Vinyl wrap for interior panels

[M016576]

Has anyone tried using a vinyl auto wrap on their interior plastics? Thoughts? Legality? eBay link to a roll of what I'm talking about below...<br />

<br />

Avery Matte Dark Grey Car Wrap Film Sheet Decal 8ft x 5ft (40 sq/ft)<br />

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=110897815256&index=3&nav=SEARCH&nid=03499259167

The stuff doesn't fade, protects in sun/uv. I was thinking it could also hide small cracks, etc. would be an alternative to re-painting at a similar cost. What says the crowd?

Edit: fixed link?

[KSMooniac]

Link didn't come through...  I'd be wary of the fire/smoke/toxicity characteristics of it until proven otherwise.  Samples can be tested for a relatively cheap sum IIRC, though.

[M016576]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="KSMooniac" data-cid="85209" data-time="1356726090"><p>

Link didn't come through... I'd be wary of the fire/smoke/toxicity characteristics of it until proven otherwise. Samples can be tested for a relatively cheap sum IIRC, though.</p></blockquote>

Good point. Looks like 40 bucks to get a FAA burn cert (if the sample passes). Still about 300 bucks cheaper than buying a single new interior panel. Not as classy as leather coverings though...

[Marauder]

Link didn't come through... I'd be wary of the fire/smoke/toxicity characteristics of it until proven otherwise. Samples can be tested for a relatively cheap sum IIRC, though.

I wonder what the original interiors of our planes were rated. It was an issue and still is I believe with the commercial fleet.

[KSMooniac]

I'm sure our original interiors were not tested and did not have to meet any specs in this arena.  Technically as CAR 3 (vs. FAR Part 23) certified planes they don't have to meet the modern specs when we update interiors, but IMO you'd be a fool to NOT consider meeting the modern specs.  Leather of course meets the specs as does the newer synthetic ultraleather and similar fabric products designed for aircraft interiors, but I'd be wary of generic plastic and vinyl.  There are plenty of materials we can use to do the job, so IMO there isn't a good reason not to use them.  

[M016576]

One good reason: cost.

I agree with you though, it would be unwise to install something that fails a burn test or cert. according to the Avery product spec. For this wrap, it's self-extinguishing. I think I might get a swath burn tested through Skandia (a FAA certified materials testing lab). It's only 40 or so bucks and could save me 1k easy.

On another note: I priced out some arm rests covered in leather from aviation designs. If you haven't seen them, google them- they are BEAUTIFUL! But... They cost 5.2 AMU's just for the 4 armrests/sidepanels! And that's with me doing the install/removal. 6.8 AMU's if you drop it off with them. Spendy stuff for a little leather and plastic: above my pay grade for sure, but they sure are nice looking.

On another note- has anyone ever seen an interior with a black headliner and black window frames? The only reason I ask is it seems like many sports cars use this color scheme, but all airplanes seem to have white or off-white headliners. Is it because of the feeling of being enclosed more in an airplane? Or is it something else? I'm not very good with interior design, does anyone have a better idea about why black would be a bad idea for a plane interior?

[jetdriven]

All of these beautiful ultraleather and leather covered plastic interior panels have it falling off after 5 years.  SEM plastic paint can go a long way to making your plastic interior look good for years coming.

[M016576]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="jetdriven" data-cid="85223" data-time="1356735299"><p>

All of these beautiful ultraleather and leather covered plastic interior panels have it falling off after 5 years. SEM plastic paint can go a long way to making your plastic interior look good for years coming.</p></blockquote>

I like the SEM paint, but some of my panels are cracked. They also have that "textured" look. I figure I can cover the light cracks, repair the bigger ones and use this auto vinyl wrap to smooth out the texture a bit as well as give the panels a uniform color. All assuming it passes burn cert. if not, SEM paint is my answer in the near term. New plastics are pricey.

[KSMooniac]

I had not seen Aviation Designs before...very beautiful work!  I agree about the price, though.

[Bennett]

Tim at Aviation Designs is a master craftsman, and he does far more custom work than the great side panel/arm rests that you refer too. You are right: they are not cheap, but they are worth the cost from a quality standpoint. About a year ago I had him and his staff completely redo my M20J interior.. Was it worth it? Absolutely, at least for me. At this stage in life, esthetics mean a great deal to me, and building out my current Mooney to high standards is a pleasure and a passion. It was not always this way, and I understand the balance between just having an aircraft to fly, and the desire to create the best one can imagine. Tim is at all the major aviation gatherings; Oshkosh, AOPA, and I suggest you stop by and talk to him. I saw his work for years before I committed to having him do the work.

[BigTex]

All of these beautiful ultraleather and leather covered plastic interior panels have it falling off after 5 years. SEM plastic paint can go a long way to making your plastic interior look good for years coming.

Byron - Are you saying if I go to Hector at Aero Comfort and have him do my panels in ultra leather I should only expect it to last for five years?

[DaV8or]

On another note- has anyone ever seen an interior with a black headliner and black window frames? The only reason I ask is it seems like many sports cars use this color scheme, but all airplanes seem to have white or off-white headliners. Is it because of the feeling of being enclosed more in an airplane? Or is it something else? I'm not very good with interior design, does anyone have a better idea about why black would be a bad idea for a plane interior?

When I was shopping for a plane, one that I looked at had an all dark, charcoal grey interior. It wasn't black, but close to it. Let me tell you, it was like sitting in a depressing broom closet. Because of the really small cabins we have compared to automobiles, black gives the illusion of it being even smaller. In addition, black would be smoking hot in the summer. Your suggestion of a black headliner and window trim would fix the heat problem, and might look good if done well. I would suggest using Photoshop to see if you really like it or not. Either way, it will make you feel a little more cramped inside.

[fantom]

Byron - Are you saying if I go to Hector at Aero Comfort and have him do my panels in ultra leather I should only expect it to last for five years?

Well, I looked at a number of older Aero Comfort ultra interiors before Aero Comfort did mine and they All looked fine.

[Amelia]

I had Hector do a spectacular job on my interior, fake leather on the cracked and yellowed panels, reupholstered seats, and all, and I forget how many years later, maybe six, I could hardly be happier. Still looks like new. Aerocomfort can count me as one very happy customer. I only wish I had let him talk me into doing the yokes, too.

[jetdriven]

If you leave it outside in the Texas heat the glued on fabric will start to let go, and the material will pull away from the convex surfaces first. Keep it hangared every day this risk is much less  

i would make sure the proposed covering material is fire resistant, meaning it won't propagate an existing flame, and will extinguish. That's the requirement for airplane's certified under CAR 3.  But the original plastic interior panels are ABS plastic which is pretty nasty when you light it on fire, so there's that. 

[Yetti]

too many curves and such for vinyl to stick.  Also won't stick to the plastic.  A couple cans of Rustoleum and a couple days worth of pulling and replacing panels will have you fixed up looking sharp.   I found one wear spot behind the arm rest from a year when I did mine.  Touched it up.   Also the painted leather trim pieces and arm rests are holding up really well

[rbridges]

On 12/28/2012 at 5:18 PM, KSMooniac said:

I'm sure our original interiors were not tested and did not have to meet any specs in this arena.  Technically as CAR 3 (vs. FAR Part 23) certified planes they don't have to meet the modern specs when we update interiors, but IMO you'd be a fool to NOT consider meeting the modern specs.  Leather of course meets the specs as does the newer synthetic ultraleather and similar fabric products designed for aircraft interiors, but I'd be wary of generic plastic and vinyl.  There are plenty of materials we can use to do the job, so IMO there isn't a good reason not to use them.  

Flammable panels and cigarettes in the cockpit back in the day.  Great combination!

[DaV8or]

On October 17, 2016 at 1:12 PM, rbridges said:

Flammable panels and cigarettes in the cockpit back in the day.  Great combination!

And you know what? I bet you wold be hard pressed to find and NTSB, or FAA, or CAA report of dead pilots due to cigarettes setting the interior on fire. At some point year after year, decade after decade of technocrats, politicians and hired safety engineers making paychecks off of improving aviation safety, we have perhaps gone beyond the deep end in search of the THE absolutely safe airplane of the future!!! 

[M016576]

Just now, DaV8or said:

And you know what? I bet you wold be hard pressed to find and NTSB, or FAA, or CAA report of dead pilots due to cigarettes setting the interior on fire. At some point year after year, decade after decade of technocrats, politicians and hired safety engineers making paychecks off of improving aviation safety, we have perhaps gone beyond the deep end in search of the THE absolutely safe airplane of the future!!! 

I think it's more likely that smoking and flying just didn't match all that well- a few too many smells in the cockpit.  Probably looked good on paper though!

[kbreehne]

I'm pretty new to the forum but I just finished working with Bruce Jaeger of Jaeger Aviation out of MN.  My original 1979 interior was really looking shabby.  He works with SCS for the seats and carpet and he has an STC on his Spatial Interior that gains some space back for the folks on the inside an the seats are awesomely comfortable and sit right up for much improved vis!

Edited October 28, 2016 by kbreehne

[Bob_Belville]

I redid the interior of my '66 E several years ago, removed everything, repaired and painted the ABS panels which were a dingy ivory, new carpet, and 2 hides of leather for seats, baggage surround, all the grey trim. I used automotive headliner material (darker grey) where appropriate. 

Leather, carpet and headliner were tested by Skadia and certified to meet flame spread spec.

Probably spent $3,000 and still looks good. 

[Tony Armour]

Bruce also has a crack/hole repair kit that he put together. I saw it at the Mooney summit and was very impressed. 

[Bob_Belville]

11 hours ago, Tony Armour said:

Bruce also has a crack/hole repair kit that he put together. I saw it at the Mooney summit and was very impressed. 

+