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A wise Mooney mechanic once said to me: "You can take the airplane out of Florida, but you can't take Florida out of the airplane!" It's a gamble. There are plenty of non-Florida airplanes for sale.

I only know of Jerry from what I've seen on the internet and what I've seen doesn't seem to favorable. I have no problem what so ever with people building up salvage planes from parts and pieces. After all, what is a new airplane but a collection of parts and pieces? The difference is who put the pieces together and that is where I see the difference between Paul and Jerry. Paul does it as a hobby and out of love for Mooneys. He also hates to see things go to waste. His build ups are done by the same mechanics that do all the repairs in their FAA certified service station with IA sign off by Mike. They are also a Mooney Service Center and authorized by MAC to do all repairs on Mooneys. They also have PMA status with the FAA to manufacture new parts for certified airplanes. All work done to these project planes is fully logged and available to the buyer. They would have no problem with a prospective buyer taking the plane elsewhere, say to Top Gun for a pre-buy inspection if you want. Paul loses money on each one. Jerry seems to be in it to make a buck. His sales tactics seem a little dodgy. His record with the FAA is nearly criminal. I cannot speak to the level of workmanship or Jerry's level of expertize in Mooneys. I just know that I did get into one of Paul's salvage planes with no worries and given what I've read, I would not get into one of Jerry's without first a thorough annual inspection by somebody like Paul, or Don Maxwell. That's the difference to me.

A good start would be to read the NTSB report on the plane that he put his son in that killed him shortly after takeoff.

I still don't get the Jerry bashing , Who really thinks they are going to get an airplane for a half to two thirds the market value , and it be just as good as market.... Most of these people only bitch when it comes time to sell....

Yes.. Why take the risk of ruining your new engine? I would treat this aggressively.. Have the valve guides reamed and avoid an engine failure.... You are lucky to have noticed this symptom... Don't ignore it...

so far running good after about 15 hr... Here it is on a low flyby so mechanic could make sure everything was clean in flight (gear, step etc)

I've been taking my Mooneys to LASAR for over thirty years. Paul and his staff have always come through for me, no matter what the problem. There is nothing cheap about that operation. You pay top dollar, and get top workmanship and workable parts. Above all, Paul knows Mooneys, and his whole staff is not far behind - better watch out Paul, Mike and Dan are catching up with you. They have been building Mooneys out of parts for years, and there are always a few wings and fuselages back of one of the hangars waiting for the quiet times to rebuild them. I would have no hesitation in buying one of their "constructions". Nothing would be hidden in the transaction, and the aircraft would be like a newly manufactured aircraft. Over the years I have seen several of these, and with good paint and avionics, they are great airplanes. The difference between Paul and the shops that sell junk airplanes to unwary buyers comes from LASAR's honesty and the quality of the work. Without Paul and his STCs and PMA.parts we would have a harder time keeping our old Mooneys flying. There are other good MSCs, but it is hard to beat Paul's Depth of knowledge.

it's not an exact match if the fuel gauges actually work.

Pleae post the drawing. Thanks