B-17 Fuddy Duddy make over

[Micdrow]

Just what I thought. None of you guys work on warbirds any more you just critique those of us who do. This is my last post.

I think you need to stick around and get to know people a little better. Most know that if I could get paid the same about that I make now in the area I live in that I would jump at a chance to restore warbirds for a living.



Frankly how much it costed to polish Fuddy Duddy I would consider it priceless and a job well done and I couldnt even imagine what a price tag would be but I also know some companies would do it for free just for the publicity it would bring to there company.

I beleive Gulf Stream repainted the EAA's Ford tri motor for free a year of two ago.

Frankly if you leave now you are doing the critiqueing. Frankly I would love to learn more and even as a moderator I dont get to all the threads on the website.

Paul

[Doughboy]

Found this link on another site and thought this was crying out to be shared on an WW2 specific aviation forum...so here it it !

The Generals B17 Bomber, "FUDDY DUDDY" polished perfect! - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

I do have an affection for this '17, having flown in her twice and I have to say, she looks pretty damn smart polished up !.

Just wish I was there now for another trip

That is an awesome looking B-17.

[Superior Shine]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the kind words.

True, "dominic754" didn't receive the credit he deserves for his help on the B-17.

We learned while polishing a B25, owned by the same organization, that it is much easier to "prep" the aluminum and remove corrosion before polishing than it was to cut our way through it.

We have two other aircraft to polish coming up soon. One may even take us to the U.K.

Greater things have yet to happen!

[syscom3]

All the people flying from John Wayne Airport have something nice to look at!

[Micdrow]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the kind words.

True, "dominic754" didn't receive the credit he deserves for his help on the B-17.

We learned while polishing a B25, owned by the same organization, that it is much easier to "prep" the aluminum and remove corrosion before polishing than it was to cut our way through it.

We have two other aircraft to polish coming up soon. One may even take us to the U.K.

Greater things have yet to happen!

Very cool superior shine, any hints on the aircraft

[Geedee]

We learned while polishing a B25, owned by the same organization, that it is much easier to "prep" the aluminum and remove corrosion before polishing than it was to cut our way through it.

Hi and welcome to the site.

Errr, cheeky question, can you advise on what to use to polish up Ali skins ?. I will be polishing my '51 when its a bit more complete and am working on the assumption that using a power tool (drill with polishing mop !) is the way forward, but I have no idea what to use to assist in the actual polishhing side of the task. Is there a specific ali polish that you Pro's use ?

[Superior Shine]

Gary,

We should be in the UK later this year or early next if everything goes as planned. We have a job in London.

I'd be more than happy to show you how and what we use. How far are you from London?

[Geedee]

Crickey, thats an offer I absolutely cannot miss

I'm about 92 miles southwest of London (About 3 miles from Stonehenge in Wiltshire). Its about an hour and a half .....errrrr, make that 3 on account of the incessant roadworks and sheer volume of traffic....from central London. And yes, would love to drive up and have a chat and see what you guys are working on.

I'm out of the UK from the 2-20 Sept but apart from that, I can make any day a one-off so its not a problem.

Please drop me a PM when you have things firmed up and come hell or highwater, I'll be there !.

Once again, thanks for your offer, I really appreciate that !.

[Superior Shine]

Old post I know...... We never made it to the UK. We did polish the first craft used as Air Force One, "SAM970" and a B-29 "T Square 54" since Fuddy Duddy. On may 10th, 2013 we will polish another heavy bomber. This one is painted. Photos to follow......

B-29 / The last B-29 Superfortress

SAM970 / 40 Professional detailers join forces to preserve American history! - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

[GregP]

Yeah, I know what it costs. But that's the General's business and possibly Mark Foster's, too. I can tell you excactly what if costs to have a Beech 18 polished, but that's Enricho's business (at Chino).

If you aren't paying the bills, it isn't nice to disclose costs of ownership that someone else is paying.

I volunteer at Chino restoring aircraft, and it isn't exactly cheap, is it? I was around when Mark was rebuilding his Bird Dog from a basket case. Looks just great now, doesn't it?

[N4521U]

Well, I'll tell you what............. I helped polish Merlin's Magic, P-51, for one day, and I was absolutely nackered. I bow to Anyone who has the stamina to work on one-o-these from nose to tail!!!!

[GregP]

It gets a LOT easier when it is shiny and you KEEP it that way. That means, when you fly it, it gets cleaned right after the flight back to pristine status.

If you let it sit outside, then you have a hard time next time you want it clean.