On 29 Mar 2005 02:59:52 GMT, Mike Spera wrote:

biiiig snip

As to the poster who said I might want new insulation in the process,
nope, last time I had the side walls off the insulation was in super
shape. Hey, do you actually glue down the carpeting to the floor
insulation. Looks like the last guy did, although it did not stick.

Now would indeed be time to take a hard look at your sidewall
insulation. Have been inside way too many Cherokees where the side
windows leaked, the insulation became saturated and the fuse skin
corroded under the fiberglass.

Found one sitting in the hangar dicking around with an electronic
"thickness" gage a guy was demo'ing.

The foil-faced closed-cell foam stuff that the Mooney guys use is
pretty choice.

Am assuming that you have already removed any 'glas insulation that is
in contact with the rear spar attach fittings and have the drain holes
added in the belly. If any paint is peeling off of the fittings,
scrape off the loosies and do a quick Rustoleum poof-can
prime-and-paint.

Am also assuming your bird has copper start cables, if not, now would
be the time to swap 'em out.

The original flooring foam under the carpet is two layers of different
types of foam. If applied properly, it lasts about 20-25 years. Have
yet to come across an after-market foam product that lasted as
long/worked as well.

Use to have a source for the OEM foam from Piper through Bob Thornberg
at Muncie Aviation. Not sure if Bob's still in the business.

The first layer of foam is glued to the belly with 3M 1300L, second
layer is glued to the top, carpet is glued to the second layer of
foam. Worst part is getting all the old crap out.

Hope some of this helps;

TC