Builders;
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Shad Bell is 99% done with an 18 month restoration/upgrade on the 500+ hour Pietenpol that his father Gary built many years ago. His goal is to fly it top Brodhead, and perhaps onto Oshkosh next month.
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Above is a video we shot at Oshkosh 2019, where Shad give a walk around talk about the plane as it was. While it retains the same look, the plane now has a completely revised engine, new mount and exhaust, and a new cowling.
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Many years ago, I worked with Shad’s father on his original installation. Gary and I go way back to Corvair College #7. The plane served the family well, but in November of 2019, Gary and Shad brought the engine to my hangar for an overdue switch to a 5th bearing and to take advantage of many of the things we learned in the previous 16 years. The plane still has a lot of Dads original work in it, but it has some prudent updates.
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I’m looking forward to seeing them in Wisconsin, and having a part two video to companion with this one. The Bell’s are great people, and when you see this plane, make sure you introduce yourself to your fellow corvair builders.
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William