Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

Greetings from NH
Been looking to convert a balsa, USA 1/4 J3 to a Super Cub.
Have not come across a build thread for this. Would like to get some information on doing this. Possible a contact with someone who has done the work using the Fiberglass Masters cowl.

Would like information on a contact for a good three view for the Super Cub.

I know, the tail needs to be modified a bit, The fuse needs to be a bit wider. Does this apply to the above mentioned cowl? Modifications also include Flaps.

One of my concerns is the wing attachment, since the overhead window is much larger.

Seems to me as to the number of years this kit has been out that others have done it! Super scale is not important but keeping within the lines of the kit to Achieve, something nice.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks William

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

The easiest route to go is to simply put a Super cub cowl on and call it good enough. The list of detail changes that would have to be made is pretty extensive.............

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

I'm with you Wayne, details can get in the way of the fun. But, I would add flaps. That is essential in my Super Cub book.

Have fun!

Bedford

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

Hi- I have a 1/6 Sig J-3 Cub that I converted to Super Cub. It isn't covered so I could send pics. I have all of the conversion parts hand drawn if you want them. All you would have to do is enlarge them on a copier to suit your needs. I even have a functioning door and latch mechanism. I made my own plug for the cowl. The wings are pretty much done. Some of the ribs are in different locations and the LE sheeting is different. I think the ailerons are the same as a regular Cubs (can't remember offhand). The Super has a wider basic fuselage so all of the turtle deck formers are changed. It has some stringers down the sides, too. The very early ones had gear same as Cub but later versions had different gear. Pretty color schemes for Super and mine will be red with cream. Paul Matt's drawing of the Super is what you need. Make plug-in wings with functional struts for the needed skylight area .Tailwinds, ARUP P.S.- look at my gallery- I build 'different' airplanes!

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

Also, there were a lot of PA-18 Super Cubs without flaps.

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

what I was trying to say was that this kit is so far from scale, that it would be an awful lot of work to bring it up to decent scale standards - let alone do a PA-18 conversion. If close enough is good enough, then popping a super cub cowl would create an approximation that would get by most people.....

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

Thank you to those that have posted info!

Simply bolting on the cowl is a littel less than I plan to do. One thing I was hoping for is for somone who has used the cowl I bought mentioned in this post... to see how much I would have to modify the fuse. Maye someone will have this specific info to share!

Started collecting the bits, to build the Super cub.

I have 2 kits of the busa J3,Some of the framing, has been started just a matter of picking back up, where I left off. I intend to make one a J3 in the classic lockhaven yellow, The other a Super Cub, good chance it will be some combination of white and red.

Years ago we put Quadras in them, since I have 2, this is the intended engine of choice. Presently I have a SIG J3 I have been flying over the last 15 years with a Quadra 35. Its getting near retirement so the reason for a new J3. Nothing fly's like CUB!!!

I have been Modeling Scale planes for over 25 years, so I have a good collection of supplies, to feed the projects. Being laid off right now helps get the fire going again. No Honey do Projects allowed till at least one is framed up and ready for covering.

Picked up buy chance a Robart landing gear set from the LHS. Just happen to be there on the shelf.

Ordered Graeme Mears three view drawings from http://www.bobsairdoc.com/ Bob Banka.

Called and order the PA18 cowl to help convert the J3 to a Super Cub from..... http://www.fiberglassspecialtiesinc.com/ they do not have it in stock and are back ordered for 2 weeks.

Once I get things laid out will post some pictures.

William

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

What IS the most scale Cub or Super Cub kit currently available? Short of doing a really scale Cub, I'd love to do up a sport scale version with flaps and balloon tires to try some of the "Bush flying" stunts I've seen on YouTube.

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

Super Cub conversions can be a lot of fun. I started with a 40 size Great Planes J-3, a 3 view, and some pictures about 15 years ago as a winter project. I wanted a Military Super Cub, the L-21B. Not only did the cowl, tail, and wings need to change, I wanted the greenhouse glass, working nav and landing lights, and an operating door. As I studied the drawings it became clear that the cowling, boot cowl, firewall windshield, rudder, elevators,and horizontal stab would be changed. The more I looked, the more I found. It ended up being a most enjoyable challenge with decent results. The following pictures are of the finished product. The first one shows it in its first color scheme which I flew for about ten years. When it needed an ovehaul I recovered it in a civilian scheme for something different. It has been powered with the same magnum 52 fourstroke for about 13 years. The first two years it had an OS 48 fourstroke. Good luck with your conversion. I have a 22 year old Balsa USA 1/4 cub that I fly on wheels, skis and floats and just love it. Jeff

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

Great pictures of your super cub, man all that glass is a callenge for me but will do my best.

I may have found the plane I will model mine after, built in 1952.

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

Interesting that I noticed the plane Im considering is HB-OYB.

The middel one is from the same people but has the round window.

Located in Switzerland.

Here are a few more shots.... be sure to enlarge them full screen Shes a buity!

William

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

Opps here are the pics

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

Saltydog56 I started my project as a J3 but toward the end decided to go the super cub route. My cub is nowhere near being correct but i think it turned out ok. I'm still going to order a fiberglass specialties cowl to make it look a little more realistic. Good luck ....

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

mnoodle, Could you tell me if yours is a 1/4 scale ans where did you get those tires Khelsea

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

Khelsea, my plane is a 1/4 scale sig kit. The tires are 6" dubro big wheels , i believe you can still get them from tower hobbies. I was looking for bigger tires but i guess this is the biggest you can get, so i inflated them to 7" and they still work great. Hope this helps;)

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

The SUPER CUB Fuse is basically the same width as the J3. However the tail surfaces are much different. The rudder is more rounded and the elevators are balanced. The early versions had no flaps and a smaller engine (contenental 0200). The boot cowl is wider as is the engine cowl (closed) with opening sides. Fuel tank was put in the wing so you could solo from the front seat.You easly disquise a J3 by changing the tail and modifying the cowl. Evan adding flaps would be quite simple. The landing gearcould remain unchanged without taking away from thescale appierance.

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

Anyone know of a good set of 3-views for the super cub?

RE: Converting a J3 To a Super Cub
 

Try SUPERCUB.org There are several links listed. Bet you can find somthing. I have a super cub parts manual and I think it has some 3 views, if so, I'll send them to you. Pat