painting a plane

OOH! Russ! To cover that beautiful metal with paint.....Can't you find some young man or girl who would just love to polish that bird for a ride ? A party once a month for some energetic younger people to partake in some good food and drink would be an idea. The last time I was associated with painting an airplane, I designed the paint job for a DH Beaver and it cost the owner more than 15K to have it done. That would buy a lot steaks and beer.
Switches

 

I have a freind whose 70 + year old father has a polished Cessna 195 - his nickname is Popeye because of the forearms he maintains as a result of the work involved keeping it polished. I'll get the details on man hours, etc. and let you know!

 

Roy, should I tell Russ that I paint planes? I told the wife of a friend that we were moving to Friday Harbor to paint airplanes ( to illustrate a book ).She said in all innocence, " I didn't know there were that many airplanes up there that needed painting."
Switches

 

Precious

 

I use a variable speed buffer these days. Less time polishing so I can do more cruising.

 

Russ,

You might want to check out an outfit called "AVSource1" They are in Midland Texas, not all that far from San Antonio.

http://www.avsource1.com/

They are a shop which has been painting aircraft for over 30 years.

They painted mine several years ago and the paint is holding up nicely. There is a photo of my Comanche somewhere onthis board. Try this.

http://www.aviatorchat.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1481&stc=1&d=1150327433

I think that the individual who handled my paintjob was Elmo Hockman. I'm certain that they are still around.

If you do speak with Elmo, mention my name. See if he remembers the job. (He was painting aircraft in Missouri at the time and that's where I had mine done. I went to Texas a year later for a little touch-up work after he moved the shop there.

Good luck, let me know if you make contact.

Planeflyr

 

Hey Russ,

The owner of Midwest Texans posted here a while back. One would think he's connected to someone who can do a great job. Just a thought.

http://www.aviatorchat.com/forum/member.php?u=924

 

Russ,
After a good polishing, perhaps by someone that would like to trade a ride...or two, I'd go for "Clear Coating" and keep the "look", without the work.

Just a thought!

Charlie

 

Russ,

I know from the BT experience including 2 weeks ago (full polish #5 since 8/06) it takes 4 adults and 3 kids 11-15 about 4 hours to get er done. 1 adult, I have done it, 4 days at 6 hrs or so ea day.

Each polish job has improved the shine and length of shine.

The product does not really matter. I have done the expensive and relatively cheap. They all do the same!

I got an orbital polisher and thought I was fat, dumb and happy. After finding out you have to change the pad after about 3 square feet or less I came to the conclusion elbow grease worked the fastest.

Polished aluminum will beat the look of paint any day. Each little section that looks like a mirror is a great feeling!

It sure sucks when you start up and the oil PUKES out though.

In my case to keep authenticity the aluminum wins. If it was the Navy version the paint would win.

I have offered rides for the polish help. I would say the success rate is low. I have given a few talks at service orginizations to try to rally the troops with little success. Relatives can't turn me down.

my 2 cents.