rsmith

One of my main concerns is the tubing rust issue. I know Mooney went from zink chrome to epoxy in 87 has there been a major problem with 80's 201's with corrosion? I read one article that said there could be a problem with the upper tubing also due to condensation in the headliner area.

Finally sold my 340 or more like gave it away. 23 years and 3000 hours was hard to say goodby to. Have several Mooneys I'm looking at. Like me with selling the 340 the difference between the asking price of these planes and what the seller will take is amazing. I made several offers that I would have been embarresed to make a few years ago. The brokers tell me I'm real close on several.

Quote: Mazerbase Ski tubes? Has anyone installed one in a Mooney? I thought it was a joke but here is a 337 for a Bonanza ski tube installation.

Sorry for igniting the powderkeg but you can see how bitter and divided the country is. I dont see things getting better no matter who's in office. I know a lot of you dont want to add in politics but to make informed decisions we need to be honest about what the future will be for general aviation. That said the talking turkey prices are way lower than you guys think. I've been looking at several decent mid 80's 201's in the "we're ready to deal" range from $55-75k. I've been flying IFR for 35 years and dont care about fancy avionics. I've seen a lot of people dump a lot of money in their panels over the years only to have it become obsolete and worthless. As long as I have 2 decent navcoms and a portable gps I can go anywhere I need to go. As far as resale goes I think the planes next mission will be as a container for Budwieser. But for the meantime I plan to flog it along for the least money I can. At least this is what Mooney's used to be about. Any one remember "Norm the Mooney Miser" he had the right ideas. Any coments on the long range tank mods or ski tubes? I dont plan on hauling skis but from time to time have longer items to take.

$30k for the OH? 3 years ago I did both TSIO 520's in the 340 including the turbos wastgates and assys it was a little over 30ea. and that was with all new cylinders. I have several independant IA's that will do it in my hangar.I was looking at about 19k. Are the Lycos parts that more expensive these days? I had my 201 done in 87 at Bloomsburg Pa for $9800 turn key with all new baffeles. Although that was a long time ago I do have an idea of what is involved.

Any idea what the life limit is on the tank reseal? I know when I bought mine the older mooneys always had fuel stains under them but Webber told me at the time the new sealants didnt have that problem. I guess pushing 30 years is not bad. But Ive seen where the reseals have leaked is it a material or aplication issue?

A couple other questions. I've scene a lot of stuff about tank leaks and the tubular frame corrosion. How prevalent is it? When I had mine I had complied with having the tanks opened and checked for the drain holes to be open and the replacement of the insulation at the wing root and corrosion inspection. I understand in 1988 the frames were coated with epoxy Is this a major + and worth paying a couple extra bux for?

I've been talking to a guy down here that has a 81 like my old one.Still has the kns80 and std king stuff. Talking mid $60's 2500hrs tt with a unverified field ovh @1850. orig paint. Cent 31 pilot. I used a one man shop who let me do owner asist when I had the Mooney and those belly panels were one PITA. Sure would be nice to have the one piece.

I'm a newbee to the site. A little background first. I bought a new 201 in 1981 from Henry Weber in lancaster Pa. Flew it pretty much everyday for biz in the NE corridor. Put 2400 hours on it by 1987. Opened a operation in Fla and was running the mooney back and forth to Pa a couple times a week. Looked around at the time and ended up with a 1984 C340a and yes there is nothing like a pressurized aircraft. Have been flying the 340 for the last 23 years. With the fuel prices the last 2 years and Obamanomics killing my biz I put the 340 up for sale and am looking at going back to a 201. I dont need to be anywhere quick or on a precise timetable anymore. I know the 201 in and out and still have a lot of spare parts from my old one. I've been looking at a few and wondering what the current thoughts are on the fleet. I'm thinking mid 80's with removable rear seats and one piece belly. I really dont care about a fancy panel. I would like some input on autopilots. I had a KFC 200 in the 201 and it was my major sorce of problems. I also got about 300hrs TBF on the KI256 FD horizon and wouldnt fly IFR without a backup horizion. Are the KAP 150's any better? I'm looking in the $70-80k range with a hi time engine that I'll get done by a guy I use down here in Fla, thanks for the input