1975 Piper PA-18
What was scheduled as a recover job on this PA-18 became a total rebuild once the fabric was removed and the full extent of the damage could be determined. What we found after removing the covering was a fuselage broken in fifteen places, some of which had been previously repaired several times in past. We also found that the lower longerons were rusted through in several places. Knowing that this Super Cub was going to be used daily on floats, we decided the best possible repair would be to replace the fuselage with a new one which incorporated all of the many PA-18 modifications. Below you will find a collection of photos showing the process of bring this wonderful airplane back to life.
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1975 PA-18 as it arrived in our museum. Covering removed with all damage exposed.
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Original stabilizer tube seized in fuselage. New Fitting new trim and elevator cables.
fuselage replaces the oil hole with zerk fitting.
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Original cabin floor. Fitting new cabin floor.
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Wing ribs repaired and new lacing installed. Reinforcement tapes being applied on wing.
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Jerry Thuotte begins the fuselage covering process. Stits Poly-Fiber heavy weight fabric is used.
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Fuselage bottom showing metal skin modification. Fuselage as delivered from paint shop.
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Fitting boot cowling and windshield. Installing upper door after fitting new plex.
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Wings in color as delivered from paint shop. Engine back in place and plumbing started.
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Final installation of cowling. A "new" 1975 Super Cub emerges after six months.
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A great looking airplane from any angle. The name says it all.
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Of course the interior is like new as well. Back in the shop for one last look.