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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