----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
You will definitely put much more money into the restoration
than you could ever recoup. You can buy an already restored Coupe much
cheaper. A pristine Coupe will cost you $18,000 to $22,000. The
trouble is....it's hard to find them in pristine condition. In addition,
while lots of folks _claim_ their planes are free of corrosion, the reality
is that you can't really inspect thoroughly without removing the wings, wing
tanks, floor, etc. and how many people do this on a regular basis?
Plus, it's very hard to _really_ see all areas of the wing spars without using a
flexible borescope camera and then there's the issue of the inside of the
ailerons and also the belly skin you can't see without taking out the
rivets! So....on the other hand, maybe it's best to spend the money and
time restoring one yourself because you will have inspected, repaired or
replaced any unacceptable structures or parts within the entire
airframe. Then you'll have the confidence of knowing what your flying when
turbulence bounces your head up against the canopy. You'll know if those
wings and tail section should stay on or not. You'll also be saving one of
the flock to fly again another day. Tough decision! Good Luck and let us
know what you decide.
Jim
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 9:25
AM
Subject: [COUPERS-TECH] Good Deal?
----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
I am recently retired, have more
time on my hands that I expected and am
considering restoring an Ercoupe.
I would appreciate and welcome comments
from all points of view.
I have found a 1946 C/D, 90HP Ercoupe with both wings removed.
It has been
stored inside for 17 years. According to the log, it has
only 454 total
hours on both the engine and airframe. The wings are
fabric covered and in
poor shape. The left wing is damaged and would
require replacement. A second
right wing and spare rudder assembly
along with a bubble canopy and many
"spare parts" are part of the package.
The canopy is new and has not been
fitted. The plane has a single
fork nose wheel and the interior would have
to be completely redone.
There are no rudder pedals and there is minimal
instrumentation.
Unfortunately, the engine was stored without proper prep and will
require a
major overhaul. (new jugs, pistons, etc.) Because of
corrosion there has
been recent major reconstruction of the aluminum under
the seat and wing
spars. The reconstruction looks well done and was
performed by a major firm
in Florida. I spent over an hour looking
and could find no additional
corrosion,
Through a
local Experimental Flying Club, I have found two certified
mechanics who
are willing to help me restore the plane. I am not an aircraft
mechanic but have extensive experience working on turbine engines and have
been working in automotive research for over 40 years. Buying a
certified
rebuilt engine is not out of the question. I am prepared to
spend $10,000 to
$12,000, in addition to the initial cost over a two year
period to restore
the plane. It would be imperative that all
upgrades and safety standards be
complied to.
My questions are:
1. Doe's $5500 sound like a reasonable price to pay for the
plane in it's
present condition? It is possible that the seller
would consider $5000 and
transport the plane (about 25 miles) to my shop.
2. Is $12,000 a reasonable estimate to restore the plane to
"like new"
condition with minimal instrumentation, assuming I do much of
the work
myself?
3. Is doing the work myself with the two
certified mechanics holding my
hand and keeping me "on track," reasonable
or am I being overly optimistic?
4. Would it be more cost
effective to buy an already restored Ercoupe with
low hours, assuming one
could be found?
Bill Rahm ---------------------------------
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