| In 2006, all the fabric was removed, the frame was sandblasted,
aircraft inspected (no corrosion, no tubes had to be replaced) and then
epoxy primed. The wing spars were inspected and given 2 coats of varnish.
The whole aircraft was recovered with Ceconite using Airtec Process, a new
windshield and side windows were installed and aircraft reassembled with
new hardware. New wing rear struts were installed and front struts
X-rayed. The engine is so strong that a decision was made to not open
it up. Since the rebuild, the left wing sustained minor damage when
a snow blower sent a chunk of ice onto the wing punching a hole through
the fabric and putting a small (very) chip on the top corner of the spar.
The repair was all done professionally and to AC4313. This is one
sweet flying aircraft and has many hours on floats, skiis and wheels.
This rebuild was a labour of love and the owner knows he'll never recover
his investment. |