Outdoor tie-down

[rturbett]

One of the airplane purchase problems I have run in to is that it appears for the near future I will only be able to have an outdoor tie down for whatever mooney I decide on. ( there is a pretty good hangar waiting list at both airports nearby)

I have seen mooneys that have great exterior paint, and  some that rate about a 2. My question is this:

Would it be better to get a mooney with good paint to give it the best protection, or should I opt for the poor paint, and just maintain it until a hangar becomes available, and then have it painted?

Thanks,

Rob

[Cruiser]

there is more to consider with a tie-down than just paint. At a minimum you need a good full cabin cover that will help keep the rain and sun off/out of your plane. Moisture and heat need to be controlled as best is possible. Air circulation through the cabin will help.

Watch carefully for evidence of small animals and birds. Remember - everyone wants to be in a Mooney :>)

Do a good contamination check of the fuel tanks, rain and condensation of the tanks will be more likely to put water in the tanks. Some claim that the sealant dries out if the tanks are not kept full, and you will develop fuel tank leaks sooner than most. (I have no opinion on this).

What do you know about theft and damage at the airport? Pick a spot that is less likely to be exposed to airport personnel or other plane owners activities. Most are considerate but some..... well, all it takes is someone doing a run-up with the prop wash aimed directly at your plane.

Finally, look at it this way. With all the money you save on hangar rent you can do a full panel upgrade and paint job when you get one!

 

[DaV8or]

Since this thread is not about whether to get a hanger or not, but rather a choice between good paint and bad paint, I would go with bad paint. You will be fighting corrosion on the surface no matter the quality of the paint job, so bad paint is easier for the owner to patch up and hit with a rattle can to keep corrosion at bay. Also, to help keep water out of the cabin so that corrosion doesn't start inside, a full cabin cover is helpful and these covers when used a lot can lead to scratches in the paint. Since you might be tied down in a busy area, there is also the possibility of getting scuffs and scratches from careless people on the ramp or other planes parking. This is assuming that you do intend to get a hanger as soon as possible. That way, the money saved on storage can put towards a new paint job that is actually your paint job. On the other hand, if you know that you will be outside for years and years, the old worn paint job might really bug you after a time. Also a new and thicker coat of paint should give you a bit better corrosion resistance. However, I would still go for bad paint and get a good discount on the plane.

 

 

[Guest Anonymous]

Quote: DaV8or

Since this thread is not about whether to get a hanger or not, but rather a choice between good paint and bad paint, I would go with bad paint. You will be fighting corrosion on the surface no matter the quality of the paint job, so bad paint is easier for the owner to patch up and hit with a rattle can to keep corrosion at bay. 

[rturbett]

Thanks,

You have helped me narrow down the candidates!

Rob

[HopePilot]

I'd like to learn where the spots you spray with the "rattle can" for maximum effect are located?  Any specifics/photos are appreciated.

[DaV8or]

Quote: 16LPilot

I'd like to learn where the spots you spray with the "rattle can" for maximum effect are located?  Any specifics/photos are appreciated.

[mjc]

Quote: DaV8or

Well, when I posted that, I wasn't talking about CorrosionX, I was talking about treating surface corrosion with paint. I fly out of Oakland, CA and it is right on the San Francisco Bay, elevation 6', so I've watched the planes that are always tied down and what inevitably happens is surface corrosion forms and bubbles up the paint. My undersanding is, that as an owner, you are allowed to sand that spot, prime it and paint it with spray cans. The results aren't that great looking, but it keeps the corrosion from getting worse. This is why I say go for the crappy paint job. I have seen new paint jobs start to bubble up in less than a year's time without frequent waxing. It's fine to suggest that one should just maintain a good wax job (and by wax I just mean any kind of polymar sealant like Rejex, not necessarily traditional wax.), but waxing an airplane is probably a good day's work and I suspect most people won't do it anywhere near enough to prevent any possible corrosion from happening.

[MooneyMitch]

A bit off this threads topic but, since we're talking crappy paint jobs and not traveling too far from home for a paint job, once again I vouch for the quality work of our local Santa Maria paint shop.  Outstanding, and if there is any problem, they are most gracious about fixing the issues.  I have no issues with my after over a year but, having hung around the shop and watching how they treat other customers, I would guarantee they would be most happy to fix any problem that might arise. There is still hope ladies and gentlemen.