Cessna 150 @ $11,245 per hour

[mce]

Well, at least that's my cost basis since I've only put on a little
under 2 hours so far for the demo flight and the short hop home to RDU.
I'm a long-time lurker, first time poster, and first time aircraft
owner. I've learned quite a bit since finalizing the sale just this past
Wednesday, but perhaps the most I've learned is just how little I know!

I have a couple quick questions that I haven't yet found good answers to
elsewhere. I'd appreciate any advice you've got or links to more info.
And if you know someone with a good website on D.I.Y. interior
refurbishment, I'd love to hear about it.

1) Duct Tape residue: Previous owner had duct taped a for sale sign
inside the windshield. It left a couple small lines of residue that
fortunately don't distract from the view forward. But I would like to
clean it off. Any suggestions on what will clean the goo without
destroying the plastic?

2) Control wheel replacement: The control wheels are downright
embarrassing with flaking paint and other surface ugliness. I was
looking at some replacements (ACS Products in the Aircraft Spruce
catalog). Anybody have experience with this? Is this an "owner performed
maintenance" replaceable item? On one hand, it doesn't appear to be a
"complex disassembly", but it *is* a pretty important piece. I'd hate to
render the aircraft unairworthy my first week...

3) Seat belts: The seat belt hardware is attractive and in good shape,
but the fabric is faded and starting to fray in a few places. Does
anyone just sell replacement material for the belts? All I've seen in
the catalogs are whole assemblies including hardware.

4) Glare shield eyebrow pad: The padding that runs the width of the top
of the glare shield is cracked and fading. I've got the parts and
service manuals in the mail to me from Essco, so I'm guessing I could
just look up the replacement part. But it this something that can simply
be re-covered?

TIA for any help. Hopefully I can start to give back as I figure some of
this stuff out.

--Matthew

[mce]

B A R R Y wrote:

>
> I don't have any answers to your questions. I just wanted to wish you
> well and congratulate you on your purchase. <G>
>

Well-wishing is also most welcome!
--Matthew

[150flivver]

TNWings.com makes carpet and seat kits for the Cessna 150. They also
have a leather cover for the eyebrow pad. I've done all three and am
well pleased with Shelby's products and service. Have you considered a
leather cover for the yokes instead of refinishing? Try
www.warrengregoire.com -- Haven't used them but they advertise in
magazines and Trade-A-Plane.

[The Visitor]

Don't use anything with amonia in it, on the windshield!!!

mce wrote:

> Well, at least that's my cost basis since I've only put on a little
> under 2 hours so far for the demo flight and the short hop home to RDU.
> I'm a long-time lurker, first time poster, and first time aircraft
> owner. I've learned quite a bit since finalizing the sale just this past
> Wednesday, but perhaps the most I've learned is just how little I know!
>
> I have a couple quick questions that I haven't yet found good answers to
> elsewhere. I'd appreciate any advice you've got or links to more info.
> And if you know someone with a good website on D.I.Y. interior
> refurbishment, I'd love to hear about it.
>
> 1) Duct Tape residue: Previous owner had duct taped a for sale sign
> inside the windshield. It left a couple small lines of residue that
> fortunately don't distract from the view forward. But I would like to
> clean it off. Any suggestions on what will clean the goo without
> destroying the plastic?
>
> 2) Control wheel replacement: The control wheels are downright
> embarrassing with flaking paint and other surface ugliness. I was
> looking at some replacements (ACS Products in the Aircraft Spruce
> catalog). Anybody have experience with this? Is this an "owner performed
> maintenance" replaceable item? On one hand, it doesn't appear to be a
> "complex disassembly", but it *is* a pretty important piece. I'd hate to
> render the aircraft unairworthy my first week...
>
> 3) Seat belts: The seat belt hardware is attractive and in good shape,
> but the fabric is faded and starting to fray in a few places. Does
> anyone just sell replacement material for the belts? All I've seen in
> the catalogs are whole assemblies including hardware.
>
> 4) Glare shield eyebrow pad: The padding that runs the width of the top
> of the glare shield is cracked and fading. I've got the parts and
> service manuals in the mail to me from Essco, so I'm guessing I could
> just look up the replacement part. But it this something that can simply
> be re-covered?
>
> TIA for any help. Hopefully I can start to give back as I figure some of
> this stuff out.
>
> --Matthew

[mce]

150flivver wrote:
> TNWings.com makes carpet and seat kits for the Cessna 150. They also
> have a leather cover for the eyebrow pad. I've done all three and am
> well pleased with Shelby's products and service. Have you considered a
> leather cover for the yokes instead of refinishing? Try
> www.warrengregoire.com -- Haven't used them but they advertise in
> magazines and Trade-A-Plane.
>
Thanks. That eyebrow refurb is exactly what I was looking for.
--Matthew

[Doug]

Duct tape residue. Dont use paper towels on the glass. Use only soft
cotton (old t-shirts). Use one of the window cleners made for plexi or
soap and wter. Scrape with your fingernails if you must.

Seat Belts. Strongly consider putting in shoulder harnesses. They have
saved many lives. There is a kit with an STC for this. You will need an
IA signoff on the STC.

Good luck. A Cessna 150 is a great airplane!

[[email protected]]

try alcohol or turpentine for the for the ductape gooze. Shouldn't hurt
the plastic.
Seat Belt material can only be repleced by a certificated shop.
You can usually wash them and help them out.

Remember that if the seat belt is faded, its strength is usually very
compromised.
Best to get them repaired properly.

mce wrote:
> Well, at least that's my cost basis since I've only put on a little
> under 2 hours so far for the demo flight and the short hop home to RDU.
> I'm a long-time lurker, first time poster, and first time aircraft
> owner. I've learned quite a bit since finalizing the sale just this past
> Wednesday, but perhaps the most I've learned is just how little I know!
>
> I have a couple quick questions that I haven't yet found good answers to
> elsewhere. I'd appreciate any advice you've got or links to more info.
> And if you know someone with a good website on D.I.Y. interior
> refurbishment, I'd love to hear about it.
>
> 1) Duct Tape residue: Previous owner had duct taped a for sale sign
> inside the windshield. It left a couple small lines of residue that
> fortunately don't distract from the view forward. But I would like to
> clean it off. Any suggestions on what will clean the goo without
> destroying the plastic?
>
> 2) Control wheel replacement: The control wheels are downright
> embarrassing with flaking paint and other surface ugliness. I was
> looking at some replacements (ACS Products in the Aircraft Spruce
> catalog). Anybody have experience with this? Is this an "owner performed
> maintenance" replaceable item? On one hand, it doesn't appear to be a
> "complex disassembly", but it *is* a pretty important piece. I'd hate to
> render the aircraft unairworthy my first week...
>
> 3) Seat belts: The seat belt hardware is attractive and in good shape,
> but the fabric is faded and starting to fray in a few places. Does
> anyone just sell replacement material for the belts? All I've seen in
> the catalogs are whole assemblies including hardware.
>
> 4) Glare shield eyebrow pad: The padding that runs the width of the top
> of the glare shield is cracked and fading. I've got the parts and
> service manuals in the mail to me from Essco, so I'm guessing I could
> just look up the replacement part. But it this something that can simply
> be re-covered?
>
> TIA for any help. Hopefully I can start to give back as I figure some of
> this stuff out.
>
> --Matthew

[Tauno Voipio]

mce wrote:
> Well, at least that's my cost basis since I've only put on a little
> under 2 hours so far for the demo flight and the short hop home to RDU.
> I'm a long-time lurker, first time poster, and first time aircraft
> owner. I've learned quite a bit since finalizing the sale just this past
> Wednesday, but perhaps the most I've learned is just how little I know!
>
> I have a couple quick questions that I haven't yet found good answers to
> elsewhere. I'd appreciate any advice you've got or links to more info.
> And if you know someone with a good website on D.I.Y. interior
> refurbishment, I'd love to hear about it.
>
> 1) Duct Tape residue: Previous owner had duct taped a for sale sign
> inside the windshield. It left a couple small lines of residue that
> fortunately don't distract from the view forward. But I would like to
> clean it off. Any suggestions on what will clean the goo without
> destroying the plastic?

Welcome to the money-drain owner's club!

For the windows, try Johnson Pled (furniture cleaner)
first, and Plexiglass polish next, if Pled does not work.

My current plane is a Piper Turbo Arrow IV, OH-PYM.

--

Tauno Voipio
tauno voipio (at) iki fi

[Dave]

Comments interspersed below...

On Sun, 12 Feb 2006 21:37:02 GMT, mce > wrote:


>
>1) Duct Tape residue: Previous owner had duct taped a for sale sign
>inside the windshield. It left a couple small lines of residue that
>fortunately don't distract from the view forward. But I would like to
>clean it off. Any suggestions on what will clean the goo without
>destroying the plastic?

Easy.....WD-40... and a soft cloth, or a WET paper towel, (wet with
water first)
>
>2) Control wheel replacement: The control wheels are downright
>embarrassing with flaking paint and other surface ugliness. I was
>looking at some replacements (ACS Products in the Aircraft Spruce
>catalog). Anybody have experience with this? Is this an "owner performed
>maintenance" replaceable item? On one hand, it doesn't appear to be a
>"complex disassembly", but it *is* a pretty important piece. I'd hate to
>render the aircraft unairworthy my first week...

Have your mechanic remove them, or cover the inside of plane, mask ,
sand & paint with good quality enamel. (I know, but it worked great
for us)

>
>3) Seat belts: The seat belt hardware is attractive and in good shape,
>but the fabric is faded and starting to fray in a few places. Does
>anyone just sell replacement material for the belts? All I've seen in
>the catalogs are whole assemblies including hardware.

Several firms reweb belt assemblies....

Dave

[mce]

I appreciate all the comments and advice. The duct tape goo came off
with a combination of soaking it with a thick plexiglas cleaner for a
few minutes, then some thumbnail scraping when it softened.

I finally found the rivets in the control wheel. Some jury-rigged
approach plate holder secured with wads of electrical tape were
obscuring the connection area. I think that upgrade is going to wait
until the next annual.

And yes, I subscribe to the print edition of TAP. My wife once wondered
aloud if she would prefer that I receive some other publication wrapped
in plastic...

--Matthew

[Javier Henderson]

>> 3) Seat belts: The seat belt hardware is attractive and in good shape, but
>> the fabric is faded and starting to fray in a few places. Does anyone just
>> sell replacement material for the belts? All I've seen in the catalogs are
>> whole assemblies including hardware.
>
> I believe Aircraft Spruce sells the webbing, but I don't have a Spruce
> catalog at hand.

The aforementioned Chief Aircraft store will reweb your seatbelts. They
have several colors available, I chose navy blue.

Welcome to aircraft ownership! And by all means get as involved as you
can with the maintenance (right Jim?)

-jav

[Jay Honeck]

Welcome to the land of eternal poverty, Matthew. It's a wondrous place.

Sounds like you've already received good advice -- I just wanted to
congratulate you on your purchase.

Blue skies!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Marco Leon]

"mce" > wrote in message
m...
> I finally found the rivets in the control wheel. Some jury-rigged
> approach plate holder secured with wads of electrical tape were
> obscuring the connection area. I think that upgrade is going to wait
> until the next annual.
>
> --Matthew

An option for your yokes would be to cover them with Plasti Dip. The yokes
on my Warrior were half-bare with the rest about to chip off at any time. I
spent a day getting the rest of the coating off and sanding the bare metal
to rough-up the surface. I applied the Plasti Dip and used a flat-head brush
to add some texture. It looks like it was powder-coated but with a grip that
is superior. Going on 5 years, it hasn't started flaking and has kept its
elasticity. Even if it does start to come off, the fix comes cheap at only
$6 per bottle. I can send pics or post on alt.binaries.pictures.aviation if
you want to see an example.

Welcome to aircraft ownership!

Marco



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[NW_PILOT]

> wrote in message ...
> try alcohol or turpentine for the for the ductape gooze. Shouldn't hurt
> the plastic.
> Seat Belt material can only be repleced by a certificated shop.
> You can usually wash them and help them out.
>
> Remember that if the seat belt is faded, its strength is usually very
> compromised.
> Best to get them repaired properly.
>

"3) Seat belts: The seat belt hardware is attractive and in good shape,
but the fabric is faded and starting to fray in a few places"

I would be more concerned in the fraying seat belts that he mentioned!

[RST Engineering]

>
> Welcome to aircraft ownership! And by all means get as involved as you
> can with the maintenance (right Jim?)


Absotively. BTW, I'm still trying to come up with a way to do a remote
control "installation".


Jim

[[email protected]]

And yes, I subscribe to the print edition of TAP. My wife once wondered

aloud if she would prefer that I receive some other publication wrapped

in plastic...


--Matthew

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
It's tooo late now. Ya got the fever and it will last a lifetime. Who
needs those skin mags when a real man has a script to TAP, Sport
Aviation, Kitplanes etc...<G>

Ben
www.haaspowerair.com

[150flivver]

Matthew,
On my 150 I dressed up the yokes by slipping on that foam bicycle
handle stuff. I then tiewrapped the portable push-to-talk button on
the grip. I've since had some radio work done and had permanent PTT
buttons added to the yokes but I still have the foam on the yoke
handles. If you go with the foam, use a little dishwashing liquid to
lubricate the handle so the foam slides on easily. If you have an
older 150 with the closed rectangle type yoke, some sort of leather
wrap would be feasible. When the time comes to replace my
seat/shoulder belts, I'm going to seriously consider upgrading to the
four point shoulder harnesses (Wag Aero carries them). They are a
significant upgrade in safety if you have an accident.

[mce]

Marco Leon wrote:

> An option for your yokes would be to cover them with Plasti Dip. The yokes
> on my Warrior were half-bare with the rest about to chip off at any time. I
> spent a day getting the rest of the coating off and sanding the bare metal
> to rough-up the surface. I applied the Plasti Dip and used a flat-head brush
> to add some texture. It looks like it was powder-coated but with a grip that
> is superior. Going on 5 years, it hasn't started flaking and has kept its
> elasticity. Even if it does start to come off, the fix comes cheap at only
> $6 per bottle. I can send pics or post on alt.binaries.pictures.aviation if
> you want to see an example.
>
> Welcome to aircraft ownership!
>
> Marco

Marco:
yes, I'd like to see some photos of how your plastidip treatment worked
out. I'm trying to decide between that, bicycle wrap, or foam grips. The
photos on pictures.aviation don't seem to stay up more than 24 hours on
my new provider's servers. So if you can email them to me, that would be
great.

mcetter at november charlie dot romeo romeo dot com

thanks

[mce]

150flivver wrote:
> Matthew,
> On my 150 I dressed up the yokes by slipping on that foam bicycle
> handle stuff. I then tiewrapped the portable push-to-talk button on
> the grip. I've since had some radio work done and had permanent PTT
> buttons added to the yokes but I still have the foam on the yoke
> handles. If you go with the foam, use a little dishwashing liquid to
> lubricate the handle so the foam slides on easily. If you have an
> older 150 with the closed rectangle type yoke, some sort of leather
> wrap would be feasible. When the time comes to replace my
> seat/shoulder belts, I'm going to seriously consider upgrading to the
> four point shoulder harnesses (Wag Aero carries them). They are a
> significant upgrade in safety if you have an accident.
>

Did you use any type of cement to hold the foam in place? I've got a
1972 model with the thin rams-horn style.

--Matthew

[150flivver]

Matt,
The handlebar foam requires no cement but the dishwashing liquid will
make them slide on much easier. Once they're on they ain't goin'
anywhere! Enjoy your 150 and I recommend joining the Cessna150-152
Club (http://www.cessna150-152club.com). There's a wealth of knowledge
and a fun annual fly-in.

--Tim

[[email protected]]

Removing and replacing any part of a control system is a
serious item here in Canada, and I suspect the FAA would take it pretty
serious, too. Here we have to have TWO people inspect any engine or
flight control system that's been "disturbed," and the signatures in
the logs to prove it. At least one has to be a licenced mechanic, and
the other has to be trained in what to look for. There have been
accidents in recent years when control systems were left loose or
connected backward (easy to do in many aircraft) and things came
unglued in a hurry, killing people. One of those was a 172 that had had
the control wheel shaft out, and the assembly looked good but was wrong
and it came apart in flight. The 150 has the same setup.
Aircraft upholstery shops are often certified to reweb belts.
Much cheaper than buying new. Check with some major structural repair
shops at a larger airport; they'll know who does them. Cessna now
demands that belts be replaced or rewebbed every ten years. I suppose
there perhaps have been a few failures in accidents.
Sometimes duct tape goop can be taken off acrylics with
isopropyl alcohol. I've also used acetone but you have to be mighty
quick about it or it'll start attacking the plexiglass. Never let
laquer thinner or MEK anywhere near it.

Dan
Dan