Availability of T-Crafts

[Frank DeBartolo]

Tribe,

I just logged into the Trade-A-Plane website and found just three Taylorcrafts. Is the supply getting scarce or is it just time of year?

FD
N43684

[dewhitaker]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

Check out barnstormers.com The last time I looked, there were quite a few. They seem to run in spurts, you just have to keep looking. It took me at least 4 months of looking before I could locate one that met my needs. Sometimes the distance involved in bringing one home factors in to the decision. I actually enjoyed my hunt, it was kind of fun! It takes a lot of patience, but be persistant. The rewards are great!

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

There are plenty of Taylorcrafts out there for sale. Unfortunently most of them need gone through (restored) But alas this is a personal interjection here. I just hate seeing so many hashed up examples around. It is too good an airplane and frankly available so cheap that many buyers are on the fringe of a Taylorcraft or Ultralight (frankly the TAYLORCRAFT IS CHEAPER!!!)

If the factory does get on a roll it should do three things. 1) It will get an availability of parts out that many of these planes need and have needed for some time. 2) With the new ones selling at mor than four times the current going rate of a used one,the price of the used ones will go up at a much higher rate than we have experienced in the last ten years or so. 3) The people that can afford to pay the freight of the higher price will be able to absorb the restoration cost which is then justified as the higher market value will warrent such

This is another way of saying if you are a current owner of one flying or a good project...enjoy it while it lasts. Times they are a changin.

[taylorcraftbc65]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

I agree guys. I have both a 1940 Taylorcraft, and an ultralight, and while the ultralight IS a lot of fun to fly, I can't take anyone with me, and it won't touch the 95 IAS that Manu Sina cruises at, nor does it have the "legs".
I know, I've been gone a long time. I have been spending almost every waking hour building my place before winter set in, and I only checked my mail about twice a month.
Now that the house is done, I'll be ablle to sit back and turn my attention to interacting on this site once again.
By the way, "Ambassador" Lee. Four months ago, I picked up an HM293 Flying Flea in Tennessee, and will fly it to Sun-n-Fun in 2006. I only mention this because Fleas are so popular in Europe.
I won't be such a stranger from now on. Brie

[Robert Lees]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

...because Fleas are so popular in Europe

Um, not quite...they were popular with the French in the 20's & 30's, but are not very common here now. I think there are more of the type (or designs based on the principle) in the US now. "HM" was Henri Mignet, the designer, if I recall correctly.

Rob

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

So how does the little flea fly. I have always been told its not much of a plane and typical of the French to come up with such. (could be I "have been told wrong and not meaning to throw flames on the little flea")

[mulwyk]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

Can you post a photo of the Flea? I'd be interested to see it!

Bob Gustafson

[mhorowit]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

There are plenty of Taylorcrafts out there for sale. Unfortunently most of them need gone through (restored)

This man speakest the truth. Unfortunately, it's up to the buyer to demonstrate what it will cost to repair. Unfortunately, the seller is usually thinking A&P rates are the same as when he bought the Tcraft.

I've talked to two old-timers who were agast to hear a recovering was 5 figures, and that was before any problems were discovered.

With the repair rates high, it's conceivable one could pump so much into repairs that you'd never get your money back. It's what the market will bear, and although WE realize we have a gem, the Tcraft just doesn't have the PR that other a/c have, so the market price probably will remain close to where it is now.

I think the fleet is at the mercy of those who can do their own work, or can share the workload with an A&P.

Or, it may be that West Liberty, KY may become the restoration place of choice

- Mike

[crispy critter]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

Thanks Mike,I'll take that as a compliment.I've fair,young,I'm good,I'm cheap(just don't tell my wife I'm cheap ),and at the moment I'm covered up.I also have approval,in hand,for an O200 on a short mount.

[mhorowit]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

Thanks Mike,I'll take that as a compliment.I've fair,young,I'm good,I'm cheap(just don't tell my wife I'm cheap ),and at the moment I'm covered up.I also have approval,in hand,for an O200 on a short mount.

Unless the new owner can put in enough 'sweat equity', or locate someone who can afford to work at a rate considerably less than what I'm seeing in the DC area, then unless the market value of Tcrafts rises considerably, then I fear for the fleet.

The up side is there are forums like this that can walk one thru a restoration, and even better, the local EAA chapter that's just drooling to pick up a wrench and help, and a buddy with micrometer's of all sizes, and a retiree who's just waiting for me to purchase a Tcraft so he can ... hmmm, maybe the situation isn't so bleak

[mhorowit]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

Thanks Mike,I'll take that as a compliment.I've fair,young,I'm good,I'm cheap(just don't tell my wife I'm cheap ),and at the moment I'm covered up.I also have approval,in hand,for an O200 on a short mount.

Well Kevin, have you considered putting together a business plan for starting a restoration business? Or at least thought over aspects like what it would cost you to re-do a wing (here about $4000) and if you could turn it around in a reasonable time. I'll bet there are retired A&Ps in your area that wouldn't mind supplimenting their income. - Mike

[alwaysoar]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

"t's conceivable one could pump so much into repairs that you'd never get your money back," quoth Mike. Not conceivable, not probable, definite!

Ed@BTV VT
TF 527

[Frank DeBartolo]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

Buy High, Sell Low, I always say. Hey what the heck--you only live once.

FD
N43684

[crispy critter]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

Mike,
I would re-do a pair(both)of t-craft wings with new spars,AN hardware,fabric,paint,etc.etc for about $4000+/- but that is LABOR ONLY,all parts,wood,etc would be added to that.I would restore an entire t-craft for $10,000-12,000 but again LABOR ONLY and that does include tail to spinner,wing tip to wing tip,engine,airframe,and interior......they would have to pay for all parts and materials on top of that.

Well Kevin, have you considered putting together a business plan for starting a restoration business? Or at least thought over aspects like what it would cost you to re-do a wing (here about $4000) and if you could turn it around in a reasonable time. I'll bet there are retired A&Ps in your area that wouldn't mind supplimenting their income. - Mike

[mhorowit]

Re: Availability of T-Crafts

Mike,
I would restore an entire t-craft for $10,000-12,000 but again LABOR ONLY and that does include tail to spinner,wing tip to wing tip,engine,airframe,and interior......they would have to pay for all parts and materials on top of that.

That includes an O/H of engine and mags as well as fabric and using modern primer? - Mike