how long to cover

[crispy critter]

Re: how long to cover

That's why I don't charge by the hour. I love to restore these old birds but restore work is way down. Everybody would rather sell there airplane then to restore it and then go pay the extra to purchace another one that is already restored and ready to go.If you look at material prices and labor rates now it is so easy to understand why. I charge by the job only.I feel that $20,000-40,000 in labor alone is rediculous,however anything less than $12,000-15,000 is not worth my time. Covering and painting is the easy part,uncovering,stripping,cleaning,and priming all those little bitty pieces is a bunch of time consuming work.

[mhorowit]

Re: how long to cover

Covering and painting is the easy part,....

I was getting depressed hearing folks say 300 hrs to cover; what's your estimate for a first-timer trying a covering job, less all the priming, scraping, putzing around? - MikeH

Never mind; I see your comment at the beginning of the thread. Back to being depressed

[1938BF50]

Re: how long to cover

Mike,

You need a change of heart.....covering is FUN!

Get the proper manual for your chosen process and then memorize it. If you are lucky, you have some old timer around that would love to show you the tricks of the trade (there are lot's of them and some you will ignore). If not, you can still do it yourself. Start with some small pcs like the gear or doors. Graduate to the tail surfaces. My advice is go with blanket method (over envelopes), you have much more "control" over the process. I am a novice as well, but having a blast with it. So far the most rewarding part of this partial restoration has been the visible transformation that the covering and new colors provided.

All the materials(thru silver) from Aircraft Tech Support will run approx $4000.

[astjp2]

Re: how long to cover

Dont think in hours, think it months or years, the numbers are smaller If you follow the instructions to the letter, and you apply yourself, plan on 6 months minimum, I am an A&P and have done a few fabric jobs here and there, the more you do, the faster you will become. Set small goals for small projects, and learn from what those projects teach you before you tackle bigger things like the wings. Tim

[Ragwing nut]

Re: how long to cover

Mike,

You need a change of heart.....covering is FUN!

Get the proper manual for your chosen process and then memorize it. If you are lucky, you have some old timer around that would love to show you the tricks of the trade (there are lot's of them and some you will ignore). If not, you can still do it yourself. Start with some small pcs like the gear or doors. Graduate to the tail surfaces. My advice is go with blanket method (over envelopes), you have much more "control" over the process. I am a novice as well, but having a blast with it. So far the most rewarding part of this partial restoration has been the visible transformation that the covering and new colors provided.

All the materials(thru silver) from Aircraft Tech Support will run approx $4000.

Jim and Dondi Miller is the ONLY place to buy Poly-Fiber products. I enjoy talking with them every time I place an order.

Slip covers are great for the beginner, but I don't like looking at seams personally. I have used all the systems except for the waterborne ones, and all have their pros and cons. The most important tip is to be as clean as possible with your cover work. It will pay off in less hours to complete. Once you have decided on a system, post up and I can give a few trade secrets.

Mike

[Larry Lyons]

Re: how long to cover

Well we spent last night making a patteren to make an envolope for a 46 T Craft. Mike's wife will do the sewing (she is a wizz with the machine). The owner wants to go that way so it will be interesting to see how the fuslage comes out. He plans on using a method on the wings that involves a layer of fluff (padding?) to cover the dings in the leading edge. If you do a blanket on the fuslage which piece first, bottom, top, or the sides? Incedently we have worked on this bird for just under a year and are just getting to recover. Of course we have take on sustanance during work so that always adds time to the job which suits us fine. More time to hanger fly! Larry

[crispy critter]

Re: how long to cover

If you cover with the blanket method start at the bottom and work your way up. i.e. in this order... bottom,sides,vertical stab,top.

[mhorowit]

Re: how long to cover

Took the EAA Workshop on covering several months ago with Jim and Dondi. Hope I don't forget everything by the time I"m ready to cover; when the time comes we'll start with the easy pieces - MikeH

[N74DV]

Re: how long to cover

well... good news. my A&P says my fabric is still good for at least another year and probably more than that. So no recover for now!

It's in for annual now. Having an ELT and shoulder harnesses installed as well.

[Guest]

Re: how long to cover

well that's good news!