Looking great! I’ve recently switched to the Sherwin Williams line from Imron and have been happy with their products. It sprays so easy and flows great.
Can you tell us how many gallons of product you’re using for the whole plane, and how much paint the stripes take? Thanks!


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Thanks for the paint info! Are you using a sanding surfacer/filler primer, or just the one you showed the picture of?

Thanks for all the nice comments along the way. It's been a rough winter with all the snow.

Can you tell us how many gallons of product you’re using for the whole plane, and how much paint the stripes take? Thanks!

I did ask the painter how much paint he used on the fuselage. I believe he said a half gallon of paint, which would be a gallon of total product. I will try and get more information.

Thanks for the paint info! Are you using a sanding surfacer/filler primer, or just the one you showed the picture of?

Although there are other primers that we use also, on this particular project, that is the primer.

Almost ready for the booth


The gray has been on for several days now, so time to start adding come color.



Out of the booth now, will just let it sit for a few days.



Stop and pose underneath that Big Montana Sky, that's not so big right now...



Time to go back in the main shop for assembly.



Flash back in time....



I just couldn't help myself, had to see what it looked like with a vertical on it!

The owner has a great story as to why he's selected the paint scheme that he has, that hopefully we can post soon! It's an incredible tribute.




The fun begins

Looking GREAT!

Wow that looks awesome!

Hello Everyone. I'm Chicodeman owner of the "Pearl." Rich has suggested that I post a short story about the paint scheme I've chosen. First, I'd like to say Aircraft Structural Engineering is one of the finest aviation maintenance facilities-ever! Pure professional quality work. The pictures Rich posts are a testimony to their craftsmanship.

The Pearl wears colors commemorating the 332nd fighter squadron of WWII acclaim-also known as the "Tuskegee Airmen." I wanted to dedicate the paint scheme in honor of two individuals instrumental in my aviation career: Mr. Gill Cargill and my dad, Rickey Ayala. I'll be brief; since, this topic is really about the "sex change" (modification) in progress.

Gill Cargill was an instructor at Tuskegee AL during the entire duration of the "Tuskegee Experiment" having taught hundreds of African-american aviators primary flight instruction. After the war, he taught high school math and continued to instruct student pilots through flight instructors in Detroit MI. It is unfortunate, but widely acknowledged, that airline and corporate flying jobs were unavailable to African-american pilots until the late Sixties.

My Dad learned to fly in the Army. He was near the top of his class in Primary flight training at San Marcos TX in 1956. He met a different fate in Fort Rucker AL when, in Advanced training he was "washed out" on simple navigational skills. I guess the writing was on the wall when his base commander addressed him as "boy" instead of "Lieutenant."

I was born shortly thereafter. I grew up only wanting to be a pilot. And, was fortunate to have a father who started a flying club in 1960 with the purchase of a C-172 (N7267A). When I was fifteen the path that has led to a 39 year airline flying career began. Mr. Cargill was my instructor.

When I was hired by USAir in 1980 I thought I had died and gone to heaven. 2000 hours of Beech 18 and 100 hours of Lear 23 time was the magic combination to persuade the interviewers to hire me.

I had a lot of pride going back to Detroit City Airport, in uniform at times, to bond with the old gang of pilots. However, it was a bit sad at times to face Mr. Cargill. There I was, not yet 25, flying DC-9's for a living. It was sobering because Mr. Cargill and my Dad had helped me reach my goal. But it was an opportunity they never had.

Having owned a C-180 for a number of years, I wanted another one (with no logbook drama). I'm pleased with my decision to convert a 182 to a 180. The pictures speak for themselves.

Chicodeman

correction to my post: Aircraft Structural Repair, Stevensville MT is the company

That’s a paint scheme with significance for sure. Thanks for sharing your story and your airplane looks great!

Joe

Great story, beautiful airplane, and welcome to the board!

Fantastic story! I can't wait to see the rest of this conversion happen, and you smiling with it!

Great story and you have a beautiful plane in the works there. Thanks for sharing.

Awesome story and paint. Figured it was for the tuskeegee airmen when I saw the red tail. Can't wait to see the finished product.

-asa

Things are starting to come together now.
Once the fuel sending units arrive the wings will be installed.

Pounding the like button...

.
I understand moving the little wheel to the back, but don't the wings belong on TOP LOL!!

richpiney wrote:

That is a fantastic story! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

When pictures of painted parts started showing up on this thread I was trying to figure out what the rest of the scheme would become. Just having the vertical stab as a sample/hint made it difficult to imagine. Well, it all makes sense now!

As far as going back to your home airport as a new DC-9 F/O and facing Mr. Cargill, I just know he had more pride in your reaching the "big leagues" than you will probably ever know. In a way, he had a more fulfilling and meaningful career than any of us, just look at the impression he left on you and probably many many others. What a fantastic story and your airplane is a great tribute to Mr. Cargill and your dad, bravo!

Keep us posted on the airplane and the cool adventures she takes you on.

Kurt

ebag wrote:.
I understand moving the little wheel to the back, but don't the wings belong on TOP LOL!!

richpiney wrote:

I had a "What the heck is THAT?" reaction when I first saw the picture, before I read the captions and realized what I was looking at... Too funny!

The wings are up high where they belong now!




It sure helps to have a support stand out on the tip:

Now that is looking great. [emoji1360]

Aryana wrote:Now that is looking great. [emoji1360]

What he said! Looks great!!