I do like the heat shrink idea, the thick marine-grade stuff isn't too expensive for a 4' length either and will probably last a very long time.

I second the heat-shrink on the flap handle. Works well and looks good a long time.

Works well on the original foot pegs (boarding steps) too. Does not lasts as long, but is economical and easy to replace as needed.

--Bill

Wow, can’t believe I just found this thread today. Great job! That is going to be a great performing airplane.

akaviator wrote:Wow, can’t believe I just found this thread today. Great job! That is going to be a great performing airplane.

It's a fire breather for sure!

I’ll echo what others have said. You are doing a superior job with the work and your efforts to document it is invaluable for community. Thanks.

Well... It goes slow; lots of progress you can't see in the wing. One down, one to go!





I'm guessing a week to go then paint...

Awesome! Can't wait to see it in the air.

colopilot wrote:Awesome! Can't wait to see it in the air.

That makes two of us!

Making steady progress! The interior is going back in and the Passenger wing tank is almost done. Avionics are getting wrapped up. Couple more days hopefully!






The wiring looks like a mess, but its really close!!!

Today was a fun day... I learned, I never want to replace bladders in a Cessna (Colopilot made sure of that) and got to fire up my new avionics for the first time!




Next is the GDL39-3d and the 796 in a gimbal mount and it'll be time for some paint!

No injuries and no smoke... I'm calling the day a success!

Looks great Jim. And ya, bladders suck. Th long range ones are better, but still not what I would consider a good time...

A1Skinner wrote:Looks great Jim. And ya, bladders suck. Th long range ones are better, but still not what I would consider a good time...

Thanks! Colopilot is way more patient than I am, so the bladders weren't that bad!

jaudette wrote:

A1Skinner wrote:Looks great Jim. And ya, bladders suck. Th long range ones are better, but still not what I would consider a good time...

Thanks! Colopilot is way more patient than I am, so the bladders weren't that bad!

The line between patience and masochism is sometimes blurred. Plus I'm just getting tired of making airplane noises in my head and want this done. I'm with you though, I never want to do bladders again.

The panel's alive! Awesome!

Very nice project! I have to ask where is the battery? Mine is behind the cargo compartment. Helps with the CG.

Very nice project! I have to ask where is the battery? Mine is behind the cargo compartment. Helps with the CG.

I agree bladders suck, my mechanic was more than happy that i took on the task, at the time i wasn't sure why he was smiling so much. Lol I have long arms and it is impossible to reach the back outboard corners to tape on standard range tanks, stick and a mirror, the rest is easy.

172heavy wrote:Very nice project! I have to ask where is the battery? Mine is behind the cargo compartment. Helps with the CG.

I moved it to the firewall and it saved 40lbs. I used the Attlee dodge stc. Weighs a few pounds is all.

Jim

Looks great. Hope you get it back in the air soon.

EDW wrote:Looks great. Hope you get it back in the air soon.

Looking forward to a test flight in the next week. We'll see how the final few things end up.

Fingers crossed!

Taken a while but the Avionics are done and programmed. Also yanked the vacuum system and buttoning up the final wing on the fuel system. She should be flying in the next week! Can't wait!

Old:




New:

Well... The fuel system is finally complete. Fueled up the tip tanks and pumped them into the mains. Everything worked perfectly, no leaks and it was surprising to me how fast the pumps moved the fuel. Flints are a pretty big install, but I think worth it!

The guy's filling the tanks:



As the tanks are pumping:



Tomorrow starts the work of putting all the fairings and inspection covers back on and putting the interior back together. Will be nice to get this thing back in the air. Then we are going to weigh it. My guess is about 1,000lbs of useful load.

Jim