Plastics, Parts and Levitation

So far I have been concentrating on the cosmetics of the interior--ordering parts, pulling plastics, carpets, etc. Here are a few items of interest.

Door plastic--this piece is one of the heaviest and largest. It's also in fairly poor condition. I'll be using a repair solution that consists of plastic chips (similar to model plastic from our childhood days) and MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), a colorless liquid solvent with an acetone-like odor. The MEK will liquify the plastic chips and create a plastic glue. I'll tape the front side of the cracks and coat the back with a screen mesh and layer of glue. When it dries, I'll remove the tape and wipe a thin smooth coating over the front to hide the crack. I've tried it on a couple of pieces and the finished product is outstanding. Also on this particular piece is vinyl faux wood. I'll outline those pieces and have them recreated, perhaps with a more modern finish. Stay tuned for before and after photos.

This plaque was positioned directly over the pilot's head. I'll have all the plaques reproduced and put back in their correct places.

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First order of fasteners and intercom parts has arrived from Aircraft Spruce. I suspect I'll be making more orders of this type.

Along with cosmetic repairs to the plastics, I started taking parts off the outside of the plane. In conjunction with that, Glenn and I "levitated" the plane in order to begin disassembling and rebuilding the undercarriage. Glenn did a nifty job of molding a concrete block with wheels and an attaching bracket to hold down the tail.

This is Glenn's tail weight contraption. It weighs 100lbs--hence, the wheels. As you can see, it didn't quite do the trick. Check out the instrument panel on the top face! Right now it's 3" AGL.

It actually took an extra 15 gallons (~120 lbs) of water (not fuel!) to keep the tail down.

We have levitation.

The fuel tank switch and strainer for the M20E are located directly beneath the pilot's knees. We knew that the strainer is not working and I noticed yesterday that fuel is dripping from the drain. This particular job will be for our mechanic.

Mooneys have lots of screws...lots and lots of screws. The spinner will be stripped and polished. The other cowling and belly panels are off for inspections.