Wildhorsesracing

I agree, there are many "hangar queens" out there that are more dangerous than ugly planes that get flown regularly.

The older 'C's are valued at far less than $40k - even the ones that aren't a project. It's a buyer's market, planes are losing value faster than a new car.

Why did they not just replace the powerplant with the jet engine? It reminds me of something you'd see at the circus like the bearded lady or siamese twins, just a freak show.

I would be happy with this as well.

I have fully participated in every one of my annuals and am fairly mechanically inclined. I enjoy working on all things mechanical and am not afraid to seek help/expert advice/extra pair of eyes when I am not sure about what I am looking at. My '62 C is a mechanically sound but ugly (butt ugly?) old Mooney. According to the calculators she is worth roughly $19k, I paid $29k cash for her years ago and have loved every minute in her. I am not worried about the value lost since I lose more than double that every time I buy a new truck/car. I doubt I'll ever sell her, but who knows, I might get tired of her someday. There is a Mooney literally rotting away at a local airport (8A6 - Wilgrove) that is probably going to waste because the owner can no longer afford the costs of a "certified" aircraft and probably can't sell it for 1/2 of what he/she has in it. There are two very active local EAA chapters with members literally building and selling aircraft as fast as humanly possible. I have no qualms with converting my Mooney to "Experimental" status and seriously think it might even increase in value based on what I have seen the local EAA members sell their planes for. Experimental aircraft still require annual inspections, it just means you can use non certified parts and do much of the work yourself. I think many older aircraft would benefit from going to an experimental status and you'll see a whole new market of restored older ex-certified now experimental aircraft.

Great article about Canadian owner maintenance: http://generalaviationnews.com/2015/05/24/frugal-pilots-imagine-full-owner-maintenance/