As far as leaseback goes, many schools do not like to take on "non-stock" aircraft, such as one with a Sensenich prop. It makes the performance numbers in the book all wrong, and more difficult for the instructor and student to teach/learn properly.
As far as the wood overlays go, I'm with Jeff, remind me to never think about doing that........ It would be a lot of work to "unconvert" (if that is a word) the wood panel back to plastic, but I do think the wood would have to go in the trash if it were mine.
The Sensenich prop is available from either AeroModsNW or Sensenich, under different STC's. As you noted, it may have been installed to avoid the McCauley AD. Good prop and only a concern if the FBO doesn't want it on their trainer.
Just because the owners spend excessive money doing unnecessary maintenance on their aircraft, doesn't mean you should have to pay for it. Why would any sane person replace a perfectly good fuel tank? They usually leak from cracks or splits from oilcanning, or from a retaining strap breaking and rubbing a hole thru it, either issue is easily a weld repair by an appropriate shop.
Charles
