With a lump in my throat, I'm announcing that I will be selling my cherished girl, my polished 1966 150F "Silverlining". This is an unusually nice airplane, with a airframe and engine total time of just over 1,700 hours (it goes up a little every week)
Why am I selling? Darn if I can explain it. Actually, here's the whole truth. The engine really should be overhauled in the next 100 hours, not because it isn't running well, but because she's never been overhauled in her 40 year lifetime, and let's face it, it's time.
An overhaul costs between $7,500 and $15,000 depending on who does it. Under any other circumstances I'd have the airplane overhauled myself and keep it, but I'm currently deep into a restoration project, a 1971 Aerobat with a 160HP engine. The Aerobat needs an overhaul too, and there's just no way I can afford to do two overhauls this year. Facing the music, I'm selling Silverlining, but believe me, reluctantly.
Some details about Silverlining: Major Mods include a F&M spin on oil filter, an electronic 16 channel engine monitor with EGT & CHT (EI UBG16, upgradeable for fuel flow and 7 more functions), Whelen Comet Wingtip Strobes (the most visible kind), Metco Hoerner wingtips, Child Seat, & Vernier Mixture control. Equipped with a Mode C transponder and an Digital NavCom (MX300), portable stereo intercom, and a modern ELT (uses D Cells).
The interior is 3 years old, I'd rate it a solid 9, (some of the panel plastic is less than perfect) The interior is done is tasteful modern grey with a wool headliner, and cloth seat upholstery, very nice.
The exterior is original, and mostly polished, with orange paint. The paint is about a 6, but the good news is, it could be repainted for far less than most C150's if you keep the same scheme, since you'd only be painting about 40% of the airplane, all of the wings and stab are polished, no paint. There is practically no corrosion on the airplane, it spent it's first 30 years in Midwestern Canada, dry country.
The Windshield and windows are original too, and pretty good, no fogging, though of course there are a few scratches.
About the worst thing on the airplane is the rubber around the side windows, it is old and cracked. The steering boots are looking pretty sad too, though they could be re-sewn, I'd personally replace them if I was keeping the airplane.
The purchase includes a complete VG kit not installed, and unpainted to match the polished wings.
I also have what I believe to be a complete 150 HP Avcon conversion kit, including the engine mount, cowling, blueprints, and even a Lycoming 0-320 engine (condition unknown). For the right person, (read an A&P) converting the airplane could be nearly as economical as overhauling the 0-200.
Ahhh hemmmm. How Much?
I'll take $16K for the airplane and I'm pretty firm at that price, it's more than worth it.
If you want the Avcon conversion, I'll sell it with the airplane for an additional $4K. This is really cheap because it includes the engine, but I can't promise anything about the engine, I simply don't know how good/bad it is. I have a full set of log books showing 100 hrs SMOH, but I don't know if there was a prop strike on the airplane it last flew on. (the seller claimed no prop strike, but no prop was included, and that doesn't build my confidence, nor should it yours.) I originally intended to convert the airplane to 150 HP and paid $12K for the parts, so you'd be getting an exceptionally good deal if you decide to purchase the Avcon conversion with the airplane.
I have full confidence in this airplane, I have flown it to Clinton 4 times, including this last summer. It is a good solid airplane, and currently running well. I'll deliver it anywhere in the continental US for expenses.
The airplane is accident free, complete logbooks, I'm only the second private owner (it passed through a broker between the original owner and myself)
Silverlining is such a classy airplane! If I was in the market right now (that is if Gremlin has an engine failure and I have to ditch in the Gulf, nothing less) I would be all over that.
Anybody need a free delivery??
Jeff Hersom N3740J '67 150G "Gremlin" Hangar W-6, Helena Regional Airport Places I have landed Gremlin:
I've had several members contact me about buying the Avcon conversion seperately from the airplane, and the answer is Yes, of course I'd be willing to sell the conversion parts seperately.
I intentionally set the price of the Avcon conversion low, hoping it would make a good package for someone who buys the airplane too, and I would expect a little more than $4K for the engine and conversion kit if sold seperately (the engine alone is probably worth $2K as a core.) The thing is, if someone bought the airplane with the Avcon kit, they could sell the 0-200 as a core. Since it has only 1,700 TT it alone should bring $2K -$3K, so it would sort of be like getting the 0-320 and conversion kit for $1K. Not a bad deal No?
Send me email or a private message if you're interested in either/or. Note that I'm not advertising the airplane anywhere yet.