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Restoring our AH-1G Cobra Helicopter - Your expert guidance is needed.

May 23, 2011

In 2003, our VFW Post 1341 in Bull Shoals, Arkansas, acquired the Cobra for permanent, static display at our post. The ship was shot down in Vietnam in 1972 with both pilots KIA. We restored and repainted to MILSPEC and pedestal mounted the Cobra in honor of the fallen pilots.

These many past years have worn away much of the skin coat and primer. Records do not reflect that aluminum hull was treated with Alodine or Iridite prior to painting. This summer we will refinish and rededicate the ship. We feel the best way to do this is to go down to the metal, Alodine, primer and paint. As flight balance is not an issue we do not need to worry about even coats but we do believe spray application is faster and will present a more professional appearance.

Do you recommend media blasting or chemical stripping? Is Alodine 1200S appropriate for spray application? If so, where is a good source for the Alodine and how much do you think is needed? Where is a good source for the primer and paint? Any recommendations you provide are most welcome.

     

Pictures and complete history of the ship and it's crew are yours on request.

My contact information is below.

Thank You,

George S. Forsberg; SgtMaj, US Army (Ret)
Chair, AH-1G Restoration Project 2011
(401) 808-0567
g_forsberg@cox.net
Bull Shoals, AR

GEORGE FORSBERG
Chairman, Restoration Committee - Bull Shoals, Arkansas

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Any form of heritage, including military, can be and must be treated only by certified conservation professionals.
In USA the best organization devoted to conservation of cultural and historical heritage is American Institute for Conservation (AIC), so try to contact them at www.conservation-us.org/ . Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
May 27, 2011