PA-18 Super Cub Fuselage Build
An Airframes Alaska Fuselage provides a strong foundation with more than 30 optional modifications, allowing you to create a specially configured cub that is lightweight, strong, and compatible with the world's leading bush flying equipment.
We utilize TIG welding to fabricate all fuselages, offering unparalleled precision, clean welds, and exceptional strength, ensuring adherence to the highest quality and safety standards in aerospace manufacturing.
Available Modifications
Below are descriptions of available modifications that can be added to your custom fuselage build, for pricing and weight addition please download the Custom Fuselage Build Sheet.
Wipaire Gross Weight Increase Cross Tube
Basic PA-18 fuselage modification installing the support cross tube required under the Wipaire 2,000 lb Gross Weight Increase STC.
Headset Hooks
Handy PA-18 fuselage modification that makes for easy and out of the way headset storage for both pilot and passenger.
Seat Belt Hooks
PA-18 fuselage modification includes two welded seat belt hooks for hanging up both pilot and passenger shoulder harnesses.
Cargo Loops
Keep gear packed in the baggage compartment behind the second seat stored securely with this functional cargo loop fuselage modification for PA-18s.
Bush Pod Tabs
Make added baggage space in the future a possibility with this PA-18 fuselage mod that installs welded-on tabs for use with an Airglas or Firmin Alaska Bush Pod.
High Heat Nuts
Popular PA-18 fuselage modification that simplifies the future installation and removal of the passenger seat belt.
Mounting Angle Bracket (below lower door)
Improvement on the traditional PA-18 mod that gives attachment points for internal sheet metal package without leaving a hole that collects water in fuselage tubing.
Brake Line Fittings
PA-18 fuselage modification that simplifies the external connection of brake lines with welded-on bulkhead fittings.
Extended Forward Baggage Angle
A simple modification with many structural and storage benefits, the additional baggage angle is especially helpful for blocking objects from falling into the belly of the plane.
Floor Tie Downs
Useful mod that removes the need to secure tie down to sheet metal by welding on attachment points behind the passenger seat directly onto the fuselage.
X Brace Arch (above lift handles)
Structural fuselage mod that adds an X-brace in the turtle deck above the lift handles for enhanced arch strength.
Under Floor Metal Belly Tabs
Allows access under pilot and passenger seats for pedal and cable maintenance and cleaning.
Ultralight Extended Baggage Support
For those pilots counting every ounce, this modification welds in support posts for ultralight aluminum stringers underneath the extended baggage floor. Not compatible with Willow Mountain Ranch baggage mod.
Last 4 Feet Metal Belly Tabs
Must-have Piper Cub fuselage mod featuring welded metal belly mounts along the tail section for easier access to tail surface cables and pulleys.
Extra Brake Booster Tabs
Mod adds additional attach points on the fuselage so that all four brake booster bolts go straight onto the frame for a more secure brake mounting and better braking feel.
Fuel Pod Tabs
Mod adds four fuel pod tabs to support an Airglas fuel pod.
Shoulder Harness Tab - Passenger
Commonly requested safety mod that enables installation of a structurally attached hard point for a passenger shoulder harness.
Shoulder Harness Tab - Pilot
A preferred safety mod that features a hard point tab for securing the pilot harness directly to the fuselage structure.
Floor Seat Belt Tabs
Common STC approved PA-18 fuselage modification that secures the seat belt anchor points into the floor of the airframe rather than the seat base.
Ski Pump Fittings
Mod designed for amphibious floats, hydraulic wheel skis, and ski pumps, these welded fittings create smooth transitions for hydraulic lines running from the aircraft interior to exterior.
Extra Large Extended Baggage Door Frame
Mod replaces a tube behind the main cabin door with a dog leg to allow for larger baggage access in the side of the fuselage.
Lower Baggage Door Frame
Make it easier to get to your lower extended baggage space with the addition this lower baggage door frame fuselage mod.
Upper Baggage Frame
Make loading and unloading easier with this upper baggage door frame fuselage mod.
ELT Antenna Mount
Ease the installation of an ELT antenna in the tail area with these fuselage mod mounting brackets.
Full Sliding Window
Window modification that replaces the triangular window setup typical in PA-18 fuselage with an extended full-slider window.
Metal Tube Stringers
Mod for increasing rigidity and stability in the fuselage with metal stringers that run along the top deck.
Full Metal Belly Tabs
Mod combines Under Floor Metal Belly Tab Kit and the Last 4 Feet of Metal Belly Tabs for a fully accessible underbelly.
L-21 Windows
One of our favorite modifications for improving the bush flying experience, this option replaces the standard PA-18 window with greenhouse L-21 windows.
Float Fittings
Modification adds two PA-18 weld-on float fittings.