Inch by Inch

There's simply not enough time to work on our project this spring, but we're continuing to move forward. I managed to install the beat welting around the luggage hatch and install several panels from the luggage compartment to the hat rack. Since all of the roof panels are in and there's no chance of dripping glue, we're ready to begin work on changing out the windows. After that, we'll prime and paint the pilot and copilot seat frames before the cushions and fabric go on. In general, I think the interior will move pretty quickly over the next few weekends.

On the front end, the new exhaust system needs to be installed, and the cowling reassembled before we begin running the engine and testing components like the freshly lubed ram air cable, the new alternator, the replaced fuel strainer and the rebuilt right wing fuel sender.

I built a 'form' to try to replicate the concave fuselage in order to reduce wrinkles in the headliner material. Note the black ABS sheet plastic.

This panel consists of the original plastic backing, a layer of 3/8" closed cell foam (the stuff they make Koozies out of), and the headliner material from Original Auto Interiors. I chose a material that is used on old 'suspended' auto headliners. It's felty feeling and has a warm look that I like. The closed cell foam is a replacement of the original Mooney material and offers excellent sound proofing and insulation.

The beat welting around the luggage hatch gives some nice detail and a bit of contrast to the mostly tan interior.

Installing the beat welting was tedious and the corners were tricky.

The pieces fit tight. Good! Unfortunately, I couldn't get enough of the felt headliner material, so I went with vinyl for the roof of the hat rack. The negatives are that it's heavier and it shows some wrinkles. I still need to go back and install luggage straps that will come up through the carpet.