Taylorcraft Project

[kmurban]

Dear List,
I am looking at a Tcraft project in So Cal that needs a bit of work.It is a 1946 BC12 that needs a complete rebuild. It does not come with an engine or instruments and the wings have been cliped. If a person wanted to restore the wings to original, would they need to be replaced all together? Would the factory sell a new pair (Like the citabria factory does). Also, what engines are certified on this plane?I live in the Salt lake area and I would need more than 65HP.Any help would be appreciated,
Kirk
[email protected]

[flyguy]

Re: Taylorcraft Project

For what it is worth, I would find one that is flyable, but ugly. (ugly airplanes sell for less.) Spend a lot of time cheking it out. Be patient, look at a lot of Taylorcrafts, good and bad, until you know the difference.
All old airplane parts (like ribs) are hard to find and usually gastly expensive.
If you want to do a project, try to find one that is complete otherwise you're in for a nightmare. Be patient and look around a lot, 'cause when your stuck with it, you're really STUCK WITH IT.
It is possible to find a reasonably priced Taylorcraft, owned by a resonably nice guy who has taken care of it, even if it is not a beauty.
Darryl

[paulp]

Re: Taylorcraft Project

Howdy Kirk,

I recently completed a restoration and a conversion on a 45 BC12-D. I had all of the parts and much of the work had already been done. My advice-FIND A COMPLETE, ALREADY FLYING AIRCRAFT!!!!!! A restoration is a major, major project and if you need parts-good luck! There are some nice airplanes out there at decent prices and if you take your time, you'll find just what you want.

Good luck

[joelharris]

Re: Taylorcraft Project

Why don't you come look at by 40 BL?
I have a BC12 parts plane I need to keep but would consider selling the continental mount if you wanted to convert the BL to a BC.
There are some pictures of it in the for sale section of this forum

Joel
[email protected]
408-268-8567

[mhorowit]

Re: Taylorcraft Project

The best answer I ever got from the group (and I've asked 100 questions) was "get one that flys and after a while, if you still have spare time, go find a 'project'". I am soooo glad I followed that advice. - Mike

[VictorBravo]

Re: Taylorcraft Project

Do yourself a favor. Add up the cost of all the parts it would take to rebuild the wings as original span. This probably means new spars and a handful of ribs. Then add up all the "usual" parts that you would need. Then add in the cost of the sandblasting, the fabric, the engine, the fuel system (if it isn't all there), and especially the sheet metal parts and cowling. Then add the cost of buying the project. When you add it all together, then add another 20% for stuff you can't guess right now. Compare this to the cost of buying a restored airplane, or a flyable but ugly airplane. Oh, by the way, don't forget to factor in about $10 an hour for your labor, and $40 an hour for any professional labor you can't do yourself. I strongly believe that restoring a Taylorcraft (or any other) is something you do in your spare time when you are not flying your airworthy Taylorcraft. It is very very possible to spend $35,000 to restore a Taylorcraft, Cub, Champ, etc. which is significantly more than the market value. You see it all the time in Trade-a-Plane: "Beautiful J-3 Cub...$75,000 invested, steal it for only 60K!!!" You'd be better off "investing" in Florida swampland IMHO.

[flyguy]

Re: Taylorcraft Project

You really nailed it down Bill. You speak straight stuff. The only way you ever get your money and time back from a project like that is to fly it out yourself. Figure you would have to fly it about 20 years minimum.
Darryl

[Yellow Duck]

Re: Taylorcraft Project

Guys you are so right......Get one flying and make improvements as needed or you can afford them....If you still want a project, then do as everones says, get one and work while you have something to fly.

Another bit of wisdom learned after many aiplanes:::::: The cost is less buying one you do not need to do much work on. Buying a fixer-uper will end up costing more than buying one in good condition.

ie: Kevin Mays has one he has just completed , asking about 22K. He may bargin a bit. Or any of the others for sale on this site, in good condition.

Also, go look, fly, bring someone that knows these airplanes (A&P) if possible, get a good pre buy, check on liens and clear tittle... Check with the Tribe here first. I think most of these people will make as good a deal as you can get and will be honest with you. At least I hope so.

Another thing come to the July 8,9,& 10th fly-in in Alliance and look and speak with all of us. You will learn much and give you a good idea where to go.

[crispy critter]

Re: Taylorcraft Project

No dought that basket case projects are far more expensive than a flying airplane.However,has anyone thought to ask this guy if he already has something to fly.If you love to tinker,I find a good challenging project to be great theropy for the mind,body,and soul.If you are buying this project because you think "hey,I can buy a few parts,rub on a little elbow grease,get it signed off,and have a cheap airplane that I can call my own",well then you definatly need to look for something that flies and is in good condition.But,if you already have something to fly and you are just looking for something to do in your spare time for a hobby or maybe you would just like the satisfaction of doing it yourself or perhaps just bragging rights to be able to say look what I did,then I a project can be worth it's wieght in gold.Just remember,projects take a lot of patiants,dedication,hardwork,and yes...MONEY,but if you have the time and desire it is worth it in the long run.As for the money,only you can determine what it is worth to you.
Now with all that being said.If you want to build an airplane then do your best and we are all here for you if you need help,advice,and sometimes parts.If you would rather buy something to fly,we can all help and advise you on that too.
Good Luck and let us all know what you decide to do.

[jrzangger]

Re: Taylorcraft Project

Doesn't a clipped wing use all the ribs? Just more closely spaced? New spars and drag and anti-drag wires would probably be needed though.

I agree with everyone on the list. Buy a complete airplane, even if you intend it to be a project. When I rebuilt mine I was able to do it for less money than the plane would bring on the market with the exception of my labor. There is no money to be made in restoring these planes. It's a labor of love!