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Yeah, I've got a gazillion things on the *wants* list and several items on the *need-to-do* list. I believe the *needs* will outweigh the *wants* for the time being.

As Peter and Ryan found out, buying a low(er) time aircraft has it's drawbacks, no doubt. Given the higher engine time, this plane was probably worth more in the 14k-15k range, not in the 22k range the seller was asking. Also, the seller seemed to think there had been 2 owners but, to his dismay, we found 4 owners all total. This included the original dealer for the first 2 years. (Makes me wonder "why?" for 2 years...trainer, demo?) I'll be #5. This and a few maintenance issues left some very good negotiating room.

As far as the mechanic could tell, he couldn't detect any corrosion on any of the spaces he opened up. Hopefully, (cross my fingers) this will hold true throughout the entire airframe. I can only hope. I'm just itchin' to look under those fuel tanks and thinking about Wayne the whole time.

Some of the *minuses*:
Compass fluid low.
Lower panel plastic has 1 crack.
Throw-away Slick mags.
High engine time.
Minor rash on the lower half of the gear/airframe.
(Grass strip, maybe?)
Paint needs help.
Logbooks complete but not detailed.
NDH? None documented, although we have our suspicions on one outboard wing skin.
No built-in intercom or PTT switches
Oil Screen only
Flown 10-15 hrs. in the last 2 years
Gross weight of 1600 lbs.(bad news for Jabba-the-Hutt)
Not 14k (wish it were, though)

As for the *Pluses*, these are what rated in my observations:
Low(er) airframe time.
Complete logs, just not detailed.
NDH, (debateable?)
No hail damage
ALL compressions in the 70's
Upgraded, from original, radio & Transponder
Clear orig. glass
Good tires, wheelpants & brake fairings
Regular oil changes
No oil leaks
No visible dents in the metal
NO RUST (that was amazing!)
Original interior, no cracks, tears or broken plastic
Seller didn't try to hide defects or skirt any issues. This was a *BIG* plus while I'm trying to gain additional knowledge and the history of an airplane.

I've grown to absolutely despise the answer, "It was like that when I got it"... As if that's supposed to be the magic, get-out-of-jail answer.

I'm sure I could lengthen both lists but y'all get the idea on what I was looking for. Perhaps someone could point out a few items I missed and should've looked for, you know, for the next buyer in this club....

It does look like I'll get 2 headsets, a portable intercom and a II Morrow something-or-other piece of electronic box in the panel, too. Uh, I think some of that may have to go.

Any suggestions? advice? thoughts, for the morning after?

Bengie

Sounds great Bengie!
Glad you found a bird that is yours, have fun with it!!
R

Bengie,
Nice looking bird. Good luck with her. I have a 76 150M with a similar paint scheme.

Now I know why I like the looks of your plane.

Cool! Glad to see you have a new ride!

Congratulations, Bengie
Nice looking airplane!

Bengie,

G'day,

I havn't forgotten about you...honest, better late than never.....

So...Well done my friend , I wish you all the very best with it, and if it looks half as good in person as it does in the photo's..... you'll be ok

Cheers

Hey Bengie it sounds to me like this one is n-i-c-e !

What does the paint look like exactly as far as condition ?

Judging from the descriptions of lack of corrosion (no corrosion as in shiny and mirror-like inside the wings ?) Then it sounds to me like the paint will be in pretty good shape. I think there is a definite difference between solid paint that has chips and shows wear from use and is a crud and corrosion free airframe versus paint that is worn from being out in the elements too much and is cruddy and crispy with corrosion. In the former case, the luster is easy to bring out to a high gloss shine and there is nothing that a solid and consistent coat of wax will not take care of for keeping any exposed metal nice and protected. Are you able to keep her stabled inside somewhere ?

Is that crack in the lower panel one that runs from the carb heat knob over into the little slot for the trim tab ? Mine has that and one dealer I talked to said it is a common place for the plastic to fail in 150s/152s

As far as the all original interior and exterior - I can totally appreciate that as a huge plus.

Also, if there is no damage history in the logs or in the FAA databases and there are no anomalies found in the airframe then I'd feel like it was ok.

A bunch of what you've described is kind of how my bird was when I bought it and exactly what I was looking for too.

I was mostly concerned about an original paint/interior with relatively low hours and I had to have the shiny aluminium inside the airframe. . . of course I ended up spending a mint on mechanical stuff to get it up to snuff so that is the part I regret, but now that it is all up to code, I'm ok with it. Too bad I don't have any money left for a pair of the HID lighted wingtips

Oh hey, if you want to sell that little mirror thing in the panel, I'd like to buy it.

Sorry, I can't answer all the questions yet, Edward. I'll know more by the end of next week when I get to see it for myself.
You're right on the cracked panel, though. I've seen them in the same exact location on several. I've attached a photo for a better view.

I think I'll keep my rear view mirror thingy.

Bengie

My 1980 152 is cracked in the very same spot. The two 152's I teach in at the local flight school here in Redlands are also cracked in the same spot.