P-51D “Happy Jack’s Go Buggy”
Overview
Make/Model: North American P-51D-30NA Mustang
Serial Number: 44-74452
Year of manufacture: 1944
Project Duration: approx. 2 years
Awards & Recognition: Grand Champion at EAA AirVenture 2008
The restoration of "Happy Jack’s Go Buggy" is a story of historical reverence and meticulous attention to detail. Originally a World War II-era USAAC Mustang, which later served with the Guatemalan air force, this aircraft's revival is a testament to our commitment to authenticity. We embraced the vision of Bruce “Doc” Winter, a former Navy pilot and history aficionado, to restore this aircraft to its original wartime condition. This project represented a unique challenge, demanding a deep dive into the Mustang's heritage and an unwavering dedication to historical accuracy.
Our team undertook this restoration with a dedication to authenticity, delving into intricate details like water transfer decals, fabricating obsolete parts, and achieving a finish that reflected its wartime operations. We aimed to not just restore but to recreate history, ensuring every element of "Happy Jack's Go Buggy" resonated with its storied past. The selection of the paint scheme, honoring 8th Air Force pilot Maj. Jack Ilfrey, further exemplified our commitment to honoring the aircraft's legacy.
The crowning achievement of our work came with "Happy Jack’s Go Buggy" winning Grand Champion honors at EAA AirVenture 2008. For Bruce Winter, piloting this restored Mustang was more than just flying; it was a living connection to history. His profound appreciation for our craftsmanship underlines the quality and passion that Midwest Aero Restorations invests in each project.
At Midwest Aero Restorations, we view each project as an opportunity to surpass our previous achievements. "Happy Jack's Go Buggy" is not just a restoration; it's a symbol of our ongoing quest for excellence in the field of warbird restoration. Our dedication to bringing these magnificent aircraft back to their former glory is unwavering, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue sharing these pieces of history with aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
Please scroll down and check out the gallery below for photos of the entire restoration journey.
Click the image above to download an EAA Warbirds article about the restoration of “Happy Jack’s Go Buggy” in PDF format.
Click the image above to learn more about Maj. Jack Ilfrey, pilot of the original Happy Jack’s Go Buggy.
The aircraft that would become "Happy Jack's Go Buggy" leading a formation in the Guatemalan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Guatemalteca), circa early 1960s.
With Connie Edwards at ranch in Big Spring Texas
Arrival Day to Midwest Aero
Engine prior to removal
Beginning disassembly phase
Fuselage disassembly and repair and paint removal
Fuselage reskinning in our fixture
Fuselage parts installation beginning
Balsa wood liners in place for 85 gallon fuselage tank installation
Original 85 gallon operational fuselage tank installation
Forward fuselage behind panel wiring and detail
RH console wiring as per original North American Aviation Standards
Center Console Wiring
Tailcone section looking forward
Operational Oxygen system bottles in aft fuselage
Wing prep for paint removal and disassembly
RH wing panel disassembly prior to paint removal
Reassembly of wing parts in same manner as factory by painting parts individually and assembling
Final riveting of RH wing as per originally found colors during disassembly
Wing back in fixture for prep to painting
Wing removal from paint work area
Top side green paint application
Top Cowling fitting
Fuselage paint work beginning
Fuselage camo pattern finished
Wing Mate process
Wing mate complete
First look outside after assembly
Wheel wells after wing mate
Elevator installation details
LH gear Retract cylinder in Wheel Well
Engine installed
Goodyear hose markings recreated
ANL1A Non Radium painted instrument dials
Airspeed Non Radium look with Flourscent lamp
Throttle Quad plate with Non Radium plate glowing
LH cockpit details
RH cockpit details
K14 Gunsight installation
Ready for Test flight
Lift off
Break for landing
Continued test work
Landing roll out
Finished Airplane
Testing with 108 Gallon drop tanks
First time since WWII a P51 flew with 108 gallon Drop tanks installed
Bud Anderson in Cockpit Reno 2008
Reno 08 NAHI Heritage Trophy Winner
