No Parts Exist for This Aircraft… So They Make Their Own

Go deeper inside the restoration hangar at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum as the volunteer restoration team tackles some of the most difficult challenges in bringing a legendary Douglas SBD Dauntless back to life.In this episode, the team reveals the incredible craftsmanship, engineering, and problem-solving required to restore aircraft when original parts no longer exist. From custom-fabricated .50 caliber machine guns and functional 3D printed hydraulic pumps to painstaking engine restoration and historically accurate markings, every detail matters.Using modern tools like 3D scanning and printing alongside traditional machining and hand-built craftsmanship, these retired professionals combine decades of experience with a shared passion for preserving aviation history.But this story is about more than aircraft.It’s about teamwork, mentorship, and the culture that drives the restoration process forward every day. Built on the foundation of C.A.T.S. — Culture, Attitude, Teamwork, and Service — this team demonstrates what happens when skill, dedication, and history come together inside the hangar.