connerdstines wrote:They were all like that. That's why the B flat(on chopper level 5) of the four port row is the most audible when you listen to a 4/5 Thunderbolt.

Interesting. Does that mean the 4 port tone is more dominant in the pitch?

TboltTX1 wrote:

QuantumCurse wrote:The 4 port chopper is on the bottom? I always assumed it would be on the top.

Yep, the four port row is on the bottom on mine. I've not seen any other 4/5s close up to know for sure if that was consistent throughout production, I'd imagine it was though.

Interesting. Thanks for the pictures.

MOStormChaser wrote:

coastalsyrolover wrote:Sandblasting or???

Just using some paint stripper and a wire wheel attached to a grinder.

I've been using a wire wheel on my 'bolt. It's taken long hours to make progress. You're looks good though great job!

I toyed with the idea of seeing if I could get one machined but I don't have a picture of one. If anyone does post it here and I'll see what I could do. Here are a couple of pictures from before I reassembled mine. 4-5 Port Chopper.jpg 4-5 Chopper 2.JPG The 4 port chopper is on the bottom? I always...

It's been a long time since I've seen a thunderbolt restoration on here. Keep up the good work! Good luck on the 4/5 chopper, they are one of the more rare Federal objects on here. Thank you sir. I shall. I toyed with the idea of seeing if I could get one machined but I don't have a picture of one....

This is a little off topic but that chopper cap on the prototype thunderbolt seems to be bigger. And why is the flange so close to the blower box? That would mean there's about 10 feet of extra pipe between it and the rotator box if that picture is to scale. That design seems to be ineffective in m...

This is a little off topic but that chopper cap on the prototype thunderbolt seems to be bigger. And why is the flange so close to the blower box? That would mean there's about 10 feet of extra pipe between it and the rotator box if that picture is to scale. That design seems to be ineffective in my...

You mean a brass hammer don't you? I don't think I've ever seen a copper hammer. Thunderbolt chopper caps/stators are either bronze or aluminum usually. I think some might have been cast iron but ive never seen one. You could still damage a chopper stator with a brass hammer. Use a plastic deadblow...

Bumping again. I've taken the standpipe I had to a machine shop. They should get it ready to be mounted on the blower assembly. Updates to come. Side note and a complete shot in the dark if anyone has a 4/5 port chopper they would like to see go into a 1003 I will be happy to buy it and trade my old...

When you do take the chopper cap off I'd recommend not using a regular hammer to take it off. Find a copper one instead. It will help to not warp the metal. That is if the bearing doesn't come out when you take the chopper out. Can't you use a mullet too? Depends on the type of head. Copper is hard...