MarkW

I hope you can get it fixed, because I too like to tinker and learn. Only if you're interested in doing otherwise, I just this past month pulled a Garwin into like that out of my 1962 C as part of a panel upgrade. Everything working when it came out. Send me a DM if you're interested...?

Thank you, that helps a lot. There are scads of them in all shapes and sizes commonly available. Just knowing that name helps tremendously.

Any thoughts on where I can source the weird little brass (I think it's brass...?) nut that goes through the center metal plate and on out to the outer metal plate down the middle of the windshield? There are 12 of them. Mooney says they're part number 914071-3. Or, is there an alternative that's permissible? I'm not a purist I just have one that's totally jammed, and I don't want to drill it out without a replacement in hand. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice!

I think my 1962 C model is sorta half vintage? The paint isn't original, and was applied about 30 years ago in a scheme that was current then. To each his own and I will refuse to argue with anyone who might disagree, but I kinda like it. It's time for me to think about getting it repainted, and I might just have them redo what's on it. Good luck with yours, and thanks, all, for the discussion and the pretty pictures!

FWIW related to the original post, I just went through this decision process. I chose an EI CGR-30 combo to go into my 1962 C-model. Here's why: The setup: My current engine instruments are factory original, all on the right side. Square gauge bundle, 3" RPM, 3" combo MP/fuel pressure, ammeter, factory carb temp with the handy "INOP" sticker on it. Etc. I have some 3" holes blanked out on the pilot's side of my panel where the original 6-pack was, since stuff came out when I had a pair of GI-275s installed last year for my primary avionics. What to do for an engine monitor? Because I chose Garmin for the avionics upgrade, a 3rd GI-275 seemed like a no-brainer. Got the hole ready for it where a VOR head used to be and everything. I asked a local Garmin shop three times for a quote. No joy. Too busy. Not sure when they could get all the stuff from Garmin (they said). Maybe just too small a job...? I was whining about the above to a local EI dealer. He talked me through the options, and pointed out that the EI units are priced with probes. That's an extra expense with Garmin. Not a deal-breaker, I guess, but it makes a difference. Also, I have two holes available, so moving to the CGR 30 combo unit as opposed to the single GI-275 is no big deal to me. And then there's the $800 rebate. So, I've filled out the form and selected the various options. I'll pay for the units now to take advantage of the rebate deal, then install at my next annual. The end result will be that 100% of my required instruments, avionics and engine, will be on the left side. The right side of my panel will be blank except for circuit breakers. I personally want that look, but some folks might not o right not have the extra panel space, so that's a factor, too. Anyway, great topic, and I'm the beneficiary of the discussion here. (BTW, good to know about the connector discussion, but nothing about that has discouraged me from going with EI.) Thanks, y'all!

You’re reading about vintage Mooney seats, so… I have these, factory originals from a 62 C-model. (I switched to a different set with headrests as part of a recent upgrade.) They’re perfectly functional. I don’t want to throw them away. But I don’t have a lot of room in the garage, either. Anybody need ‘em…? We can work something out, I’m sure.

This all makes sense to me, no surprises, and I appreciate the replies. Thanks, y'all.

Way late in following up, but the news is all good. Garmin had the right parts for my model/serial, the shop did nice work, and I've taken a couple of long trips with the plane since then. My aircraft is now configured with one legacy VHF NAV/COMM (KX-155) and one current generation GPS/COM with no VHF nav (GNC-355). The tricky bit (for me) was coming up with decent flows to ensure I can smoothly ensure safe transition from GPS navigation to ILS/VOR approaches on the autopilot. But it does so nicely, and the workload is much easier to handle. I am well-pleased with all. Panel before and after photos attached.

Hi, all, Due to poor planning on my own part, I let my annual expire this past weekend. My plane is parked at KIWS and has been flying regularly up to now. The shop at KIWS is fine with me, but they are booked solid for a couple of weeks before they can start. Is there an IA who might be interested/available sooner, maybe? And even if not, I'm new to the Mooney community and so would love to know who y'all recommend for future reference. Thanks for any constructive advice or suggestions you might have. Thanks!

Thanks very much for the signal boost! The seats are still quite comfy. I had the whole interior redone recently, and got replacements in that process, so these are surplus to me. But there’s nothing wrong with them, and I’d like to see them go to a good home. I’ve got them on eBay right now, listed for $500 plus shipping for the pair. Thanks again! Best, Mark

I see that this as an old post, so I expect you may have solved your problem well before now. But just in case... I have a pair of seats from a 62 M20C. The fabric is a little faded, etc., but still functional, seat belts attached and working, and both frames are fine. If you have an interest, let me know? No worries!

Thanks in no small measure to the advice and experiences I've read here at MS, I've put down the $$$ to upgrade my '62 M20C with a GFC 500. I'm no purist by a longshot, but kinda like the round-dial look in a vintage airplane, so have selected twin GI-275s. I'll be sure to brag, seek advice, and/or whine and complain (as appropriate to whatever stage of the process I'm in) from today through install and testing. Here goes...

My C had a standard GA six-pack, two VHF nav/coms, and no autopilot. I replaced one of my two KX-155s when the screen started acting up. I chose a Garmin GNC-355 - a touchscreen GPS navigator with a COM radio, but no VHF NAV. The unit has a slightly smaller form factor than either the legacy 430 or the newer GTN-650, a trade-off for not having the VHF nav, but will fit the same hole left by the 155. Cost was about $10k installed, then I ebay-ed the old KX-155 as-is and netted about $1k back. I can fly ILS/VOR approaches with the remaining KX-155 (with back-up from the GPS), add GPS approach capability, plus moving map, info databases, and some nice bells and whistles. The 355 will support future growth like an autopilot, ADS-B "in" traffic and weather, etc. Kind of a cheap-ish way to get something like an MFD...but that's not cheap. OTOH, there are a ton of replacement, yellow-tagged 155s on ebay for about $2,450, and some will give you something for your core as trade.

Thanks! I found a couple of listings showing the number for James Airframe Repair as (573) 783-0080, but that's disconnected. If anyone has better info, I'll certainly make use of it, and thanks again!

I'm looking at a used M20E in the St. Louis area. Can anyone recommend an A&P in the area for a pre-buy inspection? Thanks! Mark Whitson

Thanks, will do this week! I look forward to chatting a bit. Best, Mark

Do you want to fly your airplane from your own hangar without the hassles of renting, but just can’t quite justify the full expense? That’s my situation. Or maybe you already own an aircraft, but don’t fly as much as you’d like because it just costs so much that it’s tough to swing. Maybe having a partner would help? Either way, let’s see if sharing the costs might make sense.I’m a CFII/MEI with SEL/SES/MEL/MES privileges. I’d like to have access to an IFR-certified aircraft with a safe range of at least 600 nm or so. There are any number of efficient piston singles that will do the trick, and a vintage Mooney would be perfect for me. I’d prefer the aircraft be based around Houston. I’ve shared ownership before, and know that there are a variety of ways to make that work for all concerned. What works for you? Let’s talk...!

Yessir!

MARZ, If still for sale, I’m in your area and interested. Kindly let me know how to get in touch? Thanks! Best, Mark