October 2005 - American Bonanza Society

out there. We have struggled over theyears to come up with a realistic way tobe fair in our pricing.In the early '70s, I included eighthours of repair time in each bid to coverthe unknowns I have outlined above. Itdidn't take very long to realize the fallacyin that concept. There is simply toogreat a variation in the cond itionbetween one equally aged airplane andthe next.I think you should be somewhatleery of any shop that sticks to a fixedprice for an interior. If you want the jobdone properly, that approach simplycan' t work. Those conditions and discrepanciesthat cannot be predicted inadvance should be handled on a "time &materials" basis.You're probably beginning to wonderhow much more I can expound oninterior renovation before I actually getinto imerior renovation! It should beclear by now that there is so much moreinvolved than just choosing the rightpiece of fabric and carpet.This is a multifaceted discipline,and a succes ful outcome is the resultnot only of some careful planning, butalso an understanding of how manyseemingly unrelated issues are significantfactors in the execution of a qualityinterior. Bm we won't put off the realwork any longer!In the next installment, we will definitelybring out our tools, scissors andfoam knives and dig into the project.Staning with the fabrication and modificationof your seats, from repair tobuild-up to final upholstery, we willbegin to see the evolution of that dreaminterior in every detail, every step of theway. Until then, fiy safe!Dennis Wolter is on A&P.IA and a 3,(J()().hour instrumentpitot who storied Air Mod in 1973 to bringinnovative design and high-quaJiIy renovations tothe general aviation market. Dennis, his wife Cynthiaand 10 dedicated employees complete about 40renovations each year 01 their facility on the eastside of Cincinnati. Dennis has 0 degree in industrialdesign from the University of Cincinnati.Damaged and ftommoble oil-sooked floorboards (at bottom) and new composite floorboards (at top).Heot-damoged plastic windshield trim.Deteriorated and poorly repaired fresh air ducts.Corroded floor structure and dirty belly.ABS October 2005www.bonanza.org Page 9273