Wildhorsesracing

Not yet, thinking about putting the N # back on in a green like the last paint job and of course I'll put my "Mooney Pit" logo back on... http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/33589-/

Started some serious polishing, need to do some more light sanding to finish cleaning areas the stripper didn't reach/remove so well. http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/36896-fuselage-other-side/ http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/36895-tried-polishing-the-fuselage/ http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/36894-started-polishing-with-the-front/

We found 3 layers/color schemes when we stripped my plane - not exactly sure what the stripes looked like, but the colors were obvious.

That's what I bought, but with 900 SMOH, incidentally the "$3k annual" ended up closer to $6k just to get it airworthy - and the next annual was $2k to fix the next round of repairs...

Add a stripe?

We have stripped my M20C and we are starting to polish her. Anyone have a polished Mooney? Any advice on polishing? http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/36885-started-polishing-her/ BTW - I wish we had weighed her before stripping, we took off three layers of paint schemes off of the fuselage.

My daughter is in the same boat you are in, mid-20's, loves to fly, wants to buy, but truly can only afford to rent. I can vouch after owning a few airplanes now that there are always hidden expenses. I try to fly every week and realized that 90% of my flying is alone, no pax. There are many times I wonder if I should've bought a nice 2 seater aircraft for most flying and rent bigger when I want to do an XC w/more than my spouse. In the 6 yrs I have owned planes, I have had someone in the back seat of my Mooney - once (YMMV). But I am also a firm believer in the power of patience and creativity, find a way to conserve your finances and purchase what you want. I know of a young couple your age that started their own business, built a "tiny house" to save $$ to make sure the business succeeded. After 5 yrs their business is strong, they love their tiny house and travel all over the world enjoying the freedom of less financial commitments. The key is they were patiently creative on meeting their needs and now they have a generous surplus.

I used to own a pair of segways - this looks like it would do the same thing and weigh a lot less.

It looks like it'll fit nicely in the luggage area and could make travel to remote FBO's fun! http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA7YS31H7390&Tpk=9SIA7YS31H7390

I tried the California Polish today - it does work miracles, as long as the aluminum underneath is scratch free. It will leave the scratches under the shine. Before http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/36840-before/ After http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/36841-after/ I tried polishing another area that had more scratches and it simply shined up the scratches.

I checked the spinner thread and did order some of the California Gold. As soon as it gets here I'll try some and post pics. I am also thinking that the brushed aluminum look might be nice...(and maintenance free!)

I am stripping mine and thinking about Polishing her for a nice shine, anyone done that before? http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/36837-/

You forgot: 3) They bought the plane as an "investment" and now that the aircraft market has tanked like Chinese stocks, they cannot sell it for 1/2 of what they have in it.

Try Barnstormers or Ebay - you have to be patient though...

That would be my plan as well - I am not a big fan of urinating money away. If you plan on keeping the plane, do what you would personally want in the plane, but if you are thinking about selling a good used 1000 hr engine is better than a crack fixed 1500 hr engine... And having a rebuildable core when selling adds value as well - or sell it separately!