Bushmasters web admin asked if anyone could provide an explanation for the renewed panel below the cockpit on 41464. Bill Lambdin sent this Saturday, June 15, 2002 6:56 PM

Bill Lambdin says...
From the appearance of the location of the new panel on A/C 464 that was the location of the resting points for the normal F-101 cockpit ladder and two times in my F-101 career I observed others using a different type ladder to enter the cockpit. Both times holes were punched in the panel requiring this panel to be replaced. Usually one had to be manufactured by the sheet metal shop using new metal (Aluminum/aluminium). The number of that panel escapes me now after more than 40 years but number 04 or 07 ring a bell. Just guessing!!!!!

OK, here's the challenge - WHAT IS THE PANEL NUMBER? Click here to send your answer.

John L (Larry) Pegg adds:

The panel in question is an air frame STRESS PANEL. I agree with BILL LAMBDIN, it very well could have been damaged by misapplying a ladder to the cockpit. It also could have failed because of excessive heat - that panel is just above the discharge chute for the nose guns' expended shell casings.
BILL'S reference to panel numbers; I believe would be more correct in saying that, that panel and its removal for inspection of parts under the panel would fall under mechanics inspection cards #3.
The post flight and periodoic inspections performed on the F-101 was assigned to a set of cards, broken down into groups of inspection cards ( INSTRUCTIONS) " re" MECHANIC #1 removed and inspected certain panels, #2 removed and inspected certain panels, etc. as I recall (and that could be in question).
MECHANIC #3 would be assigned that panel and all panels in that plain or area including fuselage panels above the wing back to the speed brake area.
It was my job to assign the MECHANICS CARDS on each AIRCRAFT as it entered the HANGAR for inspection or unscheduled MAINTENANCE.
The panel in question was either damaged by a ladder or heat stress and was replaced and the aircraft was put back in service before it could get scheduled to the paint shop. That the panel was not painted was not a write up that would require instant attention; the plane can fly without paint.
My thoughts only.