I recently acquired my Cessna 180. Interior was extremely old and gross, there was mouse poop and dead mice above the headliner. Decided to gut the plane and start fresh.

I am about 15 miles from Selkirk interiors, but have heard their products fit poorly, requiring a lot of trimming.

Anyone used Airtex that can advise how they are? Their website is completely lacking and when I called them on the phone, they were less than helpful.

I've installed a few of the airtex headliners. I like them. They work good and price is right, and they seem to hold up good. I also use their seats in Scout rebuilds and they work good. Thinking hard about using a set of their seats for my 206...

Installed a complete Selkirk interior in my 55 and I could not be happier. Yes it takes trimming but so will the airtex. I used their wool headliner and it worked out beautifully. The folks up there are great to work with and if you're a member of the 180/185 club they provide a nice discount. Any of the vinyl headliners require finessing to fit, the wool headliners are much more forgiving. Pros and cons both ways. I even debated leaving it bare but had too many wires running up there to make it attractive. Ultimately its up to your taste and mission profiles.

I should also say that I have also used selkirk headliners and they are nice as well. I prefer the wool as they are easier and more forgiving as mentioned above. The suppers also seem to last longer as the wool doesn't dry out and tighten like the vinyl does.

I’ve heard the same about Selkirk interiors, but I won’t let that hold me back. I’m probably going to go with their full fibreglass side panel kit in the summer. If you have trouble with the install, I expect you’ll receive excellent support. You might even have them do it for you unless you’re a do it yourself type.

I think headliners are all about the installer. Other than that they’re pretty similar. Agree with the wool comment.

Seats- Sport Air seats get top billing because they’re a site supporter and their reputation for quality is very high.

ARTEX gets good reviews also, and I expect they’re less expensive.

Local upholstery shops in Coeur d’Alene? All you need is burn certs. Buy material that includes them, or have it tested.

Be aware that there can be long lead times with some suppliers. This COVID thing has supply chains scrambled. Some vendors are just plain busy with orders that are breaking previous sales records. I’m waiting a month for a new windscreen.

All good advice above. I’ve put Selkirk stuff in my 170, including side panels, glare shield and extended baggage. Yes, it takes some trimming, but bear in mind these old airplanes aren’t all exactly the same. We used Selkirk interiors in most of our work Cessnas and they are MUCH more robust than the original Cessna junk.

Headliners: Absolutely, positively go with wool! Don’t even think about using the other junk. With wool, you install, then shrink the wrinkles out. Headliners are a PITA in any case. I’ve used Artex headliners and seat covers, they fit and good quality.

MTV

I have a Selkirk tunnel cover and like it, but yes it took some fitting.

One thing I have to say about Selkirk is that they are super friendly and helpful. They went way out of their way to help me get an order of foam from them. Seems like a small family business.

I seem to remember selkirk offering to fit/trim their interior panels and cowlings if you took a plane to them. This was back in 2017 when I was asking about my 180.

I put in a full selkirk interior minus rear seat panels - as bench will not fit with them. Trimming was not that hard, diegrinder and carbide - way easier than the plane plastic's stuff I messed with in my 172.

See my thread on the selkirk vinyl headliner - I highly recommend it - very good fit with easy trimming and no wrinkles now - couple days in the sun fixed that. Be very carefully you don't break teeth and bows when you pull old headliner. I recommend vinyl over wool as you can clean vinyl.

I still need seats, as said sportaircraft seats are great, I love the easy install - I just can't stomach the price. Some of their prices just went up to I see. Probably end up going local for these.

I have used both Airtex and Selkirk in several aircraft and have been delighted with both. A comparison is a little bit apples and oranges though, the only cross over is the side panels. I prefer the look and durability of the Selkirk panels over fabric. Selkirk panels definitely require fitting but are worth the time if you like that look. Otherwise, Airtex is it.
The bottom line to all of that is, I would truly go with the look you like.

flyingzebra wrote:I have used both Airtex and Selkirk in several aircraft and have been delighted with both. A comparison is a little bit apples and oranges though, the only cross over is the side panels. I prefer the look and durability of the Selkirk panels over fabric. Selkirk panels definitely require fitting but are worth the time if you like that look. Otherwise, Airtex is it.
The bottom line to all of that is, I would truly go with the look you like.

Until just recently, I don't think I've seen you post in quite a while Chris.
How ya doing? What are you flying these days-- supercub?