It isn't the re-use of used parts that crash Ercoupes. If a used part is *inspected*, *repaired properly* and *maintained properly*, there's no reason why it should crash a Coupe. Some of us rather enjoy _restoring_ Ercoupes and keeping them as original as possible just purely for the love of the classic design, function and history of the Ercoupe. Sure, _if_ you can't locate a serviceable, used, safe original replacement part, buy new parts. Upgrades to dual fork, Clevelands, 15 gallon tanks, removal of the center tank, Kinney nose bowls and on and on......these are nice-to-do's but not have-to's. I too have seen many neglected old Ercoupes around airports. Mine was such a case when I bought it. It isn't now. I had to buy a lot of new parts during the restoration rather than install used parts. Most important to me is...disassemble...inspect....repair or replace....assemble....reinspect.....and.... maintain. Expensive upgrades are optional. Jim -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Thursday, November 11, 1999 6:23 PM Subject: Re: New stuff
>As I started this thread by asking for help in finding a used tank and then >watching all of the mud slinging going back and forth, I feel obliged to >throw in my 2 cents worth. >Apart from the fact that Univair does not make new 9 gal tanks anymore, I >could not afford a pair of 15 gal units so my only option was to look for a >used alternative. These I found and am happy with the what I am getting and >the cost. >Regarding the issue of pouring money down the Ercoupe hole, from the >condition of most of the coupes I saw at the national convention and others I >have seen in my flight radius (with the exception of a precious few that >looked new) I would have to think most of the owners are in the same >financial situation as I. >Speaking for myself, I am a Sr. Manager with a large corporation and make a >living wage without a lot of surplus. I love to fly and have beed doing so >with rentals since 1965. I chose the coupe because I have flown them since >1967 and their cost to purchase fit my "disposable" income. I don't have >buckets of cash to throw at it but I will do what is necessary to keep it >safe and legal. I would love to install Clevelands but after the labor >charges for this annual, there will be none left. I would love to be able to >do more of my own maintenance and get it signed off like many of you do, but >as I'm in a community hangar, the FBO won't allow owner maint beyond the FAA >stipulations. So, I enjoy the flying, pay the price and try to scrimp where I >can with the knowledge that I will probably get about what I paid for her >when I sell it. Nothing more or less. I replaced about $1,000 of new and $300 >in used items on the coupe this time around so I'm doing my part in >supporting Univair and Skysport (all told about $3000 in new parts this year) >. I believe that some of us would have bought a more fancy / newer plane if >we had the money; but in our price range the Coupe is a fantastic way to >enjoy airplane ownership and fly-at-will status. I can't wait to get her back >in the air again but the Goodyears will have to stop me for a while longer:-) >Rob 3040H
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