Shops for a recover

[Turner]

Hi all,

I’m researching on getting an aircraft recovered sometime in the next year or two and looking for shop recommendations. I’ve talked with a few and most couldn’t get it in anytime soon or weren’t interested in doing a T-craft. Anyone have a recommendation? I did talk with a Mark Williams in Osceola, Iowa and he thought he could do it next winter but was needing to talk to his partner. He said he’s done 6 T-crafts over the years. Anyone heard of him or had him do their recover?

I’ve gone through all the emotions from the sticker shock on a recover these days and am in the acceptance stage now.

Thanks!

[Robert Lees]

Turner, welcome!
Have you considered doing it yourself? Cheaper, and you'd be assured of a job to your satisfaction.

Rob

[Hank Jarrett]

David, take a look at the Stewarts Systems videos on line. Water based, looks great and seems to really last and still look good. I plan to do my cover with it. What is the current status of your plane? A friend covered his Taylorcraft IN HIS LIVING ROOM!!!! Put plastic on the floor and no fumes!

Hank

[Turner]

I have considered it. One of the places I spoke with suggested doing it myself too. I’ve heard good things about Stewarts as far as being non-toxic and hear the instructional videos are pretty good with most of the systems out there.

I’ve measured out my garage that the builder claimed is a 2 car but really isn’t, and think I could still get things to fit. I rebuild old Honda motorcycles and enjoy a project but don’t want to get in over my head with a recover.

I’d like to talk to a few more places and get prices though before making a decision. In theory the plane is in good shape but recovered a long time ago and I’d like to know what shape the frame and spars are really in. I plan on heading back to Alaska in a few years and would like to know the plane is in great shape and not need any major repairs after I get up there.

[Ragwing nut]

I could do it blind folded but you probably won't like the price. Cheaper to just buy another one, or two.........

[Hank Jarrett]

Yea Mike, but it would be worth the price if you did it too. I doubt I could afford what you would want. I will have to be satisfied with practicing on mine. Now if it was Grade A Cotton and Dope, I would give you a run for your money! I learned the OLD SCHOOL way. Nobody does much of that any more. Last plane I helped cover that way is in a museum. DANG she look good! Even over 40 years later.

Hank

[N96337]

Mark does wonderful work!!! I've known him for a long time and he's a great craftsman!!! That being said, do consider doing it yourself, but take an intro course into whatever system or systems you're thinking of first! There's lots of things that can't be communicated in the mauals that make a difference in your enjoyment of the cover job. Every system out there puts them on and they're well worth the money and time!!. Mark and I have both been putting on Stewart Systems workshops for years! As said above, you can buy a couple Tcrafts for what it will cost for a shop to do it for you.
John

[PA1195]

I know this is cold but if your plane is flying sell it while airworthy and buy one redone. There's no flying while fixing and it can take away precious flying time. They're getting North of $35,000 up here in Fairbanks for just a basic...any repairs or mods extra of course. Can take a year or more if lucky. Not worth it for a Taylorcraft as you're well underwater in value. Cubs over $100,000 can recover some of that.

Gary N36007

[Hank Jarrett]

Wish you lived in this area. I would love to provide free labor and when it is time for mine you could return the favor. A second set of hands is worth their weight in Gold. A second set with experience with the system you are using is worth more than can be quantified! Working with someone will easily cut the time in half or much more even without experience. Just keep checking each other to be sure you are following the instructions.

Hank

[PA1195]

If the fabric is still ok, and the underlayment tubing or whatever airworthy, I'd try removing the dope covering or at least get it to where it can be repainted. But eventually they all need inspection so there goes the airplane. There's lots of "Project" for sale ads because of that. The owner or family sells as-is hoping to recover some residual value. Wood can be replaced like tubing and others. We've seen the documentation of those projects here, many to success over a great deal of loving labor. Quality engine overhauls are into the $20K and more range. My last in 2015 was over $21,000 but included an STC'd Stroker from Aircraft Specialties Services plus crank for core and lots of free help from the former owner. Today the parts are months to year on backorder if they can be sourced.

Fly what you got and enjoy what you have unless money and time is readily available.

Gary N36007

[Hank Jarrett]

The main cost in restorations is LABOR. That is why so many of us do it ourselves.

[PA1195]

Locally around Fairbanks shop rates vary but tend to hover around $120/hr or more. It depends on whatever rates auto dealerships charge, the cost of heat-lights-insurance-wages-benefits, and seasonal competition. Obviously recovering a relatively low value aircraft for a cash-limited owner versus a high dollar plane and wealthy pilot needs to in the end pay the same from a business standpoint over a year's time. Why work for less when there's always a waiting line for quality craftsmanship in tube and fabric aircraft? That's the nature of Alaska. Not sure how it's elsewhere but things cost more today so more is needed to keep up with inflation. My opinion.

Gary N36007

[Turner]

Thanks all for the input! I’ll let you know what direction I end up going.

[TCUDustoff]

Something to consider; its so cheap to get a spare ruder or elevator, you could get one and practice on. Look and see if there are some local EAA guys who can help you. Once you get it down, I'd consider doing small jobs first -- do your control surfaces and gear legs and (if applicable) doors. Once you are able to do that, tackle one wing at a time. On my aircraft, the fuselage is fairing better than the wings and this is my plan. I figure if I do one wing each Winter season, I can have a mostly fresh aircraft in 2 years.

[Rigdon66]

Johnson Brothers in Lone Rock Wi do incredible work

Ryan Johnson
608 341 8030