Interiors

Complete Custom Interiors are the most common interior work we do. While everything is apart is the most efficient time to re-do the whole interior. One of the problems with partial interior restorations is that of comparison. The components that looked good before, suddenly look bad next to the newly restored items.

Another consideration is the exterior. Many airplanes we have seen are somewhat of a clash when the door is open. It is definately better to either match some inside colors to the exterior or use something quite different. Trouble can start when colors that are in the same family but with different hues are used. This area is one that we offer a lot of assistance with, making sure colors work well together. If the exterior is to be restored at a later date, it is a good idea to pick and record the exterior color choices at the same time as the interior colors. They all need to work together.

All of the seemingly small details are what make the difference in an upholstery job and a complete interior restoration. For the Cessna 190/195 we have all of these addressed.

  • SUB-PANEL & CONTROL QUADRANT

    All new engine controls are available. This is a good time to replace them if needed since they are totally removed to restore the lower panel. We re-paint the sub-panel and replacethe top and bottom overlays. Custom labeling is available on these if necessary. We can configure the sub-panel with glove boxes, avionics, or a combination of each.

  • MAIN & BAGGAGE DOOR SILL PLATES

    The main door sill plate is possibly the most visible (and noticed) component of the interior. We replace both the main door and baggage door sill plates with new mirrored stainless pieces.

    Note the custom piping on the rear seat and the floor mount option of the front lap belts. This is a really good option for safety!

  • CONTROL COLUMN & YOKES

    We use base/clear urethane on the control yokes. There are better color choices than the plastic coating and it has proven to be very durable. The control column is usually painted the same color as the sub-panel. Control yoke overlays and column placarding are all new.

    Note the radios in the sub-panel. This retains most of the original look. Also look at the push to talk switch mounting. This is our standard mounting plate which will accomodate auto-pilot controls as well.

  • HANDLES & TRIM

    Door handles and window crank handles are replaced with new units. Original interior trim is very difficult to find but can be done. Many trim pieces that are very similar can be found more easily. These thin chrome strips are the early trim pieces. Later trim was wider and ribbed.

    Note the original ashtray installation, custom door pocket and panel stitching.

  • HEADLINER & SHOULDER HARNESSES

    We install custom made 4 or 5 zipper headliners. These are more difficult to fit and shrink but allow for complete overhead access without removing the headliner. We have seen airplanes with no zippers which requires removal at each annual inspection or flap motor work. Shoulder harnesses are another excellent saftey addition.

    Note the original overhead vents. Window mounted blast vents work much better.

  • KICK PLATES, SEAT TRACK TRIM & PLACARDS

    New rudder kick plates and seat track trim strips are standard. The Control Lock, Fuel Drain and Fuel Selector placards are all replaced with custom painted and stenciled plates just like original.

    Note the custom side pocket and un-painted rudder pedals. The paint wears off of the contact areas of the rudder pedal faces and looks bad in a short period of time.

For the next topic click the title below