new interior project

[jamesm]

My Mooney interior has been lacking attention for 48 years. Even in its day, the colors looked like they came from an airline remnant fire sale of the psychedelic 60's and 70's. I considered new replacement parts, but prices along with all the labor to fit and install for the same look was not exciting. A You Tube video of someone installing a brand new interior in an older Cessna also prompted me to continue searching. I could do it myself, but the dramatic effort and expense and time for the same result made little sense. My research came across the Mooney Space web site that featured the unique Spatial Interior. So I contacted the designer, Bruce Jaeger, he wounded up updating my airplane. The result is not only beautiful, it increased space and its quickly removable panels will simplify service. I was surprised that relatively simple repairs turned my original window trim into like new parts. The problem now is this new look is forcing me to update my seats.

 

James '67M20C

[Yetti]

like

[merrja]

looks great!   May I ask what the cost was?  

[Andy95W]

like

+1

Except those seats... Wow.

[Openwheeler3]

Thanks for the pictures! I've been considering this interior update myself...

[Danb]

Very nice..get aerotex to get u some seats and carpet..

how long did it take?

[jamesm]

It is taking me about 40 hours  and counting when I get involved these projects I tend to find things that need to be fixed or just plain irritate me so the project becomes so they are very time consuming; for example the rear seat wasn't installed correctly so I had to fix it. We did a lot reconditioning of existing window plastic trim pieces which took time and they were pretty dirty after 48 years.

For price contact Bruce.

http://www.jaegeraviation.com/sinteriors

James  '67C

 

[steingar]

For what it's worth guys, my last airplane had an Airmod interior. Spendy in the extreme, but by Odin is was nice.

[HRM]

Beautiful! I did the contrasting colors with my spatial as well, looks great.

[irishpilot]

Man, that's a neat concept, decent pricing and a modern update. Enjoy!

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[prflyer]

The interior is looking great. Congrats!

Fernando

 

[DXB]

Really nice, very clean looking.  Love the utilitarian simplicity, paucity of screws, reasonable price.  Almost wish I needed a new interior- I would do this one in a second.    Mine came with an interior that is only a few years old and looks decent, but the dozens of little screws make work a total PITA.  Mine also has no pockets, no pilot left armrest- drives me nuts.  I wonder if I could install one of those little armrests in yours on one of my panels.

[carl]

Is it legal to fly without seats ? of course you need the pilot's seat.

I was thinking if I do this I want the seats removed and done except the pilots seat , then I could fly. then lastly do the pilots seat, or maybe do it first and send out the rest after . Down time ?

If it is legal i'd do it , considering recalculation of weight and balance )

 

 

 

[Guest]

Is it legal to fly without seats ? of course you need the pilot's seat.

I was thinking if I do this I want the seats removed and done except the pilots seat , then I could fly. then lastly do the pilots seat, or maybe do it first and send out the rest after . Down time ?

If it is legal i'd do it , considering recalculation of weight and balance )

 

 

 

Sky dive airplanes fly with only a seat for the pilot.  I would think that you're legal with only one seat and seat belt for you.  With the rear seat out there is no danger of fouling a control.

Clarence

[carl]

thanks , Clarence 

[Houman]

I did also my interior with Bruce and it's pretty amazing.

Bruce is a bit hard to follow after 12 hours, I'm a bit older than half his age and he got more energy than me at his age.

I recommend Bruce's Spatial interior to any Mooney owner wanting to redo their interior.

[jamesm]

The seats will probably be  next years project (if I can stand the ugly orange  color that long) I have  to get the plane  through  this year's annual first. The thing  about Bruce's Spatial interior it is not same poor interior design Yeah  you could put new fabric over  the old tried the side panels and stiffeners in the side panel to make better but it is not resolving the problem of a flimsy side panel design. So  when it comes to  annual time or avionics install  you or someone is going to  deal with removing the side panels to inspect fuel lines or install avionics  like ADS B.  That is my point of view.

James  '67C

 

 

[ryoder]

I like Bruce's panels but ended up going with Vantage which are much much more substantial than the Mooney plastic.

Dont paint those old panels.  Throw them out.  They really are junk when you compare them side to side to Vantage and I am sure Bruce's panels are very nice too.

[HRM]

I like Bruce's panels but ended up going with Vantage which are much much more substantial than the Mooney plastic.

Dont paint those old panels.  Throw them out.  They really are junk when you compare them side to side to Vantage and I am sure Bruce's panels are very nice too.

Bruce's panels are very thick and strong, the same used in airliners and the color is completely through the plastic.

Bruce has a process using high-end glues, fillers and fiberglass, to restore the Royalite and repaint it. This is only the panels around the windows and in the baggage area. He does this to save weight and money as well as use some of the original screw holes, which vary from plane to plane.

The final result is less expensive, literally adds room, hence Spatial Interior, and is easy to R&R if maintenance or inspection is needed.

[HRM]

I wonder if I could install one of those little armrests in yours on one of my panels.

The armrests attach to the panels, which are strong enough to support them. You might be able to gen up some sort of bracket, but I am guessing even with that the Royalite would not hold up.

I did not really like the wood even though when I first saw it (see photo above--not my E) I did. I wound up covering mine with the leather that is on my seats and now I am a very happy, customized camper! (see photo below, my E)

Lastly, you get to decide where you want the armrest in terms of position on the panel and angle. It is noticeably more comfortable than the original one that was molded-in.

[pinerunner]

I've been sold on this for a while now.  I'm putting spatial in my M20E next spring. I'm even thinking about flying out to Bruce's place to do it though not sure about that.  Along with a new Airtex carpet. I'll have to put up with seats that look awful next to the interior for a while I guess.

For those in the know I think Spatial interior will add value to these older planes. I REALLY like the idea of easier inspection.

[Marauder]

Bruce's panels are very thick and strong, the same used in airliners and the color is completely through the plastic.

Bruce has a process using high-end glues, fillers and fiberglass, to restore the Royalite and repaint it. This is only the panels around the windows and in the baggage area. He does this to save weight and money as well as use some of the original screw holes, which vary from plane to plane.

The final result is less expensive, literally adds room, hence Spatial Interior, and is easy to R&R if maintenance or inspection is needed.

Does Bruce post his prices somewhere?

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[Hank]

Does Bruce post his prices somewhere?

 

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Prices are on his website. Going from memory, the kit for my C is about 3 AMU; installation should run about 40 hours. He has quotes for installation at his place, and travel rates to do it at yours.

Not a bad deal!

[ryoder]

If you get spatial interior I would recommend first replacing your door panel with Vantage.  Then when you put in the spatial door panel you cut the vantage panel in half and keep the top window frame portion.  My window frame was cracked so badly and was so thin I couldn't wait to pitch it.  It was not worth even considering repair as it was thin, broken, and warped.