X-Cell 60 Custom. Advice on restoration and updates?

[Tinkertoys]

If anyone can remember the .60 customs, I'm the original owner of an X-Cell .60 Custom (plastic servo trays and Bergen G-10 frames). I stopped flying the bird in 1998 after about 10 flights, and it's been in storage ever since. I'm flying again, and would be interested in restoring it. The heli has new V-Blades (8 years old), an OS .61 SXH 3-adjustment carb, full push-pull, and the new style fiberglass canopy and mounts. The grips and most parts are plastic.

I'm a little worried about flying the bird based on the age of some of the parts including the tail rotor rubber insert (goes on the tail shaft and inserts into the tail hub). I'm sure there are other parts I should look at and update to current specs (possible new tail rotor servo mounting bracket, uniball clutch, etc?). I'm trying to figure out what really needs to replaced and or upgraded and would appreciate any advice.

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

[WayneBrown]

got a freind here who's got the same chopper and vintage.
The tailrotor hub dampner is now 'tygon' fuel line, and can be purchased from a lawnmower shop.
To use a modern gyro, you will want to upgrade the tail pitch slider and yoke too, and a tail boom mounted servo with carbon pushrod may also be in order.
The newer versions have 5mm blade bolts, and most blades will also have 5 mm holes, so grab you a pair of bolts and a drill bit just in case.
The metal head from the Fury or Stratus will fit, and will tighten things up top a good bit.
Ray Thompson at RHR either stocks, or can get all the parts you need pretty quickly for this machine as well. 912-682-3197
Other than that, give things a good looking over, and replace anything you question. All parts are available or upgradable.

[DavidH]

Ralph Dalusio was flying an XL 60 Custom that was circa 1991 this past weekend at Mac Hodges event. It was the old style bent aluminum frames. Had plastic servo tray, OS 61 SX engine. Still had the tubing style dampener on the tail hub. Model flew great. Even had the lexan canopy on it. Only thing modern was the heading hold gyro. Everything else was stock on the model.

I would replace the tubing on the tail rotor output shaft. Large ID fuel tubing will work fine. Or you can use some Tygon tubing if you prefer. Just check and make sure all the parts move freely. Model should fly just fine. No need to spend any money on the model. It is not much different than the current models. The ST 60 is very similar to the model you have. The ST 60 is a current model that MA still sells.

David

[GM1]

The XL Custom was a great model for the day and still flies very well. I won the 94 NATs in Lubbock TX with the same model, which was trouble free and very easy to work with. It had an OS 61 SF with ST60K carb, Hatori 2 piece muffler, Futaba 9202 servos, TG Select S 690 blades, lexan canopy, tube drive, and a "modified" Futaba 153BB gyro. WooHoo, it was state of the art at the time.
Gordie

[WayneBrown]

After looking over the tail on this chopper, I still stand by changing the yoke and slider assembly if you intend to use a modern gyro. There is enough inherent slop and play in the pitch plate setup to make me worry...
We got the MA part to replace the tubing on the hub, it's tygon. We first used a piece of Dubro large ID tubing and found it soft, and felt unusual.
Waiting on a replacement elevator servo mount now after discovering a crack in the existing one. Had a strange nodding thing going on and started looking it over closer and found it.
We also found the fuel tank deteriorated and replaced it with a Fury tank.

I'll tell you one thing, I'd forgotten how the older gyros flew, startled me at first then got back into the groove. Good thing his radio was still programmed for the right amount of revo mixing or I might have soiled myself.. :oops:

[Tinkertoys]

Thanks to everyone for the great advice.

I'll purchase the Tygon line for the tail rotor and give it a try. I'm also going to install a new Futaba 240 gyro to go with my original JR 4131 servos (I have the 240 as a backup to my 401 on my other heli). I did notice some slop in the yoke and slider assembly, but was planning on pressing the retaining clip on the brass assembly a little more tightly to remove the slop. Are the aftermarket yoke and slider parts original MA parts off a newer model, or are they made by an aftermarket company?

The heli was originally setup with a 4-cell C-size NiCd battery pack. I have quite a few 3800 mah 4-cell Ni-Mh packs laying around and was wondering if this still the best size/weight battery pack for proper CG?

I've also decided to replace the engine bearings and inspect the piston assembly, just in case.....

Thanks for the assistance,
Eric

[WayneBrown]

The yoke you have is a flat plastic piece molded to the yoke, and has two ball link ends on it correct?
The newer version is a molded 'Y' shape and will require an '8' link instead of the ball and link.
The flex was coming from distortion of the flat on this one.
The 240 is a good choice for a non digital servo.
Any battery over 1000mAh should do you fine.

[Peter]

I just resurrected one of my old Customs too .. Put an OS 70 in it , its got a TT ( not thunder tiger ) metal head, with a 31" boom ,, and Min Air's Twin tail setup ... I spoilt it with a CSM 540 , but still using the old JR4000 series servos ..

It flies nice .. but of course it IS an X-Cell .....

[roy voss]

on the older x-cells, there was only on support for the bevel gear. with newer gyro/servo you may need to purchase the out put gear support, this way the bevel gear is supported on both sides. i stripped a pile of the old black gear as well as the new white ones before the kit became out . i do not remember the part number. i sure someone here may. it has been out for over ten years and believe it still available.

roy