isaacpr7

David, Thanks for the education. Sorry for the ignorance but, can you elaborate a bit more on the difference between a field approval and an STC? How do I buy or apply for an STC?

David, How possible do you think it would be for me to go through the process of obtaining a 337 for this type of alteration I am trying to do? Do you have any tips you could give me?

Hank, I thought about the screws supporting the middle as well. What I was thinking was drilling holes in the exact location where the panels are supported but making these flush instead so that I could have less dragg.

I watched Mike Busch's video on owner produced parts and this is what I got from it: Owners may produce parts on certified aircraft, so long as they are involved in the design and production process. They may not produce a part for sale to other aircraft. This is the video below. Maybe someone can watch it and help me interpret what I thought was right or wrong: http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=1105297993001

On my last annual inspection it took me a few hours to take all the screws off the segmented belly. I started to do some research on the one piece belly but as I am sure all of you know it is very expensive. I was wondering if anyone has ever heard of a one piece belly made out of sheet metal. The fiberglass type adds about 10 lbs to the aircraft weight so I started to ask myself, is there anyone who has made an owner produced part out of sheet metal? I was thinking about overlaying some contractor's paper on the belly and drawing the outline as a template in order to transfer into a sheet metal piece. Does anyone know of this owner produced part being created in the past?

You can find them on ebay if they need to be replaced. http://www.ebay.com/itm/261252017115?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

The local upholstery shop helping me with my interiors recommended that I use a hight temp glue that they use at their shop for that type of job. This type of glue comes in a gallon for about 30 bucks (I have seen spray cans of the same version on ebay) and can only be sprayed with an automotive spray gun. The shop owner tells me that this gallon lasts him over a year. His tip was to spray a few thin coats, allowin each coat to become tacky and use a vinyl brand called Allante. This vinyl has a type of backing that when used with the aforementioned glue, it will not create any gases under hot weather conditions; therefore, it will not delaminate. On the panels that are upholstered using 1/4" foam, he only applied glue to the portion that overlaps in the back and reinforced the overlap with staples. He does not apply glue to the front side so that if the piece is worked into place by bending, it will not create wrinkles from what I understand.

Guys, I know some of you are interested in the "Spatial Interiors" by Bruce, so I sent him an email requesting more information on this product and this is what he replied: Isaac, in a brief explanation, the Spatial Interior concept started over eight years ago while sitting in a 65 C model with the side panels removed. I was amazed at the amount of room and set on a mission to not only create more elbow and shoulder space, but also add needed legroom. After an extended search, a plastics molding company was selected and the first hand- drawn design was completed. After all these years and multiple design changes, STC approved parts are in stock or production. The side panels were only part of the equation. An installation procedure needed to be developed for the approval as well as use by future installers. I am pleased to report that these panels are now securely held without screws. Install labor will be held to a minimum as panels will be pretrimmed to coarsely fit into the different models. Another major factor was the need to recondition, or in certain cases replace window trim and headliner parts. Years of outside storage and heat may result in the need for Plane Plastic parts. However, pleasing discoveries of a simple way to recondition deteriorated plastics and finish with an automotive aerosol product answered many questions. The finish materials perfectly coordinate with either the tan or gray Spatial panels. One of the most difficult items has been designing a new door trim to replace the original style windlace. Now into the sixth design and multiple years, I finally have a one piece silicone trim that is held in place with a special adhesive. The design provides a pleasing appearance with room for the door to close while creating a large inside flap to accommodate the mating plastic parts. Again the screws are gone. The other needed player was a professional upholstery company that appreciates the need for value in a vintage Mooney. After many visits and consultations with upholsterers, a company in Duluth, Minnesota has been selected. In addition to being our preferred choice for seat upholstery, they have helped design a practical, inexpensive and easily installed storage pocket set. Part of the seat design is to minimize the seat back depth while capturing lumbar support, adding both legroom and comfort. Carpet kit templates are either already available or being developed. We have standard seat design that gives a great look while capturing the comfort and extra space. Putting all these players together has resulted in a refined interior that adds room with significant comfort and storage, is very easily removed and reinstalled for service, does not compromise weight while providing a pleasing clean look. In answer to your finance question, I had initially set a $8,000 pricing goal for a complete all-leather interior with the new Spatial panels, professionally upholstered seats, carpets, storage pockets and some reconditioned original plastics. Depending on the extent of owner assistance and optional parts desired I am confident that this goal can be reached. Having been in the Mooney sales and service business for more than three decades, I realized the importance of attractive pricing. A Spatial Interior panel kit price has not been absolutely established. I am however, expecting that the range will be initially in the $2,500 area for the ten new panels and required installation hardware. Approximately $500 for optional upholstered armrests and special design storage pockets will enhance the finished product. If needed, add four slim line professionally upholstered all leather seats for approximately $4,000. The new silicone door trim will be priced for less than $200. I would estimate finishing materials for reconditioning the remaining original window trim, headliner and upper baggage panels will be in the $150 range. Due to the size of the panels, shipping costs will be part of an estimate. For a hands on Mooney owner willing and able to do some of the work, we have met the original goal. Final approval will require an aircraft inspector and STC signoff. An interior can be completed in stages which may be helpful. To help answer some of your questions, I have attached a few photos showing a 1966 E model used for the conformity inspection. The first photo shows the simplicity to accommodate an emergency gear system. I apologize for the length of this message, but wanted you to understand the concept and value. I am installing a complete kit in a 65 E model this next week. This opportunity will provide the answers to questions about the install process, amount of time required and ease of refinishing original plastics. If you are able to wait just a few days before making a final decision, I may be able to get you a reference from the 66 E model owner. In any case, reply with questions or thoughts. If you care to call I can be reached at 320-444-3042. Thanks for your time. Regards, Bruce Jaeger

AmigOne, My fuel sender area looks exactly like the picture you posted. Can you give me any tips on how to replace these gaskets? What did you use to clean the area and make it look so new?

Well guys, at this point I am becoming very impatient with the fiberglass work. This epoxy product is not working out like I thought it would. I did everything as instructed to mix the resin and four yards of expensive fabric later it still will not dry out properly so all the material was a waste. At this point I am considering another alternative. I will either save for the spacy interior or just buy the panels from plane pastics as needed.

I have been selecting "like" on content that I would like to come back to in the future so that I can review it. Is there a way to do this?

Here are some pictures of the progress. Hopefully I can get some input as I post more pictures.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction Jim. You hit the nail in the head. This is exactly what this item is (main CB). Also, I will be drilling the whole as you suggested. I will be posting pics of the progress as I go so that maybe I could receive some suggestions from fellow mooniacs. This is the CB without the panel installed:

So I have started the recornstruction portion of the interiors by cutting all the cardboard panels and upholstering with faux leather. After I finish these I will begin the fiberglass reinforcement of all the plastic panels from the rear and glue faux leather to the front side of each panel. I am leaving the overhead panels for last so that I can continue to see what others have done before I decide on what to do for the weemac vent conversion. During the fabrication of the lower right hand panel I noticed that there is a small hole (about 1") where there is some sort of device behind the whole. Does anyone know what this might be? I was thinking about not creating the hole when I cut the new cardboard panel because it does not make sense as to why there was a whole made for this. This whole is in the lower right side panel between the floor and the instrument panel.

Jetdrive, Have you had any progress on the fabrication of the fiberglass piece to transition to euro vents?

Ebay has a few listed right now. The one below might have a low reserve price. Email the seller and find out what his reserve is. They usually tell you. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Avionics-King-KA44-ADF-Antenna-guaranteed-/321315104597?pt=Motors_Aviation_Parts_Gear&hash=item4acfdf6755&vxp=mtr

Sorry bud, I recently sold the entire system for the same price I bought it for on ebay.

This article will answer all of your questions on IFR Cert GPS requirements (equipment needed, etc.): http://www.avweb.com/news/avionics/181617-1.html?redirected=1

Ebay has them as well: http://www.ebay.com/itm/261252017115?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

This was the rehearsal back home. https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10151844300636968

I had the same issue with my door handle strap and removed it. I then took it to a local upholstery shop where I selected the pleather fabric to match my interiors. They actually had a stronger material for what was wrapped around with leather. You can get this done for under 10 bucks.

Hopefully this works. Wait until the end of the anthem to see the flyover: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10153742245745632&set=vb.660330631&type=2&theater

Sixty pilot, where are you stationed at? Just wondering if I know you. I am at Campbell. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

I will try to post some good clips once I figure out how to download them from Facebook. These pilots are from my company. I am happy they had the opportunity to do this for this event. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk