N28678 Chronicle

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    • December 24, 2017 at 07:48 #8058
      Curt
      Participant

      I’m waiting for my SI Medical. The FAA has had my paperwork and for…10 months – and still not given me a decision. It’s about the most frustrating thing I can imagine.

      So, I’m trying to make the best of the downtime and chronicle the recent history on my 1977 Tiger. Up to my current project of a few improvements.

      I will try to chronicle my adventure below. The pictures attached here are prior to purchase on May 27, 2017.

    • December 24, 2017 at 07:57 #8059
      Curt
      Participant

      Sadly, I oversized those pictures.

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    • December 24, 2017 at 08:17 #8064
      Curt
      Participant

      I had the seller fly it to FletchAir to have the pre-buy inspection. After settling and completing the sale, I had Scott from FletchAir take care of all the list of 35-ish squawks (mostly minor)

      -Ly-Con overhaudled engine. Added Lycoming cylinders, port and polish, anodized cylinders, and the o-ring crankcase STC as options.
      – EI CGR-30P installed with USB-6A Charger. Love this Engine monitor!
      – Fuel leaks remedied
      – Aileron A/D permanently mitigated
      – all the things previous “Cessna/Piper” mechanics screwed up!

      Had a panic attack when I got my bills. Then, my CFI and I flew home to South Carolina.

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    • December 24, 2017 at 08:33 #8067
      Curt
      Participant

      Windows & Plastic:

      Tried various things to remove the “hazey” fog on the canopy windows. Even tried micromesh. Miserable fail. Broke down and just ordered new, UV-resistant smoke-grey windows and windscreen from FletchAir. Why not replace the 40-year old plastics while I’m at it? Discovered one window seemed original, but one was re-sealed with RTV. PAIN in the butt to remove. I think I’ll use rope-caulk (thanks Roscoe for the video!) for the re-install. While rough-fitting the window and window plastic, I tore the (very fragile) headliner. Investigating how that was secured, discovered it was held up by foam which literally disintegrated when touched! Considering ordering a fresh headliner from Airtex.

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    • December 24, 2017 at 08:35 #8072
      Dan Voegeli
      Participant

      Good luck on you medical. Your plane looks great, like how good the engine looks.

    • December 25, 2017 at 19:18 #8082
      Curt
      Participant

      Decided the headliner HAS to go. Removed the canopy windows, insulation, and primed the areas where the new windows will go to ensure it doesn’t rust. Long day….even the dog was exhausted.

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    • December 27, 2017 at 10:18 #8094
      Curt
      Participant

      Windows: Out with the old, prep the new. Found both rope caulk and felt on the canopy windows.
      Headliner: Airtex does not have the template, but they are sending me the raw materials so I can DIY.
      Plastics: More trimming….and trimming….and trimming using the old pieces as templates.
      Insulation: Removing and replacing with modern soundproofing from Airtex. Laid out some of the pieces to get a rough idea of how much to order.

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    • December 28, 2017 at 17:18 #8103
      Curt
      Participant

      Poor weather day, so I decided to clean up and organize my tools. I did, however give some much-needed love to the rear passenger air vents! See the before and after shot below:

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    • December 29, 2017 at 09:59 #8114
      Richard
      Participant

      Hi Curt,

      Looking good so far. I went through this on my previous 76 Cheetah. Did the canopy and rear windows, headliner, repainted/replaced the canopy and rear plastic, powder coated metal overlay, NuLights, and fiberglass one piece glaresheild from Gary Vougt at AuCountry. Lots of work spread over a year, but had fun doing it. Will probably start into my 79 Tiger this coming year.

      • This reply was modified 6 years, 4 months ago by Richard.
      • January 1, 2018 at 07:35 #8133
        Curt
        Participant

        Thanks, Richard! The instrument panel is definitely on my wish-list! Best wishes with your Tiger!

    • December 30, 2017 at 15:12 #8121
      Curt
      Participant

      Test-fitting and trimming plastics! This is really tedious work, especially around the front, shoulder-seat-belt bracket. The new plastic is much thicker, and this makes it a struggle.

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    • January 1, 2018 at 07:30 #8131
      Curt
      Participant

      Yesterday I discovered the trim and rear seats came unexpectedly clean after a go with a portable carpet cleaner. What a nice surprise! Before (left) and after (right).

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    • January 1, 2018 at 10:12 #8134
      Richard
      Participant

      Here’s a picture of the panel overlay and glareshield from the Cheetah.

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    • January 2, 2018 at 08:56 #8147
      Curt
      Participant

      That is a very nice panel and glareshield, Richard! I will certainly contact Gary and get details for those. Thanks for posting photos!

    • January 4, 2018 at 16:56 #8159
      Curt
      Participant

      Removed the old canopy fabric and cut soundproofing material to replace the existing bat insulation.

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    • January 5, 2018 at 02:13 #8164
      Roscoe Rosché
      Keymaster

      Thanks for updating the forum Curt. Two new videos tonight, yours and another Tiger just 40 serial numbers away undergoing a similar renovation. Thank you both.

    • January 14, 2018 at 18:52 #8228
      Curt
      Participant

      Most recent Progress:
      Headliner in (not thrilled with how it came out, but it will do the job)
      Soundproofing material replaced insulation
      Rear plastics in.
      Rear windows in

      (she’s starting to look like an airplane again!)

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    • January 17, 2018 at 18:16 #8251
      Gabriel
      Participant

      Thanks for posting Curt, pretty cool to watch your progress here…

      I’m considering replacing the rear side panels, doing upholstery for the front side panels and also replacing the headliner…

      Can you comment on which brand of plastics did you choose?

      I hope I don’t end up tearing down all the plastics… the insulation work seems tempting…

      Thanks,

      Gabriel

      • January 18, 2018 at 12:50 #8264
        Curt
        Participant

        Gabriel,
        Thanks for your interest. The plastics are from Fletchair. There are a few pieces they don’t stock, so I had to get the remainder from Vantage Plane Plastics. All plastics have to be extensively trimmed, and it’s very time-consuming. Then painted. But as you can begin to see, the results are a new-feeling interior. I’ll post more pictures as the project finishes up!

    • January 17, 2018 at 18:47 #8252
      Roscoe Rosché
      Keymaster

      Take video, put it where I can download it, and I’ll do another movie on the channel for you./

      Goes for you too Gabriel.

      Cheers

      Roscoe

      • January 22, 2018 at 20:26 #8280
        Curt
        Participant

        Howdy Roscoe. I should have this phase of the interior project done this coming weekend. I’ll definitely get photos (and perhaps a video) of the final product!

    • January 22, 2018 at 20:23 #8275
      Curt
      Participant

      Here’s the latest!
      – Rear seat-backs re-assembled with new plastic
      – Dome/Map light re-installed
      – Canopy headliner and plastics nearly complete

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    • January 28, 2018 at 15:27 #8299
      Curt
      Participant

      To recap, here’s just part of the interior/windows that were removed. Getting ready to go where it belongs – in the dumpster!

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    • January 28, 2018 at 15:30 #8301
      Curt
      Participant

      And here’s the final product. New, UV-blocking windows and fresh, clean interior.

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    • January 28, 2018 at 17:06 #8304
      Sam Young
      Participant

      Excellent posts Curt!

      I’m planning to use up my free time in 2018 doing the exact same thing with my Tiger’s interior, minus the windscreen this round. How do you like the smoke grey windows? And I’m not sure if you kept track of hours, but what would you say was your man hour total?

      Great looking airplane!

      Regards,

      Sam

      • January 29, 2018 at 10:34 #8305
        Curt
        Participant

        Thanks, Sam. I didn’t really keep track of my hours, but the project consumed my evenings and weekends for a good two months. The visibility is so much better with new glass. Cabin feels roomier, and the soundproofing quieted things down substantially! The smoke grey windows look great, far better than the old “aviation green” tint. The plastics were, by far, most time-consuming in the project. Hit me up for tips and tricks when you get started on yours; I might be able to save you a couple hours of frustration.

    • April 21, 2018 at 17:29 #8798
      Curt
      Participant

      Update: Finally received word that my medical is on the way. Today, my instructor and I flew it from the hanger down to my local airport. The airplane flew well, and looks amazing. The project was very challenging and rewarding.

      Cost breakdown:
      Pricing for the UV-Tinted Grumman Windows through Fletchair.
      Windshield – $814.24
      Side Windows – $232.00 each ($928 for all four)
      Shipping $100
      ————–
      Total for new glass = $1,842

      Canopy Plastics:
      Vantage Plane Plastics = $454.00
      Fletchair = 589.00
      Freebies that came with the plane = $400?
      Prep, Paint Supplies = $200
      Hardware = $60
      ——————
      Total Plastics = $1,703

      Headliner and SoundProofing (DIY-kit from AirTex) = $483.00

      And now the fun part begins – enjoying the fruits of my labor!

    • June 2, 2020 at 16:28 #14083
      Jeff
      Participant

      Thanks for posting this. Super informational. I’m about to start the same project with my Traveler and was curious if you felt there was much of an impact in noise levels after updating the sound deadening material? That wasn’t on my radar to replace but after seeing your updates you’ve got me thinking.

      -Jeff
      N5440L

    • August 11, 2021 at 03:09 #16177
      Greg
      Participant

      Hi Curt,

      You did a great job on everything! I’m also redoing my “78 Tiger. I’m having trouble getting a hi-gloss shine on my aluminum vents. What products did you use to get such a high sheen on them?

      Thank you,

      Greg
      N28659

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