Any large aircraft paint facilities in Eastern US?

[Airlift48]

We are still looking to get the Douglas C-54 repainted sometime this year. We had a deal with Crider Aircraft painting in Mena AR. to get it done last winter, but we had some maintenance issues we had to address so we brought it home instead.

Now, for those of you who have seen the 54 over the past few years and especially this year can see that it is badly in need of paint. The trouble is, we really don't want the added expense of having to fly to Arkansas to get it done.

I'm having trouble finding any facilities that can accomodate an aircraft as large as a C-54/DC-4 (117'-6" wingspan) in the eastern part of the country..

Anyone have any ideas?

Kevin

[The Inspector]

It's a shame that EMPIRE went under, Brian Olsen who ran the company did a great deal to help out MoF with the TCA CONNIE-

[Al Moore]

Possibly Goderich Aircraft in Ontario? They have completed the painting of 737s and MD-87s which have very similar wingspans. I believe they have also painted a PBY Catalina/Canso which approaches the wingspan of the C-54.

http://www.goderichaircraft.com/Home/home.php

[WallyB]

Premier Aviation in Rome NY. They paint airliners so a C-54 should be no problem.

[Gary Norville]

Try TIMCO in Lakecity Fl. they do the C-130's and did the B-24 in base coat when we changed it to Witchcraft. Gulfstream in Savannah Ga. has also been helpful in the past. Starport in Sanford Fl.

Hope that's a start.

[Rhino-9-3]

Possibly Goderich Aircraft in Ontario? They have completed the painting of 737s and MD-87s which have very similar wingspans. I believe they have also painted a PBY Catalina/Canso which approaches the wingspan of the C-54.

http://www.goderichaircraft.com/Home/home.php

Sky Harbor Aircraft in Goderich, Ontario painted the PBY, not sure if their facility is big enough for a C-54. They do amazing work though!

[CAPFlyer]

Have you guys tried approaching United about their facilities just down the road from you guys at JFK? I don't know if they can do the actual painting, but I think their maintenance base should have somewhere that they use for painting if not a full blown booth.

[Pat Carry]

The Museum of Flight had their Connie painted in a shop out east. It just might be the one previously mentioned in Rome, NY

[Airlift48]

Good info.. Thanks for the leads.

THIS is why we have WIX!

[Invader26]

Excellent paint shop for larger machines in Nashville....

[51fixer]

Don't know the products as I haven't used them but there are waterbased aerospace paints now.
I don't know if you could create a plastic tent, ok, circus sized tent, cover the floor and bring in someone to do it there?
I believe some of the primers can be rolled on with special equipment so a spary booth isn't required.
While redoing the wingwalk I used rollers and was surprised by the results.
Good luck. That is a big project.
Biggest I was involved with painting was a P-38. We did it in sections masking off along skin panels or break lines to make it manageable.

[CAPFlyer]

When Air Tahoma started repainting their fleet in 2004 and 2005, the guys we brought in simply put up plastic in the hangar to create a "paint booth" and we used the existing hangar area heaters to create the desired temperature during the bake on period and the finish was quite good. If you look at pictures of N582P, N586X, N150PA, and N153PA online, you'll see the quality of the finished product. While it's just a basic white fuse and black engine cowls on the 240s, it's also not an easy color to apply right and the Convairs are pretty big birds too, so it gives you an idea of the size of plane that can be done without a specialized booth.

[WallyB]

The Museum of Flight had their Connie painted in a shop out east. It just might be the one previously mentioned in Rome, NY

Yes it was. Bob Bogash of SMoF was the project manager: http://www.rbogash.com/connie.html

[flyboiga]

My want to check this outfit out in Florida. They have war bird experience, Oshkosh and Sun n. fun winners. They painted the P-51 Mustang Glamorous Glenn III that belonged to a Delta Pilot Couple in Griffen Georgia. Was at their shop in Palatka Florida the other week looking to get a Caravan Painted. Looked at the pictures really nice nice work. They had a Piaggio Avanti in the shop they just finished nice.

I know they do 757's and stuff at another shop in Jacksonville. They might be interested in this as they seem to have a passion for war birds and classics. Think they said they have been painting planes for three generations.

Anyway the owners name is Steve Parrish, his dad is Butch. they are on barnstormers... shop name is southern eagle aviation.

But nice project you have there. Good Luck

[Airlift48]

Thanks for all your suggestions..

I've got some feelers out and am waiting for some responses from a few of these outfits.

Lets hope they come though and the "Spirit" is gleaming again...

If your aircraft is to be painted, never ever let them tell you that it doesnt need clear coat....

It does. That is if you want oil to come off of it....