Newark Heath F-4 Resto - Update #1

[Rauhbatz]

Yesterday we powerwashed the entire aircraft and did some sanding on the areas that needed attention. The powerwasher made short work of the surface mold as well as cluster bombs left by the birds over the years.

The overall condition of the skins are in great shape. Both Mike K and Mike B attacked whatever bad spots there were with the sander.

Session #2 will entail priming out the old markings and sanded areas, doing some resto on the canopy and starting the gray undersurface painting. The paint matches exact FS colors but has been in storage for a few years.

One item Mike B raised was whether we could use some light sandpaper to polish out scratches on one portion of the canopy...just curious if anyone has experience with that.

[RickH]

It's a looonnnggg process involving many succesively fine grits. Really not necessary for a static bird. Your best best is picking a color of latex paint ( grey, light blue, white, etc....) and paint over the canopy. It will protect the canopy and reduce the interior temperature in the cockpit.

[dc8jet]

Meguires Wax has a system for cleaning and restoring clear headlight covers on cars. I have seen the commercials many times and have wondered if it would work on an aircraft canopy.

[jmkendall]

I wish I knew you guys were here yesterday, I would have loved to help! Unfortunately next week is my National Guard Weekend, and after that I think I will be out of the state.

[Rauhbatz]

Hi JmKendall...no worries...session #3 should be a doozy as that is when we'll start to paint the topcoats...

Hopefully it will quit raining by then!