1973 7ECA Citabria rebuild

[Pittscub]

I am rebuilding my 1973 Citabria formerly known as "Patches". I purchased it 5-19-18 and flew it until 8-31-20. I learned to fly in 1971 and always wanted a red Citabria... so I am building one. I have built 2 airplanes from plans. An Acro Sport II and a Clip-wing Cub. I have also rebuilt/restored 4 other airplanes. I have been invited to post my photos here and I am always happy to answer any questions and help others that would like to do this. I do this as a hobby as I am retired, and there must be something wrong with me... I love doing this! Mike Finney... AKA Pittscub. Had to push the wings together to see what my design would look like. The only deviation I have made to the paint scheme from the factory drawings is the sunburst on the wings and tail.

 

[Bartman]

Welcome Mike and thanks for the photo drop! It looks like it was in pretty good condition before you started so who was calling it "Patches" and why?

Great looking paint work, congrats on having done such a nice job.

 

[Pittscub]

It was a rental in Morris Illinois, and they all affectionately called her "Patches" and I can tell you is it looks really nice in the photos. The paint was in very poor condition with only a few patches, and I was shocked by how easy the tapes came off. However the air frame was in excellent condition. I did not have to make any repairs to the major parts. (Fuse, spars, etc.)

Thanks, I am looking forward to many years with this airplane.

 

[Bartman]

Yikes! the poor things a rental plane has to live through!

 

[Joe]

Beautiful workmanship. Thanks for posting, every bit of motivation helps.

 

[Big Ed]

Great project!!! I have been following you on FB. Really glad you posted a thread here.

 

[Big Ed]

It was a rental in Morris Illinois, and they all affectionately called her "Patches" and I can tell you is it looks really nice in the photos. The paint was in very poor condition with only a few patches, and I was shocked by how easy the tapes came off. However the air frame was in excellent condition. I did not have to make any repairs to the major parts. (Fuse, spars, etc.)

Thanks, I am looking forward to many years with this airplane.

Yikes @ that photo!

 

[Kevin Spafford]

Great photos. Thank you for sharing. Truly looks like a labor of love. Please post regular progress reports and more photos—your work is inspiring.

 

[Pittscub]

Great photos. Thank you for sharing. Truly looks like a labor of love. Please post regular progress reports and more photos—your work is inspiring.

Thanks! Will do.

 

[Pittscub]

Great progress today. I installed the wings with a bit of help from a few of my friends. I had everything all laid out and it only took about 35 minutes to get them on and the bolts installed. Then a few more to make secure with washers and nuts. My vision is coming together.

 

[Hiperbiper]

Absolutely beautiful! If I'm not mistaken that's the factory paint scheme from the late 60's???
She's a stunner...

 

[Pittscub]

Absolutely beautiful! If I'm not mistaken that's the factory paint scheme from the late 60's???
She's a stunner...

Thanks. It is actually the original 1973 optional "air show paint scheme" that Bellanca offered. It was part of the extra cost option. I think the first Citabrias painted this way were the 1971's. (someone might educate us on that) Mine originally came with the basic paint scheme (in orange). I have always admired this paint scheme and think it is one of the best factory paint schemes ever offered. I have wanted to paint one up like this for a while... I had to buy an airplane so I could do it! Hahaha

 

[Big Ed]

Probably the best looking paint scheme I have ever seen.

What paint system did you use?

 

[Pittscub]

Probably the best looking paint scheme I have ever seen.

What paint system did you use?

Ed Thanks so much, it is the 1973 optional factory paint scheme. (with a small variation that I did with the sunburst on wings and tail) I use Air-Tech. Low labor, high gloss. I really like using it.

 

[Pittscub]

Well it is done. I have around 1000 hours, and 18 months in the rebuild from its last flight to being ready to fly again. As soon as the spring wetness dries up my runway a bit I will be back in the air. Thanks to everyone for the intrest.

 

[Kevin Spafford]

Thanks for the update. Please share photos of the first flight.

 

[Flyingj]

Thank you for taking the time to post this. It's a beauty!

 

[Pittscub]

I haven't posted in a while. I have about 200 hours on the Citabria since rebuild, (finished on 4-5-22) and it has preformed flawlessly. I now start on its grandfather (a 1946 all original Champ) Not sure I will work on it as often as I did the Citabria as this is just a hobby and I have my Clip-wing Cub, and Citabria to fly, but I love working on airplanes in the winter around here as we don't have quite as much opportunity to fly with our weather. So even though I have been invited to post my rebuild on this site while I do the Champ I am not sure of my time frame so we will see. Thanks to all for the interest.

 

[Bartman]

Thanks for the update! You can't blame me for trying! I saw your post about the Champ and figured maybe we could catch you from the beginning and follow along. Enjoy every minute of it, take your time and we'll be here for whatever updates you have time for. Glad the Citabria is bringing you joy!