P-51D “Live Bait”
Overview
Make/Model: North American P-51D-25NA Mustang
Serial Number: 44-73343
Year of manufacture: 1944
Project Duration: 5 years
Awards & Recognition: 2010 Oshkosh Golden Wrench & Reserve Grand Champion - World War II
Our restoration of the North American P-51D-25NA Mustang, serial number 44-73343, an aircraft with a storied past extending from World War II to the heyday of air racing, presented us with a unique opportunity to restore a piece of flying history.
The aircraft, delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force on March 14, 1945, was sent to the European Theater of Operations. Post-war, it circulated through various duty stations, including stints in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Florida, reflecting the typical journey of many war-surplus Mustangs.
44-73343's second life began in the realm of air racing. Purchased by Ben Hall in 1963, it debuted in the first annual Reno Air Races as "Seattle Miss." Renamed "Esther's Mink" in 1966, it continued to race under various owners and names, including "Traveler," "Boise Bitch," and "Miss Salmon River." This Mustang's racing career was highlighted by notable finishes and speeds, contributing significantly to the vibrant history of air racing.
Our restoration project began in earnest when the Mustang, a veritable "basket case" at the time, arrived at our facility in two Ryder trucks. The extensive work involved deskining and replacing damaged components of the fuselage and ensuring that every part of the restoration was faithful to the original design. The interior structure and components, previously altered in a 1970s restoration, were returned to the original green (zinc chromate) finish. The wings, requiring substantial rebuilding, were sent to Odegaard Wings for this critical phase of the restoration.
This project was not just a technical endeavor; it was a revival of a significant piece of aviation heritage. The Mustang, upon completion, represented a perfect blend of history, skill, and dedication. It stands as a symbol of our commitment to preserving the legacy of these remarkable aircraft and the era they represent.
Please scroll down and check out the gallery below for photos of the entire restoration journey.
Click the image above to download a Warbird Digest article about the restoration of “Live Bait” in PDF format.
Click the image above to learn about Capt. Clayton Kelly Gross, pilot of the original Live Bait in WWII.
RH wing disassembly
RH wing beginning restoration
Fuselage as it arrived in 80s type restoration
Fuselage disassembly and structural rework beginning
Fuselage in fixture fitting new skins
Fuselage riveting in process
Fft tailcone repair
Aft tailcone in fixture repaired and primed and painted prior to reskinning
Aft tailcone out of fixture with initial polish
Wing structure in fixture at Odegaard Wings
Vertical fin rebuild
Vertical fin ready to come out of fixture assembly
Horizontal stab skin fitting in fixture
Horizontal stab completed and preliminary polish
Wings being prepped for paint exterior paint work
Oxygen bay structure and hydraulic plumbing installation
Hydraulic flap valve and flap torque tube assembly in lower fuselage
Park brake and master cylinders just above rudder pedals
Wing paint work completed ready for mating to fuselage
Fuselage paint work completed and ready for mating to wing
A look from below the cockpit prior to wing installation
Instrument panel
Engine assembly at Roush Aviation for overhaul
Wing to fuselage mating complete
Engine installed
Weight and Balance prior to flight
Completed airplane ready for flying
First flight landing
Taxiing back to the ramp after test flying
