Hi Marty, The original Streak Eagle is at the Dayton Air Force Museum now. It was getting in pretty bad shape from sitting in those Ohio winters. I think they painted it to protect it. They really stripped it down to nothing for the record attempt. If I remember correctly, they made wood plugs for the wing tip lights to save any weight possible. I do remember that article on how they finished that F-15 in the natural finish of the Streak Eagle. I think it was pretty labour intensive, but with that cockpit you have, you have to give it your best shot. Good luck, Bill Harris