Any L-2A Owners, L-2 Basket-Case Owners

[M Towsley]

I have a friend looking at an L-2A basket-case that is supposed to be all-there. I know this is very subjective but any thoughts on value for this project?

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Any L-2A Owners, L-2 Basket-Case Owners

condition,condition, condition

[Bigdog]

Re: Any L-2A Owners, L-2 Basket-Case Owners

From $1000 to $10,000 depending...

[M Towsley]

Re: Any L-2A Owners, L-2 Basket-Case Owners

Unknown condition as of yet. Closer exam by potential buyer next few days. Wing rib jig and some ribs started. All parts supposed to be there. Supposedly owned by a museum. Not a lot of A's out there so hoping for anyone with one to chime in as to the condition of their's upon purchase.

I think 10K would really be pushing it. My research so far in the 6K range.

Will update as time goes on.

[Edwin Otha]

Re: Any L-2A Owners, L-2 Basket-Case Owners

Own a few of them and never paid more than 3K. Sounds like there are no wings, price gets cheaper. Struts are expensive, would rather have good struts than an engine. Check that it's not a glider fuselage/wings, added tube to front cluster that's cut off, adjustable rear seat. A few early had them. If it was from a museum all of the good stuff was taken before it was donated. It's easy to over pay but remember the cost of repair, these little planes are in the 20K range.
EO

[Bigdog]

Re: Any L-2A Owners, L-2 Basket-Case Owners

Sure $10K is probably pushing it but you can't provide a condition and everyone's definition of "basket case" is apt to differ. Provenance also plays a factor. Does it have a unique history? What kind of records? The price is going to be dependent on any big parts you have to buy or hire out like engine o/h, struts, glass, etc. If the restoration is going to be done by a shop, the core cost is immaterial since you'll never get your money back. If doing it yourself, the cost is mostly labor so again the core cost doesn't much matter. I think it's going to boil down to looking at the pile of parts and making an emotional judgement of how bad you want them. $4-6K is as good a starting point as any.

[M Towsley]

Re: Any L-2A Owners, L-2 Basket-Case Owners

Clarification, my friend is an A&P and is looking for a project. I am hoping I can see it in-person so it isn't so 'subjective' as I advised in the first post. Great hints and tips so far for us to look for. I found another older post online for 2K. The current owner wants an offer so they can work on other projects. I should have some pictures over the weekend. Good info on the struts/glider issue, EO. I will make sure he looks for them when he shoots some pictures.

[M Towsley]

Re: Any L-2A Owners, L-2 Basket-Case Owners

Project has engine and new prop. Was being professionally restored when the flood of '93 hit that area. The fuselage and engine were not in the flood but the wings were. Passed-on things to look for and waiting for more news and pics.