A local plywood wholesaler suggested that I use a 1/4â€￾ 5 ply plywood called Meranti. I looked at it and think it will work well. There isn’t anything wrong with my original 1976 floor except it’s heavy. The back piece with carpet weights 14-1/2 pounds. I’m thinking about just painting the floor. I’m not really a fan of carpet.

I do need some suggestions on replacing the small o-ring on the spring pack. The first side I cut the first one but got the second one ok. This second spring pact is kicking my butt. I’ve cut 6, yes six o-rings. The best I can tell is that it’s actually cutting it on the brass bushing. The groove is sharp. I thought about putting it in my lathe and cutting a chamfer on it. But I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Any help I’ll gladly listen. As of now I’m waving the white flag.

G280Driver wrote:A local plywood wholesaler suggested that I use a 1/4â€￾ 5 ply plywood called Meranti.

They also have Marine grade Meranti plywood. I wonder if that would be any stronger. Would like to see some pics sometime of your progress.

I'm in the middle of doing a panel upgrade on my M5.

I redid the floor in the baggage compartment and the front seat foot area. I hated the carpet catching all the dirt and leaves in the backcountry. I used Lonfloor's 'loncoin' rubber type matting. I glued it onto the plywood. The best thing I ever did to the interior. So easy to wipe clean with a damp rag.
I say ditch the carpet and go rubber. I left the areas directly under the front seats since they were a pain to get to but those spots don't get hammered anyway.

I have also ditched the carpet for the same aircraft vinal flooring as Rezrider. It's tough as nails, waterproof, lightweight, aircraft rated, cleans up easily with a damp cloth, non-slip and comes in lots of colors and patterns. I glued it onto my CF floorboards with the manufactures epoxy glue. I'm really happy with it.

I have also ditched the carpet for the same aircraft vinal flooring as Rezrider. It's tough as nails, waterproof, lightweight, aircraft rated, cleans up easily with a damp cloth, non-slip and comes in lots of colors and patterns. I glued it onto my CF floorboards with the manufactures epoxy glue. I'm really happy with it.

Pictures
This was taken in 88 when it left Alaska and headed to Texas.



This is the guy I bought it from.


This is the original panel.



Paint progress.










After stripping and polishing spinner.

Wing tops



Wing bottoms





Gear on.

very nice!

I like the 'wellies' in the spinner pic!

Have the upgross kit almost done. Another hour and it’s done.


Horizontal and elevators are at powder coat. Should be ready to pick up this Friday. Oratex is here. Hopefully we’ll get that done next week.

What I’m trying to figure out is where flap retract springs connect. All that was taken apart before I got a chance to see it.
Any pics would be appreciated.

Jim

Nice. Like the paint colors and scheme!

Page D 10 in the parts manual shows all the parts and breakdown of flap mechanism. One end of spring goes on the link to the bell crank and other end goes on the smaller link/tab bolted to rear spar.
Don’t over stretch the spring when attaching. A small rope or length of wire can be run from outboard end of spring and then around the strut to steady it. A needle nose vice grip can then be used to locate spring in hole on tab.

flew the Maule for the first time today after finally getting airplane re-assembled, everything done, signed off, and annual done.
Plane flew great. Did some air work then several landings in various configurations both 3 points and wheel landing both on grass and asphalt. I’m happy to report all went great. Following Jeremy’s rigging instructions resulted with spot on rigging. Feet on the floor. Hands in my lap straight and level. Straight forward handling.
All in all very satisfied.

G280Driver wrote:flew the Maule for the first time today after finally getting airplane re-assembled, everything done, signed off, and annual done.
Plane flew great. Did some air work then several landings in various configurations both 3 points and wheel landing both on grass and asphalt. I’m happy to report all went great. Following Jeremy’s rigging instructions resulted with spot on rigging. Feet on the floor. Hands in my lap straight and level. Straight forward handling.
All in all very satisfied.

Congratulations!
Any pictures of the "completed" (is any plane really complete?) project?