Matt,

Here's something I thought of today that might work for you. I wasn't gonna use my Naugahyde covered kick panels again so I decided to modify them a bit and see how it turned out. Just cut away everything that's not part of the vent structure...

This one is just rough cut for now, especially around the pillar...looks pretty good I think. To finish, just paint it and add some rubber edging, or glue some carpet on it.

I like the idea Bart, that is similar to what I had in mind, but your pictures explain it all.

Any ideas on the rear headset jacks?

Here is the latest picture of the progress. The floor and few more panels to touch up and then I can start prepping for paint.

mountainmatt wrote:I like the idea Bart, that is similar to what I had in mind, but your pictures explain it all.

Any ideas on the rear headset jacks?

Here is the latest picture of the progress. The floor and few more panels to touch up and then I can start prepping for paint.

Matt-

Where that first brace comes down in your photo (lookers left of the window shown here) (you only see half of it, then goes out of the photo) is where mine are on both sides. 1953 model as you know. Sits just below what looks like in this photo a piece of metal is sticking out. Make sense? Will try to get you a photo and text it to ya. Seems to work great.

Kevin

Are you referring to the door pillar cover that hides the flap and aileron cables? A picture would be great, thanks Kevin.

mountainmatt wrote:Are you referring to the door pillar cover that hides the flap and aileron cables? A picture would be great, thanks Kevin.

I will get you a photo.

Draw a line half way up your photo on the left here and they are there in that brace.

Matt:

The rear headset jacks are on the back side of the cable chase in my 53. Will grab a photo tomorrow at the hangar.

Flynengr

Matt,

If you have the early door pillar halves (for the aft portion) please consider striping the upholstery and re using them. If you have the later heavy ones please consider finding an early set and using them. It is reasonably easy for pilots to remember to keep things clear of aileron and flap cables. The same can not be said for pax, pets or baggage. Having something foul those cables will ruin your day....

If you can't find any, I have an early set from my plane that I am saving for a future project. You'd be welcome to use them as a template to roll your own.

Take care, Rob

PS, riveting a 1 1/2" X 3" flange on the bottom side of the stringer under the widow with the edges eased will provide a nice 'shelf' to have headset plug receptacles for your pax. I think Kevin is describing the stringer itself, but I'm not sure I'd drill two holes large enough for the receptacles in a stringer myself.

Here's what we have in the '55 for the pax:



Not sure if it fits with your vision but it's an idea? It's attached only to the paneling.

CW

Matt, I have avgas money in my wallet for you. I just realized that it's been 10 months since I've flown....and way longer since I've been in a dragger.

Looks great Matt! Dont loose the momentum! We want to see some paint on that alum! Keep up the good work!

Well, I'm inching closer, inch by inch...

No way I'm going to make my mid-Feb goal (perhaps Feb 2015....), but progress is being made. I keep finding things to do; dead end wires, crud in the belly, more black goo, more glue, etc. I seem to have a goal in mind every time I go out, but more often than not I get side tracked and create more work (for the better).

Perhaps paint in a few weeks? It's anyone's guess at this point.

Wires that go to nowhere - removed.


The last of the pesky black goo!


Today's mission, no more black goo.


Nice to see such a shine on a 57 year old plane.




Before I spent money on "mods" I promised myself the first thing I would buy would be a 406 ELT. I have read far to many horror stories to feel comfortable with the old 121.5 ELT. The UPS man brought it today.

Looking really good Matt! I need to get back out to the hangar I haven't been able to do much work lately.

She's cleaning up nice Matt!

I got the ACK ELT as well. Go the extra mile and hook up the GPS signal wire while you're knee deep in projects

Any idea what the horizontal row of nut plates on the right side of the firewall are for?? Mine has the same thing and my only guess is some sort of cover over the pedals...but seems excessive for that.

Awesome Work keep plugging away!

nice work matt - if it ever warms up maybe I'll fly down and help you out for a day if you'd like

Looks really great man and I sure do empathize. I urge you to keep up the attention to detail.

It''s always easy to take stuff apart and unfortunately the work you have done thus far is the easy part. Whats hard is to keep the quality/detail going as the project drags on and on. No one really knows how long this stuff takes until you are deep in it. Take your estimated time frame and then quintuple it. (budget also)

The WX will be turning soon enough and you will be frustrated by not flying. Don't succumb to "get there itis" by cutting corners in order to just get it done. If you hold fast, it will be worth it in the end.

We are rooting for you!

Not much to report at this time.

Just going over all the nooks and crannies cleaning up the interior. I removed the doors and have been focusing my efforts on prepping them for paint. The hinges need a little attention and I am removing the steel (rusty) rods for the quick disconnect stainless steel pins. Anyone have any good places to order some door hinges? One of my lowers is in need of some attention.

The new parts are coming in slowly. Selkirk 1/4 and 1/2" foam, F Altee Dodge firewall box, SBS-J16 battery, AirGlas carbon fiber extended baggage, Aerofloor DOT, and a box of goodies from Spruce should be arriving shortly.

The devil is in the details at this point. The Imron paint is picked out and seats should be finished by next week.

Also picked up a Graco Croix HVLP sprayer and Hobbyair HB01 fresh air respirator off craigslist. Hoping for a good warm day in the next few weeks to paint.

Looks great! I'm really impressed with your attention to detail, keep it up!

I'm loving it Matt. It's amazing how much better she is looking. Great job!

Awesome job Matt - Can't wait to come out and see it... AND... If you need to get in the air to clear your head, I'm your guy!

Cheers pal!