National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

Hi,
I plan to buy a Champ this year to restore. I’m not a pilot yet, but my Dad is going to teach me once I have a plane to fly. I am really enjoying all of the info this forum has.

Thanks

welcome. this site has been very helpful and friendly. im working on a 46 chief right now and if it wasnt for the people here i would not be where i am right now. now read every post front to back and enjoy.

jsf74 wrote:welcome. this site has been very helpful and friendly. im working on a 46 chief right now and if it wasnt for the people here i would not be where i am right now. now read every post front to back and enjoy.

Hi Jason,
I just finished reading your restoration thread. I really enjoyed it, it is very inspiring. Your doing a great job, I'm looking forward to seeing it finished.

Thanks

Chris,

Welcome on board. You might keep an eye on Barnstormers as well as the "for sale" here on this site. Ebay tends to have its share of "hit or miss" airplanes and unless you view it personally or know the seller would be really careful.

Joe A

There is one on barnstormers today asking 14,000 seems like a pretty good deal to me.

jsf74 wrote:welcome. this site has been very helpful and friendly. im working on a 46 chief right now and if it wasnt for the people here i would not be where i am right now. now read every post front to back and enjoy.

I know the Champ and last owner for 30 plus years, mechcanically in good shape needs some care, fabric has been done in stages over 20 years, wing at one time other some other, tail surfaces within 5-7 years ago.

New owner bought it for the estate for about $12,000 this year, did alittle painting of the metal and a good cleaning.

Great flier, not a bad price and just a couple states east, north of Columbus, ohio. Get your ticket in it and then look at restoration in 3-5 years or step down to a Chief

Mike K

Thanks for the lead. I'd be interested, but it probably isn't going to be available when I will be able to buy. I'm moving to Southern CA in April, so I won't be able to buy anything till May or June. I would also be interested in a Chief. I will be looking for a flying one or a project with or without engine. Could anyone please give me an idea of what your projects have ended up costing so I have an idea of the resources required? Is it possible to get one done with $12,000 - $20,000 in a year or less? Thanks

Mikek wrote:

jsf74 wrote: Great flier, not a bad price and just a couple states east, north of Columbus, ohio. Get your ticket in it and then look at restoration in 3-5 years or step down to a Chief

Mike K

Excuse me? Learn on the Champ (chump!) then STEP UP to a Chief!

Joe A

Joe,
Don't you mean, "Step DOWN to a Chief"? Once one becomes used to all the comfort and ROOM in a Champ, wouldn't going to a Chief be a step down?

Mike

I'm 6'4" and I have lot more leg room in my chief than a champ. The champ I took my tailwheel inst. in my knees would hit the panel. Agree with Joe, Step up! Lol

Champ1 wrote:Hi,
I plan to buy a Champ this year to restore. Thanks

Chris, sent PM but also posted, the group has alot of info and will help you in planning to get this done {Own a Aeronca and get into the air you are going to miss out on some great times if you wait to long.

Chris,

Just looked on Barnstormers and the one in Ohio blue & white is not listed anymore, it was in annual in 2010 and re annualed by new owner, would have been a great starter for you.

Might want to asked the group about having $12,000 in a restored Aeronca it can be $$$.

The project, even a Chief, with paperwork $4,000 - $10,000
Covering/paint $4000 to $6000 material only
interior $600-$1000
repair and primer of frame and other tubing - $500 - $3000
cleanup/replacement of wood parts not spars - $300 - $3,000
Spars if replacing all $4000-$5,000 old can be used if ok by inspection.
instruments cleanup $100 - $300 each
and ??????

Engine / prop $1000 - $15000

The one on Barnstormers is not that much of a deal but would have to see the airplane & logs, One that has not been flying for that many years would need to be restored.

Have you though of going in partnership with one or two others and get one that is in good shape and start flying??

Mike K

I believe it's still on Barnstormers.... $22k in Milford Center, Ohio.