T-Craft HELP

[joeW]

Hi all,
I'm new to this group, and i'm on the edge of buying a BC-12. I know very little about the aircraft, and it would be my first one. My thoughts are that you folks are the experts, so I'm looking for a little guidance.

What are some things I need to know before I buy? I have TTAF, TTSMO, and last annual results (it passed).

If the aircraft needs refurb, which I'll do myself, would I get the money invested, back out of it come sale time? (providing I do a good job)

What about mods? Larger engine, starter, sticks, etc. What are your thoughts?

The purpose for this aircraft, is to have fun with my children, built tail wheel time and experience owning an aircraft, so I can build one in the future.

Any help or advice (good or bad) is appreciated.

Thanks, Joew
Buffalo

[taylorcraft078]

Joe,

A few things to know are spar cracks, rotted tubes, and totally bad paperwork (can you say Dart). I am probably 60 miles from you in Retsof, NY with the plane based at Perry-Warsaw. The IA there is known to be a PITA, picky, expensive, and very good at rag and tube planes. He is also not all that expensive if you are willing to shut up and work on your plane.

Are you looking at one of the locals? What number and what color is it painted?

Dave
N36078 '41 BC-12-65

[Acroeric]

Joe- Restoring aircraft is very expensive. You can count on spending 12k- 20k above the cost of your airplane if you totally go through one and do the work yourself. It is always cheaper to buy one already nicely restored if you can find someone willing to sell their beloved toy. In addition there are several out there that are very presentable and do not need restoration for quite some time that can be bought for 15k-20k.

[Jim Hartley]

Hi Joe!
I bought mine a couple of years ago and everything is in above average condition and it looks nice as well. It has a 85 with floats,wheels,skis,C-150 exhaust,extended baggage,skylight,cleveland toe brakes,seaplane doors,no electric. 24 gallons fuel,hand props easily and uses very little oil. The engine had 400 SMOH and the overhaul was done a few years earlier. The plane had been on its back about 10 years earlier and the spar on one side had been replaced but both sides had been checked. That fact made me feel better as you can't see everything trough inspection covers. The fellow that I bought it from was an A&P and worked under the supervision of two IA,s in the same shop,whom I have known since I was in grade school and I trust. I paid for the annual and every thing was straight forward with no surprises. If there had been any problems he would have paid for them as per our written agreement. I paid 24K.