Fighting 213 F-14A Tomcat Restoration

(Cover picture is the planned result of the project, all other pictures are current)

We are asking for assistance in raising capital to restore this magnificent aircraft back to its original Grumman standard. This aircraft participated in numerous engagements and is a part of Naval Aviation history as well as American history.

My Team and I are taking charge of a restoration of an F-14A Tomcat located in Wakeeney, KS. it's BuNo # 160925 and is a former VF-213 TARPS bird. It took a swipe from a tornado and suffered numerous softball size hail to the airframe. It has been knocked off its platform stanchions.

The aircraft has suffered hail damage, airframe structure movement as well. My team and I have been out to visit the jet several times and with the numerous visits and hours of number crunching these are the estimates we have arrived at.

Because of the severe exterior damage to the rear horizontal stabilizers. Those can and should be removed and taken to a facility to be re-covered. I have an AMS2 from VF-32 that has the knowledge ability and tools to complete that mission.

The vertical stabs..we will need a crane to remove those. The wings and "tennis court" will have to be redone on sight as they are too big and complex to remove correctly. If only we could charge the Hydraulic system in the aircraft..that requires engines and electrical power..no go.

Will require a 35k-50k crane to pick up the aircraft and fix that tire. Goodyear still has that size of tire available..they are pricey but can obtain one through a NADEP facility either Jacksonville or NAS Norfolk. I have contacts at both commands.

The outer skin damage will be a lot of mesh and bondo repair to be just display-worthy. I have a rep from Grumman in Long Island NY who can make all stencils, numbers and warning labels per Grumman specs and make them authentic. In my opinion, 160925 should bear the markings of its deployment squadrons..VF-213. It was also a RAG jet for VF-124 and VF-101.. but those jets are a dime a dozen in museums. A VF-213 livery would be amazing and original. In addition, I have a helmet and flight suit guy to make up the pilots inside and even a LOX charging station to open that canopy, I am wondering how the canopy seals are tough but can be replaced if necessary.

My guy at Grumman has all paint schematics..even factory originals..his family worked in the Paint barn at Grumman so that shouldn't be an issue.

These are not completely accurate numbers but they are all ballpark, subject to availability, condition, accessibility, transportation cost..etc. But here is an overview.

GRUMMAN F-14A TOMCAT BuNO #160925 (RESTORATION NEEDED)

EST. TOTAL $150,000

(1) Paint, filler mesh bondo, Aluminum strips outer skin repair materials 15-20k (Depends on price of materials and product availability)

(2) Crane cost- 250-300/ hr. Hour usage unknown..estimate 20 hrs= 5k

(3) Helmets, flight gear interior detail- 1500-2k

(4) Stencils, schematics, airframe manuals and draft drawings..500-1k

(5) Labor and time- Unknown approximately 3-400 hours of labor( TBD)- 25k low- 40k high

(6) Left rear main tire-5k ( Subject to availability)

(7) Information plaque- $250-$500

(8) Lighting and presentation-2-3k

(9) Billboard for advertising-2k

(10) Transportation Costs- Crane, Trucking for parts repair and acquisition..Fed-ex..etc..30k

(11) Lodging for Personnel- 5k (TBD)

(12) Air travel, Miscellaneous- 10k

(13) Food etc for personnel-5k (TBD)

This will depend entirely on the price of paint and preservation materials, which has skyrocketed during Covid shutdowns.

The appropriation of parts and supplies will vary depending on availability as well.

Robert G Todd ABE2 USN

Board Member F-14 Tomcat Association