Repainting PA24 (N5316P)

[Adolfo Ortiz]

I will be repainting my Comanche sometime this year, that is no question.
The question is whether to repaint keeping the same color and paint scheme?
I am asking this because the current scheme/color are factory, one of my co-workers picked up original Sports Illustrated magazine articles dated January 26, 1959 from Ebay and gave it to me, and it shows two aircraft with the same paint scheme. The biggest kicker though comes with the tail number (N5316P), this particular tail number has a bit of history, it was used by Piper as a 'flagship' to showcase/test the PA24 with the V-8 engine installed (it currently has the 250), I also have a copy of the letter written by the test pilot/engineer referencing the tail number. Given that, should I keep (original scheme and red/white) or should I change (different scheme and blue/white)? So far with friends and family it's pretty fairly divided.

regards
Adolfo

[N3322G]

Adolfo,

My Twin also has huge history behind it. I went with the new design down by Mom, the previous owner and modified it to my liking. See the article from the Flyer http://www.comancheflyer.com/NS/tech_ar ... unrise.pdf

For more details see the Blog http://www.comancheflyer.com/forum2/vie ... sted+paint

There is no wrong answer.

[Adolfo Ortiz]

Thanks Pat! The twin looks awesome!

I am personally leaning to changing the pattern and color, blue is my favorite color

Either way, I'll select a higher paint quality with perhaps clear coating added as I don't have a hangar (too pricey at the moment) and I am in Southern California (KTOA). If you have a recommendation I'll consider it, I do see you used Dupont on yours.

Thanks!
Adolfo

[N3322G]

Adolpho,

Thanks for the Twin compliment. It was a lot of work. Had to fight to make sure it looked good from the ground AND from the pilot seat. If the designer had it his way, it would have looked overwhelming from the pilot seat becasue he wanted to paint the inside of the tip tanks too.

Watch out for the transition from the fuselage to the tail - it can look great in profile but wonky when you walk around.

The designer also wanted to paint the belly but I overruled that in a hurry because I want it white to see any foreign substance that would alert me to a problem.

Oh and be sure to paint the inside of the inside of the engine cowl as it makes finding problems sooo much easier - learned that one from Hans N.

[jeffrey aryan]

Adolfo,
I see you are at Torrance, Any ideas where you plan on having it painted ? I'm also in the market to get mine painted.


Jeff Aryan
Chino, CA

[Kristin Winter]

There is a 260B on our field that was painted up in Salinas, CA. The owner swears by them and the plane looks awesome, even 15-20 years later.

[Pat Donovan]

Hi Adolofo,

If this was "Antiques Roadshow" and you were looking to sell this valuable antique, then I think keeping the same scheme and color made sense considering your documentation. However, I doubt seriously if a different scheme/color would have any price impact. I would go with what ever you like best. In my case, when I repainted my 1964 model several years ago, I pondered the options and decided that I liked the look of the original scheme and color (it's a classic was my thought). Which ever you decide, please post a before and after picture. And consider writing a "Flyer" article.

See this link for my 'Magic Carpet.' http://www.comancheflyer.com/NS/picture ... egory_id=1

PatD

[Adolfo Ortiz]

Thanks everyone for the input!

@Jeff: I was considering taking it to Corona Air Paint http://coronaairpaint.com/index.html right 'down the street' from Chino or one in Mesa Arizona http://www.arizonaaircraftpainting.com/. I may stick to local (Corona). It will be this year sometime.

@Pat (N3322G): Thanks for the advise, will do on your suggestions

@Pat Donovan: When I start the process I will update with pics and will consider doing a write up. Thanks!

@all: It will be white & blue, now to decide on scheme. I may compromise a bit though: same scheme but with blue.


Will keep everyone posted!

Regards
Adolfo