Luckily I bought an airplane that was in really nice shape, because I'm basically lazy & don't have the gumption to stick with a long-time-frame project. My kind of projects are the one-to-two day type. I've done a couple repair / replacements (strobe light, throttle cable, CHT gauge), some changes (remove old panel mount gps, relocate radio & some instruments), and some upgrades (door stewards, fueling steps & handles, side panels for extended baggage). Soon to be replacing the return springs on the wing tie-downs (requires taking the struts loose), and switching to an 88" seaplane prop. Easy stuff- work on the plane one day & fly it the next- just the way I like it.

bigrenna wrote:Aint no shame in putting the project on the back burner man... After all, flying is fun too!

Validation for my approach!

My airplane is definitely a rolling restoration. I take it out of service for maintenance and select upgrades in January and try to get it back in the air in April each year. Did the engine and prop in 2013, avionics in 2014, Undercarriage, windows and trim system in 2015, and planning on installing Sportsman STOL, extended baggage, lightweight interior and control system overhaul in 2016. By 2020 I will own my dream plane in perfect condition, and I'll know that every single detail of its condition is perfect (peace of mind). Then I'm sure that I will want to PPonk it.

hotrod180 wrote:Soon to be replacing the return springs on the wing tie-downs...

PM me your addy. I bought new cotter pins for the tie down rings (came in a package of 10) I will send you 4. I believe its the same P/N for all years.

Greg-

Scolopax wrote:

bigrenna wrote:Aint no shame in putting the project on the back burner man... After all, flying is fun too!

Validation for my approach!

My airplane is definitely a rolling restoration. I take it out of service for maintenance and select upgrades in January and try to get it back in the air in April each year. Did the engine and prop in 2013, avionics in 2014, Undercarriage, windows and trim system in 2015, and planning on installing Sportsman STOL, extended baggage, lightweight interior and control system overhaul in 2016. By 2020 I will own my dream plane in perfect condition, and I'll know that every single detail of its condition is perfect (peace of mind). Then I'm sure that I will want to PPonk it.

Nah, by the time you get around to fixing the last of the things, the first ones you fixed will be in need of replacement/refurbishment.

Don't fool yourself, aviation is worse than crack cocaine.....just learn to deal with it.

MTV

mtv wrote:

Scolopax wrote:

bigrenna wrote:Aint no shame in putting the project on the back burner man... After all, flying is fun too!

Validation for my approach!

My airplane is definitely a rolling restoration. I take it out of service for maintenance and select upgrades in January and try to get it back in the air in April each year. Did the engine and prop in 2013, avionics in 2014, Undercarriage, windows and trim system in 2015, and planning on installing Sportsman STOL, extended baggage, lightweight interior and control system overhaul in 2016. By 2020 I will own my dream plane in perfect condition, and I'll know that every single detail of its condition is perfect (peace of mind). Then I'm sure that I will want to PPonk it.

Nah, by the time you get around to fixing the last of the things, the first ones you fixed will be in need of replacement/refurbishment.

Don't fool yourself, aviation is worse than crack cocaine.....just learn to deal with it.

MTV

You are right. aviation is like crack cocaine, only it can get you higher. I am definitely accustomed to feeding a fair amount of my resource in to the habit, which appears to be sustainable for the duration of my time as long as I don't get in to twins, maintenance hogs or turbines. Fortunately, the only plane available that I would like to own other than the one that I currently have would be a Cub.

Scolopax wrote:.... By 2020 I will own my dream plane in perfect condition, and I'll know that every single detail of its condition is perfect (peace of mind). Then I'm sure that I will want to PPonk it.

No, then it will be time to sell it (at a big loss) and start over on something else!

bigrenna wrote:

hotrod180 wrote:Soon to be replacing the return springs on the wing tie-downs...

PM me your addy. I bought new cotter pins for the tie down rings (came in a package of 10) I will send you 4. I believe its the same P/N for all years. Greg-

Thanks, Greg, PM coming your way. BTW I don't know where he got them but my IA got me & another 180 guy the new springs- $25 for the pair. Outrageous for what they are, but for what is likely a Cessna part that's dirt cheap.

hotrod180 wrote:

Scolopax wrote:.... By 2020 I will own my dream plane in perfect condition, and I'll know that every single detail of its condition is perfect (peace of mind). Then I'm sure that I will want to PPonk it.

No, then it will be time to sell it (at a big loss) and start over on something else!

I'll keep my 180 until I expire, unless things go really sideways.

Until my carbon fiber diesel four place bush plane comes out, it's the best plane for me.