Hours into project?

No idea, several people helping, made no attempt to keep track. It is
going MUCH faster and smoother than I though it would, so far. Sitting for
18 years and I've seen more corrosion on late 80's planes.

Costs you didn't expect?
Less than expected so far. Put on all new cylinders too. 70 something
hours since overhaul (and 18 years) 997 hours TT.

Did you have a ballpark budget going in - are you still in the ballpark?

So far below budget. Avionics will eat up any extra though, spend what
ya got....


Things you'd do different - next time?
Never put a windshield in when the wings are not on the plane! Take that to
the grave!


What surprised you the most with your project?
The overall condition of the plane, lack of corrosion, condition on the
interior.

Were there some "almost" things you did (but chose not to) vortex
generators
maybe, panel upgrades, etc?
Still are, big decision is whether to make it look as it did when it was
new, or paint it up like a new one. And how far to we go with avionics? It's
a 63, has the new tail, back windows, looks modern so which way to go?
Original I think.


What upgrade things did you decide to do, since the plane was apart
anyway?
Upgraded the brakes, replaced many parts that appeared to be in good shape.
Example, throttle, mixture cables, things that if they did fail, could cause
the plane to be landed in a different farmers field. Makes a good log book
entry to for the planes resale value.

Jim, got a line on where to get the stuff you are talking about? The
insulation in the firewall still looks like new, left it in, but I would
like to deaden the sound in the rest some more while it's easy access. The
Dynamat type stuff seems very heavy.

Wayne