Hi again,
I have already concluded that Hung is the voice of wisdom and experience! (I look forward to the day we meet in person.) I am going to call the seller and arrange to look at the aircraft again.
I have looked at every 150 ad in Ca, plus called on a bunch, and none seem to compare to this one, for the price, for my mission. As you all have heard, it's all about the 'crease' or 'creases'. If they were not there, I would likely be writing about flying my new 150.
To help me explain, and to get your guy's opinion, here is what 60855 has going for it:
1969 model
5500 TT, 800 SMOH
Annualed this week. Comps 75/75/72/76 over 80.
B&C starter
Prop freshly overhauled
FWF looks better than most
Glass is very good
paint is nice, and was obviously a quality job when it was done in 1997. No peeling or flaking, and still shiny. Plus, I really like the scheme.
New upper pilot door hinge - door closes perfect. (many don't)
New seat upholstery (not covers)-looks nice
Interior plastic fair but acceptable.
Nose steering linkage recently serviced and tight
New vacuum pump (yesterday)
KX155 w/ GS
KMA24 audio panel
KT76A Xpndr
2 place Intercom
Garmin 396 w/ panel dock (and FAA approval)
New fuel valve 16 hrs ago
Newer (in good condition) plastic tip fairings
Stainless steel screws on all insp covers and tip fairings
Just had a fresh annual and got new plugs and a spinner bulkhead. I think the mechanic is honest as it was him that revealed the damge history. And he didn't seem to care much about the 'creases'.
The aircraft has one year on the pitot/static cert, but the owner will do a freshy for me. (He owns a avionics business) He also agred to do a W&B at no charge.
OK, the bad points:
The 1977 damage history (not a issue with me)
The aforementioned slight 'crease' on the fuselage sides above and to the rear of the landing gear legs.
Needs floor carpet
May need two main tires
So, I guess it's all about those darn 'creases'. If the gearbox looks fine and the mechanic annualed it OK, it ought to be OK. And yes, I would have a pre-purchase inspection done on it regardless.
I am looking for a plane to fly alot and see where it takes me. IF I was looking for the all-time ultimate 150 to keep forever, then that would be a different mission.
Whaddya the experts think? Price is $21.5K but perhaps he will come down some as he did not know of the damage history.
thank you all very much. This 150/152 club forum is the best!
Charlie Rowlett
