1993 Ceconite?

[DannyDot]

I am considering buying a BC-12D for $18,500. It has only 343 SMOH, but has 1993 Ceconite. I am conserned about needing new fabric in the next few years. Any ideas on how to make sure the fabric is good for a while.

This plane has the wing tanks, which I like a lot (I used to own a BC-12D with the tanks). I go cross country a lot and the range is great.

If I pass on this plane, how often does a BC-12D show up with wing tanks. I would rather pay more and get younger fabric.

If a Taylorcraft needs fresh fabiric, what is the approximate cost for material and labor to get the job done?

Last but not least, is parts availability a problem for the plane or the engine?

Danny Deger

[Ragwing nut]

Re: 1993 Ceconite?

I am considering buying a BC-12D for $18,500. It has only 343 SMOH, but has 1993 Ceconite. I am conserned about needing new fabric in the next few years. Any ideas on how to make sure the fabric is good for a while.

This plane has the wing tanks, which I like a lot (I used to own a BC-12D with the tanks). I go cross country a lot and the range is great.

If I pass on this plane, how often does a BC-12D show up with wing tanks. I would rather pay more and get younger fabric.

If a Taylorcraft needs fresh fabiric, what is the approximate cost for material and labor to get the job done?

Last but not least, is parts availability a problem for the plane or the engine?

Danny Deger

The Ceconite fabric is not the problem with age, it is the finish. The plastizers in the dope leave with age making the finish brittle over time. A good job should show no signs of cracking. Make sure it does not have enamel or urethane over the dope as it will be easy to rejuvenate and will last another 15 years if the tubing is in good condition under neath.

Wing tanks are not uncommon in BC-12D's, but not all have both. The left has usually been added.

Cost to recover will be as much or more than the asking price for the airplane. It is not cheap to do, plus finding someone who will do a good job.

There are a few parts that are getting hard to find, but you can come up with them all with enough patience and research.

Mike

[mulwyk]

Re: 1993 Ceconite?

Danny:

The 1993 Ceconite is probably OK, you should be more concerned with the structure beneath the fabric. It hasn't been looked at for 14 years and there could be rust problems in the tail area, especially if the plane has been sitting outside.

Most T's have one or two wing tanks. (Check to make sure they don't leak!)

Freshly restored T-Craft seem to be selling in the mid- to lower 20's. The price trend is UP the last couple of years. A project plane (that needs recover and repairs) will cost 8 to $10,000.

You can recover the plane yourself for about $3,000 and LOTS of your own labor. If you hire someone to do it you'll pay at least $10,000.

Used parts are available at reasonable cost, but new parts are difficult to find and quite expensive.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: 1993 Ceconite?

Danny:

The 1993 Ceconite is probably OK, you should be more concerned with the structure beneath the fabric. It hasn't been looked at for 14 years and there could be rust problems in the tail area, especially if the plane has been sitting outside.

Most T's have one or two wing tanks. (Check to make sure they don't leak!)

Freshly restored T-Craft seem to be selling in the mid- to lower 20's. The price trend is UP the last couple of years. A project plane (that needs recover and repairs) will cost 8 to $10,000.

You can recover the plane yourself for about $3,000 and LOTS of your own labor. If you hire someone to do it you'll pay at least $10,000.

Used parts are available at reasonable cost, but new parts are difficult to find and quite expensive.

have you quoted material costs lately? The last one i quoted which was a Cub less than 6 months ago I thought i could buy the material for $3500. When I added it up it was closer to $5K. It is a minimum 300 hour job at $40 per hour that is $12K plus materials and no other problems. The mechanic would have to do the job for $10 per hour to cover any small aircraft today for $10K.

Mike

[crispy critter]

Re: 1993 Ceconite?

I usually quote a price of $10,000 plus expenses(depending on the type of work they want done).....I guess that's why I'm doing a lot of piddle work lately,lol. Bare-bones minimum materials are going to run you $5500 and up,plan on extras when you get in there.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: 1993 Ceconite?

Amen to all of the above,
IN THE BEGINNING , the fabric went bad about in time for a recover job and then you got to inspect the frame & wood , etc.... NOW the fabric will go about twice the life of the insides. Its like inspecting a watermelon. My ship is 1979 & 1982 covering and needs recovered real bad. Maybe next year! Have your mechanic , one that knows older ships, look her over real good.

[alwaysoar]

Re: 1993 Ceconite?

Danny, Check your private messages for a note from me.

Ed scott
TF 527