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Hi Carl,

Thank you for your response. The "crease" was actually a very very slight raised ridge, not a depression. It is very slight and hard to explain. And since I looked at it last thursday, I cannot recall exactly where it was, just that it was above, and I think to the rear, of the landing gear. (But it may have been forward and above the gear). It would be difficult to see it in a photo, but it is there. Imagine if you were to hand form a piece of aluminum over a stringer and you accidently pushed a bit too hard over the stringer, it would leave a slight "ridge" or crease. That is what I recall it looking like. It also was on both sides. I looked at four 150's at the local airport last sunday, and none of them had it. (I was actually hoping to see it on other aircraft). Everything else seems OK, and it just had an annual by a supposedly reputable mechanic (the one that revealed the 1977 damage history.) Peering in the gearbox area from above, with the seats removed, revealed no anomalies.
Now, if I was looking for the all-time 150 to keep for good, I would pass this one up. But I am looking for a ready to go runner with a decent engine, panel, and paint that won't make me embarassed when I pull up for my $100.00 breakfast. The seller, the aforementioned straight up guy and avionics shop owner, commented that the plane flew particularly smooth. He is selling it because he only flew it 17 hours in the past year, and owns a super nice Cherokee 6.
I guess my big concern is if this "flaw" makes this aircraft a "Don't touch it with a ten foot pole" type of thing, or would it be likened to the commonly seen small dings and dents often seen in aluminum skinned aircraft.

Thasnks again to all who have responded!

Charlie Rowlett

Hi Again,

BTW, I searched the FAA records (via the 150/152 club - how cool is that!?) and it showed that in July 1976 the aircraft "started and moved forward into a stationary fuel tank" or something like that. At least it was a low speed accident.

Charlie Rowlett

It's impossible to know for sure without actually examining the plane. It doesn't sound like a deal breaker at all, especially since you got a chance to look inside the gearbox. Don't take this wrong, but do you know what you're looking for? Do you know what a "smoking rivet" is, or what aluminium oxide "paste" looks like, and what can cause it? If not, you need somebody else to look at the gearbox area. The flaw could indicate a hard landing at some time in the past (virtually guaranteed on 30 year old airplanes), but a good inspection will either dispell any fears, or identify a bonafide problem needing correction before purchase.

My best advice to you is to use the forums search engine and read everything you can find on buying a plane before any money changes hands. Lot's of folks here have given lots of genuinely great advice in the past. Don't forget to change the date range to 1 or 2 years in the search.

Hi Carl,

No offense taken at all. Yes, I'm familiar with sheet metal aircraft structures, "smoking rivets" and ugly aluminum 'paste'. I worked in the aircraft industry for 7 years, and have even built one kit airplane (although it was tube and fabric and has no bearing here).
Today I went to airport to look at another 150 and now recall the 'crease' was behind and above the landing gear leg (not in front). The more I think about it, the more I think it is not a big deal or deal breaker. I may try to get another look at it and either take some pics or make a sketch.
In the meantime I will study the 150 Club archives.

Thanks again!

Charlie Rowlett

Good morning Charlie! I have been following your posts with much interest. It seems that you really like this plane and the times and the plane seem to fit your needs. If the crease seems to be bothering you and could be the major decission on your purchasing the plane. May I suggest like Carl said, that you have another expert that has a lot of exp. with these little planes have a look. Just to get another view! It seems that you have done everything right so far. And as they say around here, there will be another one! I have been looking but my biggest trouble is I have a terminal case of "cold feet and what if Itis". Good luck with your hunt!

If it ran into a fuel tank on the ground, that could certainly explain the crease or 'raised ridge' you are talking about, especially if it is a vertical crease.

But both sides?

Geo.

I guess you can use this test to make your decision: If someone else jumps in and buys that plane at the asking price, will you regret not buying it first?

You could see if the owner would take a deposit to hold the plane with the condition that the plane passes a pre-purchase inspection that includes a focused look on the damage area. If he is really the up and up guy you hope he is, then this shouldn't be a problem. And it will give you peace of mind.

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