Pre-buy results (in addition to the ones posted a few hrs ago):

AIRWORTHINESS ISSUES

1. The #1 cylinder is almost toast. Compression test was 61/80. That's obviously a big hitter since new ones are $700 + labor. The mechanic told me he wouldn't worry about it since it was a very cold test. Said it may just be a lead deposit on the valve or something. I don't share his optimism. It could be, but with 650 SMOH, it's more likely the rings/seats. #2 cylinder isn't far behind (of course, the other one in the back). Compression was mid-60s. #3/4 were 74. I think I could nurse #1 a bit longer. It was 30 deg F when they did the cold leak test. Small displacement cylinders shouldn't be leaking that much though I don't think. Wouldn't bother me at all if it was a big Cont, but it's not. What do you think?

2. The bolts, nuts (and likely the bushings and bearings) in the HT hinge are rusted and not the correct parts. This is most definitely an airworthy issue. The bolts/nuts are $1.25 each, bearings are $15.80, bushings are $18.20. Four of each are needed plus 1-1.5 hrs labor. Cost to replace would be $228.50.

3. No record of prop at all except in airframe book #1 (a LONG time ago). No mention of it since then. I would think the prop needs to be overhauled ($500-650)? Opinions? The mechanic said it looked fine, but again, no logs.

4. The wings are corroded some as mentioned above. He suggested I do something about it to stop any progression.

OTHER ISSUES NOT NECESSARILY AIRWORTHY, BUT OF CONCERN:

1. The engine valve covers are original. The logs say the cylinders were replaced with Millennium cylinder set. The full cylinder sets come with valve covers. This has me questioning the logs some. Are the pistons really new? I have no way of knowing. Millennium valve covers say "Millennium" on them. These say Continental. Not the end of the world since they've got over 600 hrs, but...

2. The wheel pants are not authorized for that aircraft. It has the old model ones as someone here already pointed out. Doubt anyone would notice though.

There were other little things (plus those mentioned above the past couple days), but these were the major hitters that will affect the deal. I've already had the owner agree to fix the MK-12D nav/com, fix the marker beacons and pay for the IFR cert. I've told him I would take on the cylinder and prop overhaul if he paid for the HT bolts/nuts and threw in his Garmin 196 that I originally thought was part of the deal (that he now claims was never part of the negotiations). Waiting on his response.

What do you all think? Comments/suggestions please (again ) Thank You!!!