sharp looking. Nice job!
Old 06-23-2007, 11:52 PM
  #14  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

Thanks for the compliment Mike They only made these kits for a few years. thats why I was sure to post my progress...I can't wait to get her done. As I commented in an earlier post, this is one of my all time favorite planes, and one of the nicest kits you'll ever build! This will be my 3rd Sunbird and I still have a prestine kit saved. I'll keep posting pics as I progress....Has anybody else built one of these?...I would love to someone elses Sunbird!

Johnny-
Old 06-23-2007, 11:55 PM
  #15  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

I would love to see some more Sunbirds!
Old 06-24-2007, 12:20 AM
  #16  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

Anyone??
Old 06-24-2007, 08:20 AM
  #17  
Sr-Telemaster
Member
 
Sr-Telemaster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Alliance, OH
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

Here's mine
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Zx72444.jpg
Views:	103
Size:	71.0 KB
ID:	709784  
Old 06-24-2007, 11:12 AM
  #18  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

All right! So there is another one in the world! Looks nice, how do you like it?
Old 06-24-2007, 06:42 PM
  #19  
Sr-Telemaster
Member
 
Sr-Telemaster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Alliance, OH
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

I liked it real well. on it's last flight I was having so much fun I was not watching the time. I started into a inverted flat spin at 200 feet, half way down ran out of gas.
Retrived the magnum 46 and waiting for the bulsa tree to grow, planted enough seed
at least one should grow.
Pat
PS I had it in my hanger for 4 years realy liked that plane.
Old 06-25-2007, 06:07 PM
  #20  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

Well thats too bad Pat, glad you got 4 years out of her! I bought this kit off ebay, there are still some kits floating around. Laser-works has a short kit and they also offer some options like a symetrical wing and balsa fuse sides (instead of lite-ply). If you saved your plans, you could build another one! I think an Ultra Sport 1000 canopy will work.

-Johnny-
Old 06-25-2007, 07:21 PM
  #21  
ptmac3
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
 
ptmac3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Riverhead, NY
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird


ORIGINAL: jrbmoto

Well thats too bad Pat, glad you got 4 years out of her! I bought this kit off ebay, there are still some kits floating around. Laser-works has a short kit and they also offer some options like a symetrical wing and balsa fuse sides (instead of lite-ply). If you saved your plans, you could build another one! I think an Ultra Sport 1000 canopy will work.

-Johnny-
Laser-works? Got a web addy?
Old 06-25-2007, 07:32 PM
  #22  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

www.lazer-works.com
Old 06-25-2007, 07:36 PM
  #23  
ptmac3
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
 
ptmac3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Riverhead, NY
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

Thanks! [8D]
Old 06-25-2007, 07:41 PM
  #24  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

I bought a few kits from them, they do a nice job and are very reasonably priced. I think the Sunbird short kit was $35 or $40
Old 07-23-2007, 06:39 PM
  #25  
jrbmoto
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: GM Precision Sunbird

Well I think I've decided on the finish for this bird. I was looking for Super Coverite but my LHS had some stuff by World Engines called Worldtex. I've never heard of it but the owner said it was just like Super Coverite so I bought a roll. I tried it out on a piece of scrap aileron stock then painted it with some Rustoleum and am pretty happy with the results! It went on easily and after a couple light coats of primer (light sanding in between) the surface looked like glass. I just need to decide on a color scheme!
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Ay74813.jpg
Views:	97
Size:	137.1 KB
ID:	728820  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.