Bruce 79 ECA recover

[Bartman]

yeah, the videos are helpful in a lot of ways but the materials that come with the products and the manual are controlling. sorry that didn't get to you sooner.
i read stuff from the manuals over and over and over again and still felt like i was forgetting things!

 

[Bob Turner]

That is news. I rebel when folks say “exactly 3 to 1”. But I can see the logic. I am doing some minor repairs and will give that a try.

I have not, and will not, do an entire aircraft in Stewart, because the top coats are beyond my skill level. But I have done some stunning minor repairs - the Ekofill can be wet-sanded to dead smooth, and repair edges just go away.

My skill level maxed out with the 1980s Acrylic Enamel. What great stuff! It’s only problem was repairability - it curdled when hit with lacquer products. My 1981 Cub paint still reflects things like a mirror.

 

[Bruce]

The covering process has been very enjoyable, it has been over 30 years since I did any fabric work so to speak this is me tipping my toe back into this end of aviation. I think if it turns out well I may do another one since I did retire this year and need a hobby. As for the painting skill level it appears more like patience is need more than the skill but I have yet to start that part. I did the class at Sun and Fun last year on painting with Stewart's and already made plans for this year to attend. It was very different from Air venture both are enjoyable but if you really want to lay back and relax go to Sentimental journey. Well time to remove an engine and figure how to rotate the air frame.

 

[Bob Turner]

But in the class you paint only a small picture frame sample. It turns out glossy and smooth. I know entire airplanes exist that way, and am looking forward to seeing one.

 

[Bruce]

Today’s progress not sure about the patch on fire wall any comments

 

[Bruce]

Bartman after your post I sent Stewart’s an e mail and went to re read manual, found this in my book which still allowed for two coats brushed on without the thinned glue treatment. This was bought after sun and fun last year so I wonder when they changed the Manuel? Always ready to learn something new.

 

[Bartman]

Your manual was dated 1-Feb-2017, the current revision is 1-July-2019! If the guys at the factory, probably Andy, say it's ok then it's ok. I don't know the first thing about the chemistry or physical properties so they get the last word every time.

 

[Bob Turner]

You do know that the original manual is still FAA approved data? They would need an AD to void any part of it. Of course the STC holder could restrict you. But then the original manual still says you can use the STC if you buy the correct materials.

As an example - my Cub has a Stits 337 dated 1974, so from now on the then current procedure manual applies. If i had not done that, Stits could conceivably not allow me to use their STC unless I used the current revision. But since I no longer have to cite the STC when recovering (it becomes a major repair) I don't have to worry about it.

 

[Bruce]

Ever get to a point and think why did I start this? Or what have I done? Now to clean up make my wish list and see what Santa brings me.

 

[MA Cantin]

Nice to see things are moving along! Keep it up! Ah...the ups and downs of a big project. I feel for you. Best of luck moving forward.

Cheers!

M-A

 

[Bruce]

Final large visual progress now cleaning off small fabric and glue then on to the wish list maybe see some forward motion a lot of cleaning then I’m down for 90 days for torn rotator cuff repair in feb. I figured back at it after Sun and Fun. Then to goal is done by Air Venture if all goes well. So to all Merry Christmas and a great new year.

 

[Goodyear]

Sorry to hear about your shoulder. Good luck with rehab.

 

[Bartman]

Final large visual progress now cleaning off small fabric and glue then on to the wish list maybe see some forward motion a lot of cleaning then I’m down for 90 days for torn rotator cuff repair in feb. I figured back at it after Sun and Fun. Then to goal is done by Air Venture if all goes well. So to all Merry Christmas and a great new year.

And to you Bruce! Are you going to Sun and Fun?

After removing the fuselage fabric, is there any question about replacing all of the wood formers and stringers? Are they pretty much disposable once the fabric comes off or are you only replacing what needs to be replaced?

 

[Bruce]

First yes we will be at Sun and Fun I think 3 days hope to out of sling by then. As for the bulkheads will be replace formers look good but the bottom one is twisted, there is a crack that was repaired in firewall so I’m thinking new one of those I’ll have my IA out this week also stringers look good very little rust in anything which is encouraging. Still need more cleaning for final decision, and you know from experience I will miss something.

 

[Bruce]

Started cleaning on firewall and what didn’t look to bad from front well let’s just say will not be going back on this plane. Think Santa will deliver?

 

[Bartman]

First yes we will be at Sun and Fun I think 3 days hope to out of sling by then. As for the bulkheads will be replace formers look good but the bottom one is twisted, there is a crack that was repaired in firewall so I’m thinking new one of those I’ll have my IA out this week also stringers look good very little rust in anything which is encouraging. Still need more cleaning for final decision, and you know from experience I will miss something.

I'm going to try to get down there for it, let's see who else is going to be there and we'll try to do a meet up somewhere.

 

[Bruce]

Sounds like a plan,

 

[Bruce]

Question time for anyone, with the main landing gear there is new u bolts and hardware but the center bolt is the question??? Taking this apart I always consider how it’s going back together. How do you cover the bottom of the plane before installing the landing gear and still get this bolt in without cutting the new fabric? It Appears that the gear must go on before covering the plane any suggestions? You can see where the last shop just cut holes in the fabric I assume to torq the bolts by the way my first attempt at using the edit feature on the I pad.

 

[Bob Turner]

I converted to aluminum gear, and do not remember cutting fabric for the center bolts. They are longer for the aluminum legs.

Consider bars instead of U bolts. And seriously consider the NAS bolts for the inner bolt. The AN bolts have to be checked fairly often. I used NAS bolts all around, but that was when Genuine was able to get them for $20-30 bucks each.

 

[Bruce]

Planed on the replacement u bolts or flat bar as you stated to remove ad where did you get new bolts from I am putting my supply list together I will be placing parts order In Near future I trying not to miss anything as well as searching best deal, not just best price as I have learned cheap is not always less expensive.