Scratch-Built Legacy to Scratch-Built B Model Conversion

[Charles1954]

Has anyone upgraded their Legacy to a "straight-sided" B model using scratch-built parts rather than buying the Sonex Upgrade kit? Looks like a wider canopy, wider cowling and wider engine mount...all doable for those who are handy. I wonder if the spar carry-through is the same width?

[kmacht]

None of the details or measurements are provided in the b model plans in order to make the parts you would need. If your A model was scratch built many of the conversion parts if bought are also likely to have issues with rivet holes lining up as they may not be in the exact location that a laser cut and drilled part does. It’s also more parts than you have listed below. You will need a new gas tank, new glare shield, new firewall, new instrument panel, new floor pan, new seat pan and cross members, maybe even longer ruder pedals, spar carry through, wing rib and doublers when cutting the wing skin back, wing spar attach blocks to re-match drill, etc. Just about everything forward of the turtle deck will need to be modified or re-made in some fashion. It could be done but it’s going to be a major undertaking just to gain a few extra inches in width down by your knees/feet.