Craig; Although the higher serial numbers are more preferable, the lower serial numbers (I think below ~817) do have different gear and tanks but are as fine an airplane as their younger brothers. I've found that parts for the gear are available through the swap page salvage guys, and Ebay. It is a remarkably simple and sturdy design, and Skyport has donuts, spacers and other small parts to rebuild them. I am in the process of doing mine. Of course Univair also has parts but John is a more handsome individual. (That should get me a discount on my next order!) The tanks are a bit special and can be hard to find, which relates to a repair rather than just a swap out if problems arise. The John Wright Boys do wonders with the tanks, so get their number and put it into your PDA for future use. The "work arounds" may relate to removing the old gear, which IIRC mounts in the front, slicing a piece of the main spar and putting the newer gear onto it (I may have that backwards, but not the slice part). The new gear allows the use of the newer tanks. I'll bet money the mod is not approved, and I once sold an historic Ercoupe (prewar) because of the abortion as there are no more spars available from Univair for the prewars. I would also bet the ranch that a newer style spar cold be put into the older airplanes and only about 50 people in the USA would realize it. know
In any event, if you do pick up the old C model, start collecting parts as they pop up. Al DeMarzo Visit the Ercoupe Swap Page - Free and Easy http://www.ercoupeowners.com/swap/swapbook.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: cpetemn To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007 4:39 PM Subject: [ercoupe-tech] Low Serial Numbers I am looking at purchasing a 415C that has a s/n in the 190's. I have been told that wing tanks and landing gear are no longer available for these low serial nbr ercoupes. Have also heard that there are some work-arounds. Are there any other issues that are related to the low serial numbers? Craig
