SuperCub Buyers Guide

What should I look for when shopping for a SuperCub?

This question has come up time and time again. Once Steve ?pours the mold? for the association, we need to address this question with a ?pat? answer. Think of the boys sitting down and trying to write the constitution, how many arguments did they get into before they (as a group) decided on what they wanted to say. As a group, I challenge my fellow members to come up with a single ?public section? answer.

I had the same question when I caught SuperCub-i-tis, but found that I was still pretty much on my own. The reason (I think) is because you never know what the intended use, skill level, financial position, or just plain moxie of the asker is.

If it?s acceptable to the members, I will step up to the plate and try to organize a collective answer by searching the site and taking PM?s on the subject. I will also need to PM some of the gurus for their opinions as the response progresses. SJ will be the final judge as to what gets posted.

Collectively, we should be able to address the basic question??I just gotta buy a SuperCub, what should I look for??

My thought here, is to attempt to put together some sort of ?electronic brochure?. The information is all here on the web site, but it?s scattered throughout thousands of posts. This wont be a journal that documents all of the Piper models and their histories, but rather, this will be a brief overview that will give the would-be-buyer just enough info to tell the difference between the SuperCub models, cover some of the more popular modifications, the common gotchas and some good ol? fashion ?horse sense? about tube and fabric airplanes.

This is going to be a tough one to put together and to do so in the least amount of text is going to be the real challenge.

What say you?

My opinion remains the same. What to look for? A good mechanic that knows what he's looking at. No guide you can produce will ever change that.
SB

SB
Couldn?t agree with you more! Strong emphasis must be placed on the importance of seeking out a ?SuperCub Specialist? for the pre-buy inspection.

Can I count you in for some help with putting this thing together?

Have you ever known me to be at a loss for words???? Sure, I'll help.
SB

:lol: Cavy,

I think a basic guide would be a great idea and an asset to this site and everyone that would have a need for one. Stewart is on the money about the mechanic also, but as a Pilot, Mechanic (not a cub expert) and Plane owner. I think it would be of great use for me when I make a Supercub Purchase in the future. Also for the new plane buyer even with a great mechanic it will help them ask the right questions throught the process and be a better educated buyer.

David.

I second StewartB.

...the process of buying a SuperCub, or any other a/c cannot be undertaken properly without the eyes of a good mechanic who knows what he is looking at.

We can collect all the important information, but it will never make a prospective owner or even a non-Cub mechanic into a good Cub mechanic.

Still, I see the great value of informing buyers, pilots, and mechanics of Cub models, available and desireable modifications, and problem areas not universal to other a/c types.

A "booklet" such as this might actually become a best-seller, as the value of Cubs is at an all-time high, and many new Cub converts are being made.

Anyone interested in this topic should look for a topic thread entitled "uncommonly known Cub faults" or something like that.

DMC

I guess most of us can aggree on at least one item for the of the New buyers guide. BEFORE you buy the airplane you think is the one, have a supercub guru Prepurchase inspection performed. There, were on our way. What the next item? Lets get cranken. Cavy email me how you want to assemble the info. I'm thinking if we were to use the woes and intrique 18 annual inspection form as a template and them expand on that. left wing,right wing. dings, etc,etc keeping it simple of coarse!

jajones@ij.net

Anyone wishing to email me on the subject may do so at webecavy@aol.com Please put buyers guide in the subject line so that I don?t delete it thinking it?s spam.

This ?Booklet? (thanks DMC for that term) can be anything that the members want it to be. I?m a bit tied up this weekend, but I?ll try to get some sort of outline started. I think that would be a good place to start.

Go ahead and email me with any suggestions you have as to what topics you think should be covered i.e?. what are you going to do with it, models, strong/weak points of each, modifications, SBs/SLs/Ads (not all, just the biggies?? Or should we include all that we can find??), where to find a Cub, special maintenance, pre-buy,?. What else????

Thanks

I'm new to this group and have wanted a SC for at least 30 years. I would like to see a list of all the mechanics who are VERY familiar with the Super Cub listed by the state in which they are in. I am currently stationed in Georgia and there are few SC here. I'm sure they are around but it would sure help to have a list.
Thanks,
Keith

Even BEFORE you get a mechanic, there are some things you can do:

One of the first things to know, is what the different models are and why some are more desireable than others. Be aware of the 1500lb gross weight (like mine) on the original smaller engined cubs, and that not all mods can be done to all cubs.

I search the NTSB reports also before I look at a plane, then I see if the dings in the NTSB list are even IN the log books (some on my plane are not).

Of course, run the AD list. Check for that old Sensenich prop with the 25 hour inspection AD, the muffler AD, etc.

Don't forget a title search - even if you are buying it from your best buddy Bob. After what we just went through refinancing our house to clear up a title mistake from last time, whee-ew! I've had the same problem on an airplane - of course with an OLD plane the bank has either folded or been sold, so the records can be tough to find.

Watch for mods that don't have any paperwork, it could make it real hard to sell some day.

Just a few thoughts...

sj

I think a list of price ranges for various repairs would be helpful when looking at not so perfect cubs. A lot of people don't even want to look at a plane with a high time engine but an engine is something a given amount of money can fix, pretty straight forward. Having an idea what things cost to fix or replace is key to putting a value on any plane.