Looks great! The only issue I see is that baggage compartment is going to be REALLY dark to find stuff in. Most are anyway, so not too big a deal.

Where's your ELT going? Put mine under the Selkirk baggage compt. with an access door.

MTV

Awesome job Matt, can't wait to see her in person.

mtv wrote:Looks great! The only issue I see is that baggage compartment is going to be REALLY dark to find stuff in. Most are anyway, so not too big a deal.

Where's your ELT going? Put mine under the Selkirk baggage compt. with an access door.

MTV

Thanks MTV. I was aware the interior was going to be like looking into a cave, but I like the look. As for the ELT, I will also be placing it under the extended baggage as well.

As you know... my interior looks the same. I don't find the ext baggage too dark at all (although I have a 3rd row window which helps a bit.

bigrenna wrote:As you know... my interior looks the same. I don't find the ext baggage too dark at all (although I have a 3rd row window which helps a bit.

And, when have you actually loaded/unloaded that airplane with that interior?

I'm talking about out at some airstrip right around sunset when you're scrambling to get your camp up before dark.

Oh, wait....you're always in a well lighted hangar

MTV

Matt - Looks awesome. When I become so wealthy I just can't stand it, i'm going to park a 180 next to my Bo and all my needs will be fulfilled...

MTV, that's what headlamps are for...

I have the same type extended baggage with the Selkirk foam and have loaded/unloaded my plane in the dark alot. If its dark out then it's dark, two flashlights plus a headlamp live in my glovebox, problem solved...Now if only I had the stretcher door mod on the 180

I'm just short enough that I can't reach the end of my extended baggage in the super cub. Just feel around in there for what you need. It is fun landing after dark and trying to set up camp though.

mtv wrote:And, when have you actually loaded/unloaded that airplane with that interior?

Oh, wait....you're always in a well lighted hangar

MTV

Before I started on the Skywagon, I built a C170B exactly the same way. That had no 3rd window (nor a baggage door) and never found it too dark, but thanks for the dig.

Thank goodness there are experts on the internet.

I"ll take one of your dark caves any day… thats a lotta room

I just did the same thing. Dark or not I'll take it! There's way more room back there, much better than before.

Woot Woot! 99% done at this point, 1 more day working on it and I'll be ready for the scales (this weekend).

I'll let the pictures do the talking. Many thanks for all those who have helped along the way!

Working on all the small final stuff.


Pushed her out into the sun, and warmed the oil up for a change. Even the cows were impressed.


Here is a picture of the old panel.


Same panel, new touch.


Selkirk flap tunnel cover.


Selkirk done.


The dark cavern.


Front seats in.






A few small things to do prior to the scales. ACK 406 ELT panel remote, rubber channel on the bulkhead edges, rear headset jacks and other odds and ends. VERY EXCITED!

Anyone want to place a guess on the weight? I have no good reference for a starting weight, but I think I am very close to my 125 lbs of weight removed.

Conditions:
8.00x6.00 tires
All seats installed including rear bench seat.
Required oil and hydraulic fluid
Fuel drained (zero fuel)

So, what will the scales read under those conditions!? Planning to put it on the scales on Sunday afternoon.

Looks awesome, Matt! I'm looking forward to hear the final weight savings!

Make sure you add 30lbs fuel and do not add any weight for the oil per the TCDS

Current weight and balance report together with list of equipment included in certificated empty weight and loading instructions when necessary must be provided for each aircraft at the time of original certification. The certificated empty weight and corresponding C.G. location must include unusable fuel of 30 lb. at (+46) on Models 180, 180E, 180F, 180G, 180H, 180J, and 180K through S/N 18053000, and 60 lbs. at (+48) on Models 180A, 180B, 180C and 180D, and undrainable oil of 0.0 lbs. at -15.0 through S/N 1805260; full oil of 22.0 lbs. at -15.0 S/N 18052621 and on.

Hey, it looks wonderful, and even that dark cave has a light colored aft bulkhead and floor.

I really like your instrument panel. Clean and well arranged, without being too busy.

I won't hazard a guess as to the empty weight, but I'm betting you couldn't get it much lighter, while still functional, and that's good enough, I reckon.

MTV

you givin' away a heli ski trip in Silverton?

looks fantastic!

Matt-

I'll throw in here as well.... looks really good and you've done a really good job with the panel! I'm looking forward to hearing your weights as well!

gunny

You did an awesome job on your 180A Matt!

For the many who are bringing their wings back to life, I give you much credit.

To work endless hours in confined spaces all for the love of their planes is truly an inspiration.

That being said, and with the assistance of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Office, it appears that many of you may have a legitimate legal case against one Greg, aka 'Big Renna', to recoup any monies spent on your projects due to the Bad Influence Law passed in 1992.

Maybe we can get more outta him if we file class action? Think of the hordes of cessna drivers that are now sleeping poorly every night thinking of tearing into their old birds...

How much does that trucker hat weigh? That thing's gotta be at least an ounce and a half.

I'll guess 1640#

Wow Matt great job!!!!!!!!!!!