Here's an update over the last 7 months...
The canopy frames are polished...they really shine in the sun!
The Hydraulic shelf and many parts in the paint booth...
Fitting of the engine accessory panels
build up of the rear cockpit rudder pedals, removable stick.
Hydraulic shelf installed in the tubular section with new placards and hand painted lettering
Many more parts painted and awaiting assembly.
the firewall with oil tank, oil cooler and many bellcranks for the engine controls.
All the new hardware on the plane will be CAD class I. In 1944 the original plane did not have any gold class II hardware. It's all about authenticity!!
The empennage de-skinned ready for repairs, paint and all new skins!
Here are the original tail hook braces and supports that the US NAVY added for carrier operations. This is what makes this plane so rare as it has the original tail hook stuff.
the empennage cleaned up and ready for metal work then paint. It looks brand new!