Need advice on PA-12 purchase

[Free]

Quite honestly I'm sick of looking. I've spent the last four months searching for a 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 14, or 18 (opposite order of desirability) in the 35k range (not much I know but its cash and I don't want to borrow). I've completed pre-purchase inspections on 3 planes, most recently a PA12.
The specs on this 12 are good... 150hp, 2100TT, 550SMOH, 35 STOH, strong compressions, recovered in 97, extended baggage, counter balanced elevators, skylights, cleveland W&B, NDH, no oil leaks, all AD's done including oil pump AD, interior is mediocre (5/10), exterior is similar. Price... 37.5k. The problem... the fabric though relatively new was installed using substandard workmanship. I've had an experienced Cub mechanic do a prepurchase and he rated the job 5 of 10. It's safe, airworthy, and looks great from 50 feet but somewhat shoddy.
The reality is that i could not afford this plane if the cover had been installed with excellent workmanship. I care more about flying than how the plane looks but am concerned with resale value (though I've no plans on selling). I'd love to show pictures but I've yet to figure that out.
Anyway I'm interested in anyone's thoughts. Is this a deal I shouldn't pass on? Could I get something more/better for my money? I am sick of looking and not flying but want to guard against rushing into something.
Thanks[/img]

 

[behindpropellers]

Where are you looking? Seems like the people that are in a hurry to spend their money are most apt to get burned. What is your end use?

Tim

 

[StewartB]

If the cover looks shoddy, I'd be worried about what's underneath it. That fuselage is at least 57 years old. If the cover workmanship is bad, what makes you think the pre-cover workmanship isn't? Is there a fuselage repair history?

All airplanes require money to keep them in the air. Cheap airplanes tend to require more. In the end, the price differential shrinks. That's "Airplane Owner's Math 101".

SB

 

[sj]

Free,

I sugguest doing a registration search for PA-12 owners in your area and talking to them. No doubt there is a creampuff sitting in a hangar that they guy no longer wants but is too lazy to advertise. Instead of responding to ads, do your own research and track down the plane you want.

MMR on this website has a beautiful PA-12-150 (I have flown it) that he bought for a great price. You might check with him and see if he has any sugguestions, or check with is wife and see if she wants to sell it to you.

He is up in your neck of the woods.

sj

 

[Free]

Tim - I'm not so much in a hurry as I am sick of looking. I enjoy flying planes and not looking for them. I'm searching in all the typical places... TAP, Barnstormers, SC.org, Seaplane Pilots Assoc, and many others. Not anxious to part with my $ just to get in the air. Haven't flown in a few months and I need my fix.

SB - Yeah I had that same thought. This plane has had no known or documented damage history but that doesn't mean much. In fact this was the very reason I wanted an experienced Cub mechanic to do a prepurchase. He found little but some issues hide themselves well.
This won't be my first airplane. I've also owned a Citabria, Cessna 180, and a Cessna 182 so I'm at least familiar with aviation math.

Steve - Good advice. I'll make some cold calls to owners in WI and see what develops.

 

[behindpropellers]

Free-

Couple of thoughts....
I look through barnstormers and ebay daily. I am usually looking for parts for the J-5, not airplanes but usually look at the stuff I see for sale. I have seen 2 90hp J-5s sell for 22, and 26k in the last 6 mos, late 90's cover. Also a cherry looking PA-12 for 40k. There were a lot more very similar deals that looked very reasonable. Wether they were true to their advertisment is beyond me.

My point being is that you need to look every day. The deals that are out there are gone in 2-3 days. I would also research every topic on the PA-12 on sc.org. Knowledge is power.

take it as a grain of salt from a broke college student.......

Tim

 

[Taledrger]

Free,
Just curious if the 12 you taking about is in Valpo, IN. Sounds like one I looked at last fall

Bob D.

 

[Free]

Tim - Forgot to mention eBay but I do hit those sites at least twice a week. And if a deal comes along I'm ready to move.

Bob D - The 12 I'm interested in is located in Lebanon MO.

If anyone knows of a good 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 14, or 18 in the 35k range please provide me the contact information. I'd actually prefer a 12, 18, or 11 (in that order) but would consider others.

Thanks

 

[CRANMAN]

Free,
You might check with the operator @ MFI. He has two -12's. Might part with one.

 

[Sam Beckett]

As a previous 12 driver...

Be Patient Grasshoper nice 12's come up often...
Check this out as a source there are few there today that showed up...
Sam

http://www.globalplanesearch.com

 

[Free]

How would this 12 look at 33k?