Dave, It is probably 6 of one , half dozen of the other...
I would prefer the original coupe, -vs- the revised one...not because of time on airframe/engine, etc, but because these coupes are valuable antique airplanes, and I would love to have an all original type... My coupe has a Alon style panel, lots of instruments (full IFR), etc.. Looks great, but I don't fly that way. And it restricts vision over the nose. The coupe, to me is a great fair weather , Saturday/Sunday local flyer. Yes, one can go anywhere ....But...99.9% of my flying is local pleasure flights..... I guess if I wanted an IFR craft, I would have a closer look at a 180 Cherocoupe or 172/182 Cessena... Maybe a Mooney. So, I guess it is all what you are seaching for.. The lighter weight aircraft will perform better, and require lots of less maintenence --instruments, etc...and be considerable better performer due to the 100 # + less empty weight.. If you plan to fly in marginal weather, the instrumented one might be better - tho it may tempt you to fly in marginal weather. I also considered metalizing the wings on my coupe....and decided against it for these reasons: *very thin metal. I believe .020" aluminum...likely to get lots of dimples from hail..as I have to keep mine outdoors. Easily dented, from hanger "rash". *Metalizing adds about 35 # to empty weight.... *More difficult to have a look inside the wings, even tho the Cheese holes are required in both. *More potential condensation in metal wings, resulting in more potential corrosion....tho this affects surface corrosion only, not the intergranular corrosion...problems with Spar corrosion.. *Cloth wings are quiter...no "oil canning" noises. I think the most important is the potential for dimpling from hail, and the added weight of the metallized wings. Yes, one can add an 0-200 to regain the climb performance....but this additional cost would maybe purchase the 180/182..... The shiny plane will require lots of polishing, so....guess it just comes back to why you want an airplane, it's intended use (s) , and why one would consider an Ecoupe in the first place. Fly Safe - Have Fun Regards Harry Francis N 93530 Blacksburg, VA. --------------------------------- to unsubscribe send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
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