The third day of restoration

Thursday - August 11, 2005 ... caught on film are Tommy Lew, Jim Heinz, Richard "Woody" Wood, David Olson, Steve Farnsworth Lee Nellist and Lani Duquette.  The third day of restoration got real busy really quick.  There were numerous projects that needed to be done and some important visitors to see to.

Also working today but not pictured were Scott Mills and Bill Dowling. They seemed to avoid the camera all day. They'll be a target next Monday!  Thanks also go out to Mike Bowling and Bill Landry from Boreal Aviation, Inc. for supplying many needed last minute items.

The highlight of today's work session was special do to the fact that Congressman Bart Stupak made a visit to our restoration project. Bart was pleased by what he saw and thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication for not only taking on the project of bringing back one of the last "Delta Dart's" to the Upper Peninsula but for all the time spent on this restoration. Congressman Stupak told every one he is behind the project 100% and said if we need anything let him know. He was very sincere and we will take him up on his offer.

The project thanks Bart's Upper Peninsula representative Jim Dellies for making this visit possible. Bart has promised to return when the jet is dedicated.

Today's task were:

  • Hone and prepare wing pin races/journals/bearings for wing installation.

  • Remove salvageable cockpit equipment for the museum.

  • Remove the radome (yes - we just put it on a  month ago).

  • Continue to clean out electronic compartments and remove some racks for the museum.

  • Continue to prep wings for installation.

  • Install wing lift brackets and perform a test lift. (Test was good.)

  • Continue to work on fuselage patches.

 
 

DAY 3 of the Restoration

Tommy Lew works in the engine bay.

Jim Heinz cleans up the wing pins and bearing races.

Tommy Lew works on a patch back by the tailpipe area.

David Olson works in the right electronics bay while Steve Farnsworth removes cockpit equipment for display in the K.I. Sawyer Heritage Air Museum.

Richard "Woody" Woods (87th Alumni by association) prepares a patch for the right side of the intake.

Lee Nellist keeps a close eye on the right wing while we do a test lift.

Goverment in action!

Congressman Stupak signs 461.

Photo Opportunity - Lee Nellist, Lani Duquette, Congressman Stupak & Representitive Jim Dellies.

Photos and info provided by Lani Duquette