Thanks for the replies.

This was a complete strip and paint. After taking the big rock in my horizontal last summer the bird needed new paint in the rear so I did. Prior to having it professionally done, the 7$ rattle can looked ok on the replacement parts.

Paint scheme: My bird is a 53 but after a lot of looking around and exploring I found myself always coming back to the 54 scheme. That's what this basically is with a modern feel. She kinda looks like an Orca.

Anyway, Mathews Aviation in Yerington NV did the work. This is my second aircraft I have had them paint. I think they do exceptional work. I have also seen about 6-7 other planes they have done and all come out looking brand new.

Total cost came to $10,400 for everything. That includes. $300 for new stainless steel screws. (I always think it's funny when you spend 10k for paint and they ask if you want to spend the $300 extra for screws) ....no, I wanna put the old rusty ones back in...not. They also spent a lot of time filling the various blemishes from hail etc.

Timing worked great as I was in Alaska for our Heli season. Plane was done in 6 weeks just as they had said and quoted. If your looking for a paint shop, these guys are great! Seriously.

Anyhow, part of me wanted to add some color so it would stand out in photos AND give me some protection of being found if something happened but I also really like the clean stealthy look.

As for the N number size, when painting it in an original scheme and the plane is over 30 years old you can go with the 3" numbers. This was certainly a topic of discussion with the shop. As for Mexico and Canada, I have numerous friends that go through Canada with small N numbers with no problems. Research left me with: if I have a problem, duck taped large N numbers will suffice but honestly I doubt seriously it will be an issue.

AKT

FYI......... You can go with 2" numbers.

A certain pacer I know was just flown thru Canada to AK with 2" numbers last week, no problems.

That looks really nice. Was the hail damage repair a surprise or was that something that was worked in to the original quote? I ask because I'd like to know what the cost is for a paint job with no body work.

Really like your classic scheme and small numbers. Good job!

I like the black leading edge, that will come in handy on frosty mornings. Regarding the N numbers, they only have to be 12 inch if you cross an ADIZ, and temporary numbers should be ok for that.

Good info on the N number size. Thanks!

Pretty sweet bro! I like it!

Kevin-

It looks great! What else is there left to do.... except fly!

gunny