The cockpit was stripped back down to provide better access to the under floor tubing.

The center fuselage section starts to look very empty.

Lots of time was spent in this position to remove the plumbing.

Are we too old for this?

Yes we do know how it goes back together! (I hope!)

LOTS of rivets came out to get to this stage

Naked as a babies behind!

It was interesting to find the original factory layout marks.

We found damaged stringers under the skin. Likely due to heavy handed refuelers.

Now we are sure we will the spar properly protected.

Lots of grunge was hidden everywhere.

Lots of cracks must be repaired.

Cleaning is underway.

The first crack repair is done. We are finally going the other way.

Cleaning the spar is made easier with everything removed.

But its still grunt work

There is no easy or quick way to get it done.

Our father and son welding team preping the weld area.

Note that the weld had only made contact with the tube in one spot.

This piece just fell off.

The bad welds reworked and ready for new TIG welds.

This time our FAA approved welder will get it right.

A friend of a Wing member donated 10 MK38A-2 practise bombs.

The wings wait patiently for their turn.

New sheet metal working tools are being purchased.

The new equipment will be used for the many required repairs.

Now we just need to get them off the hangar floor.