----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
Paul; You are somewhat correct in your research and are to be applauded for actually doing some prior to your purchase! Too many prospective Ercoupe owners rely on grapevine info or amateur extrapolations to make their decision. Remember that these are 50+ year old airplanes, and face value fact and figures may have been clouded over the years, especially on the world wide web where everyone seems to be an authority on one subject, another or both! Best to retrieve data that was independently attained and recorded while the T/C was changing hands. That seems to be the best source due to the high dollar amount that was at stake. Wood props are nice and if you were either correctly restoring an antique or classic or are a bit strapped for cash, they would work well. Remember that a wooden prop can be up to 30% less efficient than it's aluminum brother. Carbon fiber looks interesting, but I don't know anything about it and there are unfortunately few approved. That leads to another thought. When looking at a prospective new member of your family, measure the prop. I know of too many people running around with shorter props than is specified. Not that they're the wrong ones, but props do wear out! This is especially true on the models with 75 HP. You just won't get the power that's desired or even needed if the prop is too short. Finding a used prop for the tiny motors is as difficult as finding chicken's teeth. They are available new, but spending 15 to 20% of your initial investment for an item you overlooked or relied on the seller's info can be frustrating, and Ercoupe owners historically don't spend money on their flying machines. Serial number 813 is the magic number. Let me first say that there is nothing wrong with a Coupe that has a serial number below it, just that there are some differences. (Kinda like having a 1957 Vette and comparing it to a 1963 Vette.) Among the discrepancies, the biggest one is the tubular main gear. It's mounted to the front of the spar and isn't as heart y as the newer gear. Also, the center section is different. While the gear can be had (probably by finding someone not having the heart to donate it to the dumpster), I don't think the center sections are available any longer. I scrapped an oldie (pre-war) because Univair only had one left and needed it for a pattern should they decide to produce them again. If you had corrosion, then the newer center section must be installed, along with newer mains, etc. Another difference is the fuel system,. In order to accommodate the front mounted gear, the wing tanks were different. You can place the old tanks on the newer airplanes, but not visa-versa. Bottom line is that if you can find a good clean oldie at the right price, go for it. Realize that the units after serial number 813 were the "modern" versions. Good luck with your search, keep us posted with your progress. Al ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Tanzar" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Coupers Tech" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2001 9:29 PM Subject: [COUPERS-TECH] Purchase Questions > ----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]---- > > I'm still looking for the right 'Coupe. I have two > questions: > 1) I read somewhere, I think Aviation Consumer's Used > Aircraft Guide, to not consider purchasing any serial > numbers earlier than 813 due to some mods that were > made. The only one I recall is regarding the main > landing gear, but that was not the only reason they > cited. > 2) What do you folks think about wood props? > > Thanx, > Paul > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Auctions - Buy the things you want at great prices! > http://auctions.yahoo.com/ > > > --------------------------------- > to unsubscribe send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > > ____________________________________________________________ > T O P I C A -- Learn More. Surf Less. > Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose. > http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01 > > > __________________________________________________ To unsubscribe from this list please send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ____________________________________________________________ T O P I C A -- Learn More. Surf Less. Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose. http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01
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