Rust on tubes & fittings

[Dana]

I have a number of spots on my Hatz that could use some touch up paint; that's the project for this weekend. Nothing serious, mostly minor chips and spot rust on the tubes. The tubes are easy, some light sanding, primer in some areas, and an airbrush with new paint. But at the ends, and the wire attach lugs, not so simple without disconnecting and re-rigging, which is a can of worms I don't want to get into right now. I don't want to just shoot paint in, coating the bolts and all. So the question is, how rough do most people let things get before addressing it? The airplanes is far from needing a disassembly level restoration.

This is typical (the only picture I have handy), though some are worse... you can see how the paint is cracked and flaking away on the lug around the shackle.

 

[Ralsmark]

 

[ndlakesdreamer]

 

[Beej]