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Hello Coupe Group;
Well, after a 9 month hiatus, working feverishly on
the Bonanza, I decided, as most of you predicted, that I still want another
Ercoupe, probably now more than ever. Thanks for the suggestions to stay
with you on the digest, it kept me abreast of what was being
discussed. For those who warned me about selling the project, I'll
publicly say, YOU WERE RIGHT, and I know the fellow who bought it will do
well. The only other alternative aeroplane I've considered was an
RV-9 or the concept -12. I'd like to have the Sport option for the future,
and let's face it, the value will be higher. So now I've
started looking for another C or CD Coupe, project or flying. I like
the aspect of a project because I can go in, make all the necessary corrections
and have what I want, a convertible top flyer. Bad thing is that the time
it will take to get it up and running the way I want it and the fact that
what I've seen lately is the same junk that's been out there only now overpriced
by those individuals wishing to cash in on the whole Sport deal.
Undocumented mods, at-will changes, parts worn beyond serviceable limits, bent
metal, improper repairs, etc. I'm a bit wary of the high priced stuff
because although it looks good, unless the books are impeccable, you really
don't know. But let's face it, after a project you'll have a high priced
model, but you'll know what's been done and how it's been done.
I must take the time to comment on some
individuals who are being a bit unfair with the pricing of used parts they have
acquired. We need to remember that many of these used and salvaged parts
are 60 years old like the planes, and paying a premium price for them does the
community a grave injustice. Many parts can be fabricated by a good
mechanic, at least one of whom all of you should know. Please don't think
of me as a cheapskate because of that statement, my Bonanza just cost me about
$20K in repairs, not from any accident or incident. I do a vast majority of the
work myself and have a parts network that is second to none, so I'll wager that
$20K it couldn't be done cheaper with the same quality. I hate to
part with the Presidential Portraits more than anyone else reading this, but
I like to know when I do, my money is well spent and the items I buy
are good and sound.
And, those dedicated individuals who are keeping
our airplanes flying by investing in STCs and PMAs, along with talented
individuals who make repairs to tanks and sheet metal are to be supported, that
includes the TC holder. I've been in Ercoupes for about 15 years, and
these guys (or their dads) were here long before me. Because of the Sport
rule, I do see a number of folks that would have never considered the
little forked tailed devil before have an interest. I'm pleased because
with this passage, I feel that the standards of maintaining our machines, which
has steadily decreased over the past 50 years, will be resurrected.
Comments and flames always cheerfully accepted,
it's what makes our country great.
That's it, just wanted to say hello again and get
reacquainted.
Oh, if there's a good project out there, drop me a
line ;-)
Al DeMarzo
Dallas, TX
Past EOC
Director
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