Chief Project for Sale

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 09:13

Think I've posted this before, but I have an acquaintance that has a 1946 (??) Chief "project" he wants to sell. He bought it disassembled, hauled it home and, basically just stored it in his heated shop. He restores old Indian motorcyles, cars, etc. and thought he would like to restore an airplane, but, I think he found out it was (either) too expensive or too time consuming (no kidding

).

Anyway, I looked at it several years ago and I can tell you the following:
(1) It's pretty much of a 'rat' and will need a complete rebuild & recover, but it does look like everything is there (2) It does have complete logs and 337's if I remember correctly (3) He sent the engine (A65) out and had the case, crank, cam, rods, etc. redone (Rick Romans ???) I think he said the cylinders needed to be replaced, though. I'm thinking the engine tag is missing, but not sure. It's been quite a while. I'm guessing at the price, but seems he wanted around $10,000 a few years ago. He just bought a LaSalle to rebuild, so I think he's in the 'selling mood' again.

I'm just posting this for anyone who might be interested. The owner's name is Mike Edar and his phone number is (715) 879-5061. Email address is: mlee@wwt.net The plane is located in his shop near Elk Mound, Wisconsin or about 10 miles west of Eau Claire.

Brian · Post by **Brian** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 09:45

Here's another 11AC project that needs a new home. My intention has always been to rebuild this plane and take my wife on a cross country trip for our 25th wedding anniversary because N9288E was the reason we met. Her Dad is the IA and she sewed up the stabilizer envelopes when they needed recovered. We have since bought a Sedan and she prefers the room and the speed for a long trip. The fuselage has been sandblasted and painted. One wing is ready for cover and the other has the old cover on it, but you should really take it apart and put in new spars. Everything is there except engine and propeller but anyone rebuilding one of these planes should really budget in new struts. The Chief advertised above is described as a "rat", but this one is not. It will be a sad day when I see that good old bird on a trailer driving out my driveway. That day will come if someone is willing to part with $7,000. We are located on a great grass strip in the farmlands southwest of Cleveland, Ohio. Stop by and look at it or I could email some pictures. 330-483-3278

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 22:19

Well, maybe "rat" is too strong of a word; but it's like most airplanes that have been sitting around for years waiting for restoration and needs a lot of tender love and care. I've seen worse brought back to life.