Steve Pierce
BENEFACTOR
Graham, TX
Am I correct that's a 1951 airframe? 69 years is a long time - personally I'd rather assume this recover will be good for 25 years (maybe less in AK) and put my money into a new airframe.
I just sleep better knowing I have better steel, better welds, lower TT and way less corrosion. The money you put into stripping, inspecting, patching and powder coating could go part way to a new frame with all the options.
Just my 2 cents though. I like that panel layout as the blue areas look easy to scan.
Piper had excellent welds. Seen more issues with new fuselages and weld issues than ever seen on a Piper frame. I know the early fuselages have some mild steel in them but have yet to see any major issues with that. Corrosion is an issue with them all but knowing where to look and blasting I have not had any issues down the road. Worst fuselages I have done were wrecks had $7K into them vs $14-15K for a new one.
I see you are from Hood River. I take it you know Hayden Newhouse?