Back on the Grid

Our computer caught a virus last Tuesday, and it was not good. It somehow managed to get past our virus protection software and was so invasive the hard drive had to be wiped clean and we had to start over. Many thanks to my friend Ben for his efforts to try and save things, and then his cleanup and restoration effort.

It is amazing how much time is spent on this machine each day! I have spent a good part of the day restoring files and such. The worst part was I lost all my web site bookmarks and e-mail addresses. Guess I will now find out how to back that stuff up.

Anyway, if you normally send me e-mail or have a blog I follow, you will have to send me an e-mail or link so I can get re-connected. Wade sent me several Stinson links, so I think I am getting set up there. At least I am now back on the grid and big brother can keep an eye on me - both literally and figuratively!

Caught stripping in the garage

I thought that title might attract some attention - paint stripping that is. It was in the mid 50's today, quite the contrast from the negative temperatures just a few weeks ago. The paint I ordered for the powder coating arrived Thursday. However, first I need to get all the parts ready for paint.

Wes, the guy who is going to do the powder coating, suggested the parts be bare metal, so no paint underneath has the chance to bleed through when it goes in the oven to bake. So, I decided to open the garage door, have plenty of ventilation, and go for it.

About 5 hours later, I can tell you it turned out to be much harder than anticipated. The top coat of burgundy that had been put on most recently came off with no effort. Underneath was the original blue the airplane left the factory with. That was really difficult to get off. I managed to finish the windshield divider, the shield that goes between the two pilots' legs to protect the control cables, the curved support on the back of the instrument panel for the glare shield to attach to, and the window frames. Several other parts are started (i.e. down to the blue), but will need to wait for another day (or maybe a soda blaster). Debbie has KC Strips on the grill that smell great and I really worked up an appetite! See ya!

Vent Tubes Installed and More

Today, Debbie and I picked up some additional leather for the seats - some black to go with the Citation light caramel leather I received for Christmas (black and gold for Purdue!). Then it was off to Stearman Cafe for lunch.

This afternoon, I installed the wood supports for the vent tubes that Jim had made for me. I also painted the vent tubes flat black. I noticed the vent tubes had been installed incorrectly before (compare the two photos). The tubes are supposed to be flush with the wood when closed, and the tube portion goes into the wing root where there is an opening for fresh air to enter. I guess I'll add that to the list of other errors discovered in the previous rebuild. After getting the vent tube wood supports installed, I installed the piece of wood that goes across the top of the fuselage between the vent tubes. This is where the headliner attaches at the top of the windshield. This was the piece of wood I needed the new T-nuts for.

Last night I installed the second shoulder harness in the front and then the two lap belts for the back seats. So, progress is happening now that it has warmed back up. I actually had the garage door open most of the afternoon, giving Willie the opportunity to bark at all the other neighborhood dogs and kids going by!

Parts Arrived

My package showed up today from Aircraft Spruce. It included miscellaneous hardware, seat belts, shoulder harnesses, and an STC to install the harnesses. I installed the pilot side shoulder harness tonight. It was pretty straight forward, other than trying to keep the clamp tight while I tried to get the bolt through and the nut on. I finally got there after half an hour. I'll need to get a seat in there to figure the correct length on the straps. This will probably necessitate a customized hole in the headliner some day, but it should not be that difficult.

Warming Up!

After a several days of unusually cold weather, things have started to return more to normal. One positive is I found out the negative sign on my remote temperature gage works! Today it was close to 50, so it was actually comfortable for Willie and me in the garage tonight.

I removed the seat upholstery from the bottom and back of both front seats. One had seen a lot of mouse activity. The back frame has some surface rust and two straps that need a welding repair. The other seat frame is in great shape. My friend Tim at work has another friend who has a powder coating business on the side and has offered to paint whatever I need for a few 6 packs plus the cost of paint. I think I will give him the six packs after he is finished! I will have the seat frame painted black.

I am also going to get his opinion on the instrument panel. Wade mentioned a concern about it warping due to the high temperature. I'll see if this guy has any experience with this. I have also considered putting a temporary strap across the back to stabilize it. It wouldn't get any paint there, but no one would see it once complete. I'll also get the control yokes powder coated. I am doing the panel and yokes in a tan color.

I talked with another Beech flying club buddy today (Jeff) whose mom has an upholstery shop. I gave him several pictures of the seats and she is going to give me an estimate for redoing the foam and recovering them with the leather I got for Christmas.

I have a shipment on the way from Aircraft Spruce that should arrive tomorrow. More hardware, plus seat belts (all four seats) and shoulder harnesses (front only). My accident investigation buddies at work have stressed several times the importance of installing shoulder harnesses. They have investigated too many crashes in older airplanes that would have been survivable had there been harnesses. So, it is a cheap way to add safety.

A Visit to Stearman Cafe

Besides being New Year's Day, this was also the opening day of Stearman Cafe located at Stearman Field in Benton, Kansas. Debbie and I decided to give it a try and had lunch there. This airport is about 15 minutes from our house. Debbie had a Caesar salad with chicken and I had a cheeseburger with fries. Both were very tasty and I would recommend this place both for its food and view. Anytime you can eat and watch airplanes, you have a winning combination. The cafe serves breakfast as well as simple lunch / dinner selections.

Some of my first adventures with my dad in his restored 1946 Aeronca Chief were to Elwood, Indiana where they had a fly-in / drive-in. In fact, if you believe their sign, it was the world's first! It was about a 20 minute flight and we would go for lunch or sometimes just a milkshake. Any reason to fly! It is hard to believe that was almost 40 years ago (early 1970's).

My friend Jim, who is making the replacement wood components for 98K, came by why we were at Stearman Cafe with a new piece of wood for the upper cabin where the headliner makes its forward attachment. He had cut it to size, routed the edge, and drilled all the holes. I varnished it this afternoon and then installed the T-nuts Santa brought. You can see both the new and the old in the picture. Willie is checking out the progress.