Paint Questions

[KSMooniac]

A full paint job is on my wish list (right after a LoPresti cowl kit) this year and I have a few questions for those that have been through the process.  So far I've been corresponding with friends and other forum posters (future friends?) as well as soliciting a few casual ball-park quotes from some shops.  I would like to hear about any experiences, good and bad, that you can offer.

As I'm now hip-deep in my owner-assist annual, I'm curious about the level of disassembly and stripping that is typical, as well as hardware replacement and other details that would really make the plane look like new.  I've noticed on many of my inspection panels that there is a build-up of crud/paint/corrosion/wax at the joint with the skins, and I wonder if all of that gets removed during the strip and prep process.

Do shops paint Mooneys on the gear, or remove the gear to clean and paint everything thoroughly?

Do shops remove gear doors, inspection panels, small fairings, belly pans, etc or strip and paint with them in place?

Do shops replace screws/camlocs/etc. on condition or on request or simply paint over whatever is on the plane?

Does the stripping and cleaning process remove all of the vital lube in the controls and gear (I would presume so) and do shops go back and lube a Mooney prior to signing it off?

I'll probably think of more questions later too...but that is a good place to start.

[mooniac58]

•  When mine was painted we replaced 100% of all the external hardware (access panel screws and cowl/belly fasteners).  This was fairly cheap, around $200.00 - but it was an option.  They also replaced the rubber seal that runs along the back dorsal fin - this was another $100 or so.
•  Mine was painted on the gear.
•  All inspection panels were removed, gear doors, belly panel, rudder, ailerons and elevator.
•  The new camlocs and harware should be an option, but I would imagine some shops require you do it.
•  Not sure on the lube being removed - this was never brought up
•  The only corrosion on mine was around the wing access panels.  It was pretty minor and removed using a blasting media process.

Other considerations:

• Fix all weeping tanks before paint job
• Consider new plexi windows if your bird needs them.  The removal process of the windows can be hard on paint from my experience and it is a shame to do this to a new paint job.

I've attached some pictures from my aircraft in the paint shop if it helps.

[ajoflyer]

I confirm Craig's experience, and add that mine was painted with gear removed, gear painted. Lube does get removed in the strip process, and my mechanic came out to the shop for inspection (rigging) and greased her. Don't forget the new W&B. For an older model like mine, all that work really does pay off.

[KSMooniac]

Regarding the hardware replacement, was there a complete Mooney-specific kit that you purchased (or the shop provided) or was it assembled out of inventory at the paint shop?  I've been replacing some stripped hardware as needed during the last two annuals. 

I had Willmar fix my tanks last year and they used new screws on all of the tank access panels so I'm tip-top there!  I need to replace my right rear window because it is slightly warped.  The previous owner put new windows and interior in ~2005 and used a heat lamp on to accelerate the cure on the first window (right rear) and it ended up distorting it slightly.  I plan to replace it prior to paint.

[mooniac58]

Paint shop ordered all my new hardware - not sure if it comes in kits or not...

[bgpilot1]

There are several good paint shops in Mena, AR.  I'm currently haveing an M20F done at Crider Aircraft and so far the prop work looks outstanding.  standard base rates are from 9.5 to 10.5 for a split base, metallic scheme.  Don't bother getting a quote from A&S unless you want to pay much less - and wait for 3 months, and have them miss spots.  The old cherokee they painted turned out allright but you get what you pay for.  I'll post pictures shortly.