Last year as we started pulling apart the SR-9, there were several layers of surprise as there often is in restoring an airplane. Overall the Stinson was in good shape, it had flown recently, but there were definite signs of old age and weather. The main cabin doors were a perfect example of something that was functional when we got the airplane, but as soon as you peel back the covers, there was plenty of work to be done, like all new doors.
More after the jump.
Jim has been busy this winter with lots of projects, and the Stinson is coming along nicely. The door frames were recently fitted and mated with the old doors. There is some definite artistry involved here. It’s apparent that these aircraft were assembled by craftsman and you have to follow the lead to make everything fit.
Each door has slight differences from the other and the frames have to be carefully fitted. Though this is where a lot of the charm, and man hours, of these airplanes comes to the surface. It’s not like you can go to the junkyard and pick up a door for your car and just bolt it right on. But in the end these doors with their roll up windows and luxury covering will be a great way to bring people back to the golden era of aviation and all the hours of sanding and fitting will have been worth it.
We’re continuing work on the Stinson as we start to work on other projects in the restoration hangar as well, including a little maintenance on one of our less rare aircraft, the fancy 150 in the background. Of course we’re still most excited about our new project, the 1932…well, we should be adding a new page to the aircraft section in the next few weeks. There are a lot of people busy working to help get the project going and making sure it can be finished. We’ll post some pictures of the airframe soon…
