Removing the headliner in a Cessna Cardinal (for the AD inspection) (Full process)

Follow me through the process of removing the headliner in my 1976 Cardinal RG so that the spar carry through inspection can be completed as required by AD.
This video captures the full process in real time, which takes some time. There were a few times when the LED lighting causes some strobing, but hopefully that won't detract from the learning process.
This is for informational purposes only. While certain things (like this) can be done by owners, I strongly advise you to work in coordination with and under the supervision of your A&P / IA.
There are ways in which such projects can open a can of worms, and it is much better to have cleared your plans with your mechanic first than to call them later with a tale of woe.
I hope you find this useful, as we'll all be doing this project (or having it done) within the next year.

[@chopperflyguy]

Thanks for this Keith, I’ve got my interior pulled out now getting ready for the eddy current inspection. Very helpful videos, you make it look easy!!😁

[@helios1912]

Keith--oh yes--so many "fussy bits" The good ol' piston powered airplane fleet is quite vintage now. I salute the folks who keep 'em flying. 1976 was more than a few months ago.

[@quinnjim]

Hey Keith, nice meeting you today. I subscribed! John

[@eugeneweaver3199]

Love this Cardinal, great to see you working on one!

[@sonoftherepublic9792]

Keith, thanks much for the detailed video. Greatly appreciated.

[@hughboyle]

Thanks Keith for the video.

[@rjmarianojr]

Let me know if any of you still need this complete. I can complete the entire AD with my AP and ET3 certifications.

[@177BCardinal]

So did you have to strip the Cor-Ban and then Zinc Chromate the spar before having to re-apply the CIC?

[@cardinalflyer]

You have to do what the AD says to do... please don't get your definitive technical requirements from KZbin! Ultimately, the spar needs Alodyne (Bonderite), then Epoxy primer (or Zinc Chromate), then Corban. Personally I've seen too many zinc chromate surfaces which did not hold up well over multiple decades, so I stuck with the epoxy.

[@muhammadsteinberg]

So, is this being done during prebuys? Are owners allowing this type of opening of their plane? Cardinals have made my short list. It would be a deal breaker if this can't be checked during prebuy.

[@cardinalflyer]

No, this is far too intrusive for the pre-buy process. And there is no need, as we can see the spar from the back seat with the ceiling panel removed to confirm that the AD was properly complied with. That should dispel all concerns with this item. I do pre-buys and have a Buyer's Assistance service, check out the process at cardinalinspections.com

[@muhammadsteinberg]

@cardinalflyer OK, greatly appreciate you answering that question. I was kind of thinking it was too intrusive. I'm in the research phase of the models I'm interested in. Made the mistake of selling my 172 while working on my RV-10 build. I'm reduced to renting, and it's been a nightmare. Decided to get another GA until I finish my project.

[@davidrohwer4284]

I'm a day away from doing this for the eddy current test and plan to use a small battery-powered driver, is there a reason you didn't?

[@cardinalflyer]

The screws are short, so not many turns required. Many have a tiny head, and the angles can be tricky. A powered tool really would not save much time, and getting the torque correct is an important detail.

[@trickedouttech321]

I have no clue why the 177 would have this AD, I understand the the 172-182 but the 177 doesn't not have the same moister issue as those planes nor the same spar placement, I wonder if there was a real reason for this AD or are they just playing it safe. See my point look how nice that spar is. no moister means no corrosion,

[@cardinalflyer]

There's the little detail of the wing that fell off a 210 in Australia... the AD turned out better than it could have, and in some ways its good to know we're all safe.

[@kaceyd5272]

I was able to remove my front headliner without removing the rear headliner or window coverings.

[@cardinalflyer]

I'll bet you loosened the corners, as discussed in the video? Glad it worked for you!

[@kaceyd5272]

@@cardinalflyer yes, I had to loosen the front corners of the rear headliner. I had to loosen the window sections, but I didn’t remove them.