12 Time Oshkosh Golden Wrench Award Winner

Beginnings

Welcome to Midwest Aero Restorations, where our foundation was laid by the vision and passion of our founder, Mike Vadeboncoeur, in Danville, Illinois. It all started with an ambitious project that set the tone for our future endeavors: the restoration of Butch Schroeder’s F-6D Mustang 'Lil’ Margaret.' The 1993 Oshkosh Grand Champion winner set the course for the future of Midwest Aero Restorations standard of excellence. The project not only showcased our capabilities but also fueled our drive to achieve new heights in warbird restoration.

Today

Today, the team at Midwest Aero is renowned for its mastery in restoring the legendary Mustang, bringing these iconic warbirds back to their former glory. Each project reflects our commitment to excellence and authenticity. Our award-winning P-51 restorations, such as 'Cripes A Mighty', 'Daddy's Girl', and 'Red Dog', are testaments to the meticulous care and historical accuracy we infuse into every aircraft. And we continue that legacy more recently with projects like the Bf-109G and P-51 “Dallas Doll.” Visit the Our Work page to see detailed galleries.

In The News

Click on the covers below to download articles about Midwest Aero in PDF format.

Trust the Process

The process of restoration at Midwest Aero goes beyond mere repair and reconstruction. We painstakingly ensure that every detail, from the original paint schemes to the smallest mechanical components, honors the aircraft's historical significance while integrating modern enhancements when desired by our clients. This delicate balance has become a hallmark of our work, making each restored aircraft a functional piece of history.

Collaboration is key to our success. We work closely with specialized partners and experts in the field, ensuring that every aspect of the restoration is perfected. Our expertise, while deeply rooted in Mustangs, is diverse. We eagerly embrace opportunities to apply our skills to other warbird projects, expanding our portfolio and preserving more of aviation history.

Preserving History

At Midwest Aero Restorations, we don't just restore aircraft; we revive legends. Each project is a tribute to the past, a meticulously crafted piece of aviation history, ready to grace the skies once more. Our legacy, built on the foundation laid by Mike Vadeboncoeur, continues to grow with each aircraft that rolls out of our hangar, a symbol of our enduring dedication to excellence in warbird restoration.

Awards & Recognition

2022

Bf-109G
  • Grand Champion
  • Phoenix Award
  • Gold Wrench
View project details

2019

P-51D "Frances Dell"
  • EAA Best P-51

2013

F-51D “Was That Too Fast”
  • Grand Champion
  • Gold Wrench
View project details

2011

T-6D Texan
  • Grand Champion
  • Gold Wrench

2010

P-51D “Live Bait”
  • Grand Champion
  • Gold Wrench
View project details

2009

Cessna L-19A Birddog
  • Best "Birddog" Award
  • Silver Wrench
View project details

2008

P-51D “Happy Jack's Go Buggy”
  • Grand Champion
  • Gold Wrench
  • Neil Armstrong Heritage Trophy Award
View project details

2006

P-51D “Red Dog”
  • Reserve Grand Champion
  • Gold Wrench

2004

P-51D “Daddy's Girl”
  • Reserve Grand Champion
  • Gold Wrench

2002

P-51D “Cripes A Mighty IV”
  • Reserve Grand Champion
  • Gold Wrench
  • (2007) Neil Armstrong Heritage Trophy Award

1996

Vultee BT13
  • Reserve Grand Champion
  • Gold Wrench

1993

F-6D “Lil' Margaret”
  • Reserve Grand Champion
  • Gold Wrench

1990

T-6G Texan
  • Reserve Grand Champion
  • Gold Wrench