For those who have not been following this DIY project, I am writing the details of what it takes to replace the seat covers, wall panels, and carpeting in a Cherokee 140 using Airtex "Premium" materials. This project is also "scope creeping" to include the interior plastic and other items that...

Tired of the ugly bow tie yokes (and the repetitive inspections). Anyone have 2 ram's horn 1.125" yokes for sale? Piper P/N 79276-00V. Thanks, Mike

Well, did my first seal swap on the 140 on all 3 legs. Took me and the wrench about 5 hours total. Completely slimy, dirty job. Remember, I worked in my father's body shop as a younger man, so I am no stranger to being filthy. This was worse. Being dirty WITH oil/grease involved is way worse than...

When I had my tanks out in 1999 for the paint job and hose replacement, I also noticed stains from the sending units downward. I decided to replace the gaskets and reseal the things "while I was at it". The local wrenches said that getting the screws around the sending unit to seal completely was...

I would imagine higher fuel/insurance/operating costs will drive the trends already in motion. Namely, more shared ownership, less private (1 person) ownership, and either a shift towards owners in a higher income bracket, or fewer owners overall as the ones struggling with the expense drop...

Day 53 (Final Big Box and End of the Road in Sight!) Well, the final shipment has arrived! Along with it, the bill. Total was $2771 plus another $70 for shipping all 3 boxes. Again I was struck by the dramatic comparison between the new and old wall panels. I cannot believe we tolerated the old...

Day 51 (Diversions) As part of the wall panel installation, there were several small subprojects that needed to be done. Some things were necessary to "clean up" previous sloppy or failing installations. Others were needed because the new walls were not made exactly like the old ones. Still...

Day 50 (Carpeting) Once the seats were done and the wall kit was due to arrive soon, I decided to go ahead with the carpeting. The Airtex guys insist the walls are shipped “long”, so I should just butt the carpeting up against the side wall aluminum. The wall kit will then fit on top of that,...

Day 48 (The Seats) Just completed the seats. Not as tough or as time consuming as I thought it would be. Maybe 10 hours total time. As I said in the previous installment, I reused the rear foam. The rear seat backs rolled back on without a hitch. Minimal adjusting to get it to look just right. I...

Day 43 (Big Box #2) Put the plastic back in the plane. Looks a bit too bright when compared to the hat shelf. The Kiwi job on the headliner made it look MUCH better. Removed the stains, however, the plastic is still a bit whiter. Not too objectionable. The plastic also looks out of place because...

O.K. I read all the replies. I offer another viewpoint. As a contract negotiator for the last 17 years dealing with all types of vendors, I have a few observations. First rule: GET IT IN WRITING BEFORE YOU START THE WORK!!!!!!!! Second rule: If they won't put the deal in writing, or you don't...

The floor mounted trim wheel on my Cherokee has always been a little stiff to move. Others I have flown are usually pretty smooth and free. The jack screw on the tail is well greased and the pulleys along the way are moving freely. It appears the drag is in the wheel mechanism itself. What is the...

Day 8 (Big Box Time) Earlier than estimated, the carpet set arrived. Also, the screws, finishing washers, glue, seat webbing, and extra carpet/material arrived with it. First thing I noticed was THE SMELL! I thought one of the glue cans came open. Nope. The carpet has a very strong solvent smell....

Day 5 (Small Start) As I said in the “Day 0” installment, I ordered all new front seat belts and shoulder harness retractors from Chief along with the Airtex interior. The belts arrived and I proceeded to put them in. Since they are relatively easy to take out again, they did not have to be...

Needs to fit a 74 Piper Cherokee. Part number 79590-03 (copilot's side). Prefer copilot's side but will consider pilot's side. Also will consider a unit with a good base but broken seat back. Looking to spend $250 or so. The bone yards want a LOT more. Got one quote for $875 in "as removed"...

Day 0 (Wits and wallet still intact) Just placed the call for the order to Airtex. I did talk to the folks in the shop to ask about whether hog ringing through the support canvas will REALLY hold up and not tear. They say it works fine. While calling in the order, I was not sure about the screw...

O.K. With the new seat belts on order and the pending order of the carpet, wall kit, and seat covers, the last 2 items are the headliner and the window surround plastic. The headliner is in good shape with only a slight variation in the color here and there. I will do the "Kiwi shoe polish trick"...

O.K. I have threatened to redo the Cherokee's interior for several years and I am FINALLY going to actually pull the trigger. I had written previously about my hesitation to go the Airtex route, along with my equal hesitation to spend $6k+ (and wait several weeks/months) for the custom job at an...

The letter is nice, but you might consider a little stronger approach if you are a voting resident. Tell the council chief and/or the members WIIFM (What's in it for me - or in this case... them). If these are elected officials who wish to stay elected officials (and most do), you might approach...

At the last annual, we replaced the 3" scat tube in our 74 Cherokee 140 Cruiser that runs from the nose cowling to the carb air box. The old one was getting tattered and had several small pinholes in it. It ran fine all summer and fall. About 2 months ago, I went out to fly the beast. It fired up,...