IMAC Dalton 260 Restoration

[stangflyer]

For the remaining dents in the airframe, you might want to try popping them out before filling. Wet the balsa area where the dents are located and go over with a covering iron set to high, sometimes it takes a few applications, most times filler not needed. Maybe you already know this trick.

Thanks Tony. I have been using this procedure for a while. Lots of times ya get that little ding in your airframe from normal bumps. A warned iron over the covering at the site of the ding will 99% of the time, remove that little boo boo. Balsa will swell quite nicely as long as it isn't a real deep or hard hit.

 

[stangflyer]

Just caught up with this thread. All I can say is WOWOWOWOWOW!!!! Great rebuild project and Cam's steeping up with new wings just takes the cake! Kudos....

I'll drink to that!

 

[stangflyer]

Back on the Dalton. Yikes...still wondering silently to myself how anyone could let a plane get like this.

I started with the forward belly sheeting and formers between the landing gear plate and front former.

The more I removed, the more I could see needed to be removed. Working towards the aft of the belly, I noticed all or at least nearly all the stringers were popped loose or very close to it. Very gentle lifting popped them all free all the way back.

Once I had all the stringers and formers removed, I started cleaning things up. Having the stringers out of the way, I can clean up the former slots to allow a solid bond once they are glued back into place.

This is where I am at present. A lot to do, but will come back to it in a bit.

 

[Jetpainter]

I agree, how could anyone let it get that bad, ouch! Rode hard, and put away wet.

 

[pawnshopmike]

Ugh! That's some nasty chit right there. Excuse me while I go gouge out my eyes with a spork.

 

[Lawnjockey]

Wow. Cam, I don't think I will ever say THANK YOU enough. You have gone above and beyond what most will ever do. Rob is dealing with a plane that was abused and forgotten, but she will soon be back to the former glory of a true IMAC plane.
This has not been a small undertaking. Both Rob and Cam have stepped up and set a bar so high I think it is something we should all strive to achieve and be like.
Thank you both for your hard work and selfless acts. Rob I will be over today to see you.

LJ

 

[dhal22]

It will be satisfying to return that plane to new like condition. And to watch!

 

[stangflyer]

Wow. Cam, I don't think I will ever say THANK YOU enough. You have gone above and beyond what most will ever do. Rob is dealing with a plane that was abused and forgotten, but she will soon be back to the former glory of a true IMAC plane.
This has not been a small undertaking. Both Rob and Cam have stepped up and set a bar so high I think it is something we should all strive to achieve and be like.
Thank you both for your hard work and selfless acts. Rob I will be over today to see you.

LJ

Cool...just give me 30 minutes heads up. Running a few errands.

 

[Bunky.F.Knuckle]

Thats your bird, Bruce?

 

[Lawnjockey]

Thats your bird, Bruce?

It is Bunky. I acquired this with a few others I purchased last year. Rob has more talent than I do for rebuilding these things.

LJ