The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

On a Cessna 120 can anyone tell be a rough estimate to what it would cost to put new fabric on the wing. I am looking at buying one but I think I would need new fabric and I don't have the skill to do it my self. Thanks

ewp1000 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 06, 2021 4:22 pm On a Cessna 120 can anyone tell be a rough estimate to what it would cost to put new fabric on the wing. I am looking at buying one but I think I would need new fabric and I don't have the skill to do it my self. Thanks

While prices will vary, depending on system used, what I'm hearing from a couple of local and established paint shops is "mid teens to $20,000". Of course, shops who primarily specialize in high buck all metal aircraft really don't seem to solicit "fabric work", so they may be pricing a bit high(?). Finding a smaller "restoration" shop who works with fabric every day might bring a lower price. Of course, any needed repair or restoration to wing parts + R & R and rigging may add $$. Hopefully someone will wade in with more dependable numbers and, maybe, thoughts on actually finding a shop than can/will handle a recover job. Mac

There are folks around Moultrie Ga that build Maules that will do it for less, how much less I don’t know.
Other than that I’d look for people that do Cub work.

If you are in the SE I might be able to help. The only process I am familiar with is Stits. I covered a Bucker Jungman a couple of years ago (still flying it!) and the cost of the liquids, fabric, and tapes was in the neighborhood of $5,000. Labor is always the problem. I helped a friend restore a Champ and he worked every day with me and even took parts home where his wife stripped paint. It really reduced his cost! I am an A&P with IA and would be glad to “oversee” your work at no cost if we aren’t to far apart.
Steve Hawley, Saint Matthews, SC

Don' t know your experience level or if you're looking specific - with the modern synthetic fabrics and if applied properly, they can last for many many years depending on storage conditions, then again, you may luck up on a great metal wing. Also, helps when people fill out profiles - the previous note is a generous offer and you won't find fabric experience easily now days! FWIW 2C

An experienced person can strip and recover a wing in 40 man hours. That will be to just about primer. Paint will be extra and materials will be extra.

So 80 man hours X whatever the shop rate is.

This does NOT cover any hidden repairs, such as corrosion, broken ribs etc. It's always a "surprise" when you remove fabric, you never know what you'll find.

V529 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 15, 2021 9:01 pm It's always a "surprise" when you remove fabric, you never know what you'll find.

Wings are like a box of chocolates... (Apologies to Forrest Gump)

Yes, 40 hours is about right. Times certainly have changed; I think I paid about $3500, including paint, for the pair back around 1990. (Stitts).

I think Oratex is still an interesting option. Glue and heat, no painting.

8233 wrote: ↑Thu Aug 19, 2021 7:13 pm I think Oratex is still an interesting option.

I'm sure this has been discussed before, so forgive my old-timer's disease...

Is Oratex certified?

RE Oratex:
"Oratex is certified in Europe and Canada and FAA STCs are now available for many aircraft, including Pipers, some Aeroncas, Stinsons, as well as all Maules and Huskys. We also have field approval for Cessna 120/140s."

I understand that their booth was super busy @ AirVenture.