Citabria/Decathlon Paint Schemes

C

Canuck 7GCBC

Active member
Joined
Feb 13, 2021
Messages
38
Location
Manitoba
Hey guys and gals! I recently purchased a '67 7GCBC in mid restoration. The aircraft is in the paint shop at this time, and I'm trying to decide on a paint scheme. There is a sunburst design on the wings, but the fuselage is a blank canvas at this time. Basic colors are white with green. I've started this new thread for a couple of reasons--FIRST selfishly I want to see as many traditional or unique paint schemes as I can. BUT ALSO, how about making this thread a place to show off your beautiful machines?!? I don't have any pictures of my plane yet. But as it progresses I promise to post some. So come on everyone---inspire me:)!!!
 
I’ll through this one out there, like you I’m close to paint.
 

Attachments

  • 6FB5003B-74D7-40B6-ADFC-FEF0EA5F3B1C.webp
    6FB5003B-74D7-40B6-ADFC-FEF0EA5F3B1C.webp
    209.3 KB · Views: 63
  • 29155509-AEA8-459A-AFB4-A4C4EA6DE02E.webp
    29155509-AEA8-459A-AFB4-A4C4EA6DE02E.webp
    255.5 KB · Views: 62
Now that’s cool!! Thanks! If that picture doesn’t make someone want to get to the airport and go flying, nothing will! And it definitely incentivizes me to get my paint scheme decision done!
Now for some more......I know there’s a whole bunch of mouth watering Citabrias and Decathlons out there! Let’s see them:cool:
 
Last edited:
Was playing around with the scheme generator at americanchampionaircraft.com the other day. Like you guys, I've got an airframe that will need paint at some point and I want it to be traditional, bright, and more simple so it won't be like work to make it come together.


Screen Shot 2021-01-21 at 20.50.55.webp
 
Hi Bartman. Would you send me the link, I didn't know there was such a thing. I've been on the site but did not see that! I'm a newbie to the world of Champs and Citabrias. So much to learn......
 
Last edited:
It would be my pleasure

This is one paint scheme generator

This is the other

Both of those links can be found at the bottom of the main Super Decathlon info page at the ACA website
www.americanchampionaircraft.com

Decathlon Series | American Champion Aircraft

Our Decathlon Series includes the 8KCAB Super Decathlon and Xtreme Decathlon. These aerobatic aircraft models feature an inverted oil system, 39 gallons of usable fuel, and have a maximum gross weight of 1950 pounds. View more specifications of the Xtreme and Super Decathlon.
www.americanchampionaircraft.com www.americanchampionaircraft.com
 
I never cared for the invasion stripes. Some day I will shoot them all red.
My airplane is that scheme, only red and blue with white stripes. Since I like red, one plan was yellow stripes and red everywhere else.
 
Well, that worked! Elegant! I outlined the fuselage stripes in black. Cannot copy and paste. Probably copyrghted anyway.
 
Bartman said:
Was playing around with the scheme generator at americanchampionaircraft.com the other day. Like you guys, I've got an airframe that will need paint at some point and I want it to be traditional, bright, and more simple so it won't be like work to make it come together.
Click to expand...

Pretty darn close to my actual plane, Bart. Starbursts look good, but they are a nightmare to patch. I have the invasion stripes too, but I don't see the point, since you don't really see them from most ground angles. For comparison, note the aircraft at bottom, which is my old Decathlon CS. Almost identical color scheme with no invasion stripes.Photo Jul 07, 17 22 11 (1).webpSuper D.webp1190E at CLW 5.webp
 
cool Ed!

when the time comes I want to also see about a Mopar purple or a cool green color. I don't want it to kill resale value and it will be the factory layout but I want to see about something funky and loud/bright in the color choice
 
This would be my preferred paint scheme - solid red underneath the wings, or maybe yellow pinstripe starburst. No campaign stripes.13_champion yellow_ss.webp
 
I would appreciate that - use the first link, and fill it in this way:
Red Red Red Yellow Yellow Black. Chrome Spinner.

The Red is Corvette Red - I bet that is a standout in urethane! If I spray, I will just use Pontiac Red Butyrate.
 
I'm hoping to see a few more examples or illustrations of paint schemes on Citabrias, Decathlons, or Scouts. I appreciate tradition, so it maybe sacrilegious to some folks, but I'm kind of thinking I'd like something a bit more innovative and different than the traditional schemes. However maybe Cubs are just meant to be yellow and Citabrias are meant to have a starburst??? If there are any heretics out there besides myself, come on out of the closet and show us your airplane!! ;):cool:
ps. I also have a PA22-108 Colt in the midst of rehab with new fabric, paint, and reupholstered seats. That little lady is going to look like she came out of Mr. Piper's factory when she's done--at least that's my hope. IMO, you can't update a Colt--it's meant to be the 1963 classic it is, but a CItabria transcends time......
Now---tell me I'm wrong:giggle:....
 
You are wrong. Only some folks need historical accuracy - the rest of us relax and basically do what we want.
 
Ouch! I thought I satisfied both philosophies! Traditional for the Colt and avant guard for the timeless Citabria lineage!! Uptight and relaxed at the same time 🤣. That’s the plan and I’m sticking to it. Hope to illustrate with pics soon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top