L-2 Project

[AL1958]

Hello All,

I need some help with a decision about a L-2 project for a friend/customer. The choice has been a Cub, Champ and now a L-2/DCO-65. I had thought the L birds too slow for his requirements but later found the T-craft to be just about everything he wants. The project on our field burned so I have wing metal items, pattern fuselage, control system, 2 sets of gear, tail surfaces, struts, seats and a cowl. We're putting a
O-200 on it with elect & starter, Com and x-ponder.
While the project will be a challange I'm not overly concerned about it, but he has some questions...
1. How much difference will there be in resale if we make a civilian bird verses a
L-2?
2. What will a fresh restoration O-200 powered L-2 bring??? What have some sold for in the recent past?

I welcome any input and if someone would like to contact me via phone my cell is 816-813-1584

Thank You,
Al Latham
Midwest Aircraft Services

[Dick Huish]

Re: L-2 Project

Al welcome to my world. I think the DCO-65/L2 is the most under appreciated L-bird around. I have been involved with them for thirty years. In think that with a C-85 or O-200 it is a great aircraft. Which model do you have? That will make a difference. Can you give me the N-number and/or the serial number. If it an L-2A, L-2B or L-2M them the value is much higher restored to original military than converted to straight back. As for the value I would expect you to find the value to be in the 30-35 thousnd range. Let me know if you want to talk about it. Dick

[M Towsley]

Re: L-2 Project

Al,

An authentic military restoration will always be worth a lot more than civilian. Be watchful of the color scheme. No invasion stripes, etc. They never saw overseas military service. My L-2B, (of which there were only 490 ever made), was bought and later sold for over forty thousand. I also have some parts that I bought as spares from a guy who was parting out an L-2. Let me know if you are looking for any. The L-2 is still a little draggy compared to a BC-12, but is much faster than a Cub. I know as I flew with an L-4 for several hours to a show and it was really slow, though it could out-climb me. Both had A-65's, too.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: L-2 Project

Don't forget that when you show up with a military painted L-Bird, you get to park with the War Birds! You might be surprised at how interested the P-51 and B-17 pilots are in your little "Cub" (get used to it, unless they are a TRUE fan of Taylorcrafts they will call it a Cub).
Look around for some pictures of "Crispy" here. It was a BC-12 that was struck by lightning and burned that was turned intoa real show stopper when it was rebuilt. There is NOTHING like having a plane that was "resurrected" as opposed to "restored". The L Birds are FANTASTIC!!!! Rebuild it! You will get lots of help here.
Hank

If it ever had spoilers, go out and get a ride in a sailplane. Once you have flown with spoilers you will want them. They add a whole new dimension to the performance and fun.

[Dick Huish]

Re: L-2 Project

The spoilers on an L-2 don't work the same as on a glider. The L-2 spoilers only affect the sink rate and not the attitude or airspeed. Dick

[Ragwing nut]

Re: L-2 Project

I sold the same L-2M twice, with fresh restoration each time for 35+ both times. All correct except for 85 with electrical system. they are faster than a cub or champ, and much cooler to look at

[AL1958]

Re: L-2 Project

Guys, thanks for the input, I'm going to forward this to my customer who is on vacation, this will help greatly. Dick, I'll get the numbers tomorrow.
Is overall silver a correct color for the plane?
Marty, let me know what you have, as I'm going to need almost everything...

Al

[Dick Huish]

Re: L-2 Project

I did one in silver with the red surround on the insignia. I used a gray windshield and top window. The ship was to go to Texas and the owner didn't want to bake in the heat. The ship had open cowling like an L-2B. It never got there but that is another story. Dick

[M Towsley]

Re: L-2 Project

Al,

I will send you a PM reference some parts I have and other outlets, some from folks on this site.

Dick,

You need to share the story of that airplane you just mentioned.

[maximumvmo]

Re: L-2 Project

I have to say I love my L2M. I have the 65, no spoilers and standard olive drab scheme. It isn't a museum piece, but I get compliments and conversation wherever I go. As a matter of fact, it was voted "Best Warbird" at this years Pauls Valley fly in! Ok, so it only beat a Stearman and two flawless L19s.... I did fly there in formation with three yellow Cubs--and it was hard to go so slow!! I can't comment on the price as I acquired mine in a trade, but I have seen similar ones advertised in the $30K range.

[AL1958]

Re: L-2 Project

Hi Guys,

I didn't mean to grab some info and go away. We have a L-2 project in Hollywood, Fl that I'm going to go look at sometime next week. It's N2222, L-5525. Can we find out the military data, at least it's serial number?
Also I need some empty weights and how the plane is out fitted. Customer is looking at U L.
The burn plane was just going to cost too much buy the time we replaced everything, basicly gear legs and tail surfaces.

Al

[Dick Huish]

Re: L-2 Project

Way back when I think I heard that that ship is a clip-wing. Give some time and I can give you the Army Air Corps serial number. Dick

[AL1958]

Re: L-2 Project

Thanks Dick,

The current owner said the wings were not cut, but the previous owner said they were... There could be a reason why I got no pictures of the wings, no worry as I'm building up a new set.

Al

[warbugdriver]

Re: L-2 Project

If I did my math correctly, L-5525 was USAAF 43-26213. You can request the aircraft data card from Maxwell AFB. Most don't show much.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: L-2 Project

I have just acquired a L-2M basket case . It is here in Alliance. under $3000.00