'68 Citabria 7ECA Milman Spar Conversion

[Bartman]

Ready for primer

 

[JimParker256]

Bartman, I know how much effort goes into getting it to that point! Good job. Looking forward to seeing the result.

 

[Bartman]

Here - you can see it better in this shot:
View attachment 1627

I'll have the same results if I try to move the N number like you did. I'm actually going to paint over the old numbers in white and then mask them off when the top half of the fuselage is painted red so the numbers will be white. They might get a blue outline when it's done, don't know for sure.

 

[Bartman]

Bartman, I know how much effort goes into getting it to that point! Good job. Looking forward to seeing the result.

Thanks Jim! Back at it tomorrow afternoon!

 

[Bartman]

Now that I have a more definite plan on the new trim scheme, there is less sanding to do and things are moving more quickly. One side is done, we'll cut the grass and edge a few trees today and then get back at it.

 

[Bartman]

Learning to really savor the small victories helps keep things moving even when they're barely moving so, in the name of small victories, I present "Loose Headliner Tab Reattachment". I am just happy I caught it and fixed it before everything else was back together.

 

[Bartman]

All of the stripes and N numbers have been sanded enough to paint over them so it was dragged back out of the garage a couple of weeks ago and washed/degreased again in preparation for final scuff sanding.



A 3" tape was also put over the existing 2" tape on the belly where there were signs of stress. It was also cleaned really well and then sanded down to the silver coat before the new tape was glued on.

 

[Bartman]

My faithful helper is getting us moving towards the annual by pulling the seats and carpets.

 

[Bartman]

You can imagine how happy I am the find Rainbow floorboards under the carpet.

 

[Bartman]

If anyone was curious what a complete carpet piece looks like, here ya' go

 

[Bruce]

Thanks for the pic I hope to get on track after Aug, something about daughter getting married and she want attention.

 

[Bartman]

Left side and top are done, bottom and right side to go then a light coat of EkoPrime and then color coats.

 

[Bartman]

Right side is just about done, now for the bottom. Today's little victory is having figured out how to mask off an open door! I woke up today like, how the f' and I going to close off an open door? Voila! Lots of masking tape and some paper!

 

[MA Cantin]

Looking good @Bartman! Keep up the great work! Nice to see things are coming along!

 

[Bartman]

Started another thread to ask for help about what to do with my landing gear legs.

https://champcitabriadecathlonforums.com/threads/painting-gear-legs-😵😵😵.348/post-2545

 

[Bartman]

Removed the left wheel this morning and found a gunked up, lousy looking brake mounting plate along with an axle that looked worse than homeless. who wants to guess what went down next?


Disassembly! Brake plates got cleaned up and painted, axles got cleaned up and painted, stubs of the gear legs got cleaned, sanded, and primed so it can all be bolted back together tomorrow, masked, and ready for prime/paint.

 

[Bartman]

The day has finally come and we're underway with fuselage painting. My garage is a bit too short to fit things and leave room for painting so it is sticking out and I used plastic to wall off the doorway.

First up was a primer coat. Light in some places to even out the final coat and heavier where I want a durable finished coat like around the gear and belly.


I now know why there never seems to be enough paint and a lousy finish on the belly, it's a pain in the ass to get under there!!

 

[Bob Turner]

One word for you: Rotisserie.

 

[Bruce]

Good word, I’ve been trying to rig one for the wings but with fiberglass wing tip a little worried about damage with putting a pipe in the nave light hole. Any body have better cost efficient idea?

 

[Sully]

I used a broomstick in the nav light hole. Just careful when rotating.