Hello fellow Beech drivers,

I have been flying recreationally for about half of my septuagenarian life, with some pauses to pursue other endeavors. Now on my second Bonanza, N5VL, a 1979 that I have owned for 20 years. (My first one, N7VL is apparently still flying, but without me.) Based at KFUL, in SoCal.

Have logged 4000+ hours, and worked my way up to an ATP, which has since become as rusty as the paint on the plane.

Now equipped with a freshly O/H'd engine and a new ADSB, I plan to refresh my paint and my skills, and log a few more hours before the brain makes it unwise to venture into IMC.

I'm looking forward to learning from the collective wisdom on this site.

Vladimir

Welcome Vladimir!!! (can't wait to hear your stories)

Vladimir,
Does your aircraft have an "Ultimate Engine" by Capehart Industries? Just curious because the registration sounds familiar.
And.........WELCOME!!
This stay-at-home crap is getting boring. Please post about yourself and your plane

Welcome Vladimir! Del (as usual) nailed it. This stay at home thing is boring!

I'm also based at KFUL. I'm pretty sure you are parked in the tie downs just south of the 24 runup area? I'm in hangar 95, just across from the wash rack behind you. Stop by anytime I'm looking forward to being able to say hi in person.

Hi John Baley
What a coincidence!
Will definitely come by hangar 95 to visit. Or leave a card with my phone number, or vice versa. [don't know how to PM on this site]

Currently I could use some advice on whether and were to have the plane painted. Want to go with minimal investment, or maybe leave it as is, but not sure that is the right course.

Any thoughts?

If you choose to get it painted make sure they know how to strip and paint the magnesium ruddervators. New ruddervator skins are very hard to get now. If I were painting mine I'd research it to find out who has the best ruddervator reputation.

Welcome to BT Vladimir!

To send a PM to somebody, simply look to the left of their posting <-- under their name, you'll see an icon that looks like an envelope. Click on that envelope and you'll be able to send that person a quick note.

For paint, I'm note sure I'm a good source of information. I'm betting that there are people here on BeechTalk that are MUCH more knowledgeable than I on this topic.

Locally - I have heard that there is a paint shop at Corona (AJO) that does a decent job for a fair price. I've also heard that the shop at Santa Paula (KSZP) does good work, but they don't do full strip and repainting. They will either do touch ups or paint over the top of your existing paint - assuming your existing layer(s?) of paint are in good shape. There is also a shop at Santa Maria that seems to have a very good reputation.

Thank you John
I'll check out Santa Paula - maybe get away with just a touch up
I think the ruddervators are ok - paint there seems to have stuck better.

New paint will invariably demand new plexi windows - and then the steam gagues will look dated.. and then...

Yeah - I had the same problem (addiction?) The plane that I bought 3-1/2 years ago seemed to be totally acceptable when I bought it - then I realized that I needed a new interior, new panel and a new engine.

... note that I used the word "needed" to make myself feel better.

My wife thinks I "needed" the new panel and engine for safety reasons. I'll come clean here with everyone else I WANTED the cool stuff! I have a bad feeling that my paint might "Need" to get updated in the future.

The important thing about the ruddervators is that if they are re-painted the magnesium requires special treatment. If they paint them like they are aluminum then you'll be regretting it.

No, Del. Had it done here in SoCal. Hope it lasts!

The shop in Santa Maria is Artcraft. I have seen some of their work and it looked pretty darn good. Not Copeland quality by a mile but adequate for most. As I recall, Theresa Venegas is the proprietor.

Don Copeland is repainting a pair of ruddervators as we speak. Just dropped them off yesterday. He is the best and was able to fit it in his busy schedule.