Compare 2 M20Cs

[netPilot]

Hi All,

Would be interested in any thoughts on these two M20s:

1968 M20C

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/specs/79628

and

1962 M20C

http://www.barnstormers.com/classified_448052_Mooney+1962+M20C.html

Thanks in advance for any input.

[Barry]

Avionics are close ... the LORAN is useless. There were many important updates to the M20C up to 1966. Go with the '68.

[eaglebkh]

The '62 has a 201 panel, which is a plus.  Even though the gauges are not arranged in the normal configuration, this panel will have more value for the lowest dollar once GPS is installed, as apposed to the shotgun panel in the '68 with an added GPS.

Both have similar speed mods, but the '62 has lower gear doors.  The '68 has the 3-blade Hartzell, which results in a slight speed hit but avoids the recurring prop AD.

Neither have autopilot, but the '68 has PC system.  I personally don't care for the PC system and I'm glad mine doesn't have it, making more room for my S-tec 30 w/alt hold.  It all depends on your preference on this issue.

The cloth interior in the '68 is less appealling to me.

I didn't see the cost on the '68, but I would go with the '62 based on my observations.  I'm not aware of any "important updates" going through 1966, other than PC.  Both birds seem like nice VHF-nav planes...

[conom06d]

I agree with eaglebkh in terms that I would probably choose the '62. My reasoning behind this is that the overhaul was done 400 hrs ago so if there were any issues with the process, they will most likely have been worked out by now while the other plane has only 20 hours on it. To me 20 hours is just about a month of flying so things may still pop up as issues.

 

edit: also the '62 was owned by the same owner for 26 years. That is a MAJOR plus in my eyes.

[Guest Anonymous]

Quote: JimR

On it's face I like the '68 better, but I'd be very, very leary of an engine that was overhauled 10 years ago that only has 20 hours on it.  Especially if it has been here in the humid southeastern U.S. the whole time.  I'd borescope the engine, or possibly even remove a jug so that I could see what's in there before pulling the trigger on that one.  Even if the engine is good, expect to run down lots of minor squawks in the first few years as you get her back into the habit of being flown.    

Jim 

[KLRDMD]

Quote: netPilot

Would be interested in any thoughts on these two M20s: Thanks in advance for any input.

[tablor]

I think the cowling installation is different - the '62 has a million screws that have to be removed to get to the engine and the '68 has 1/4 turn fasteners.  Also, I believe the aileron was changed.  Someone commented that they didn't think there were many changes, I'm not sure so I'd check with a knowledgeable MSC to be sure.  I had a '64E and now have a '66E and I'm sure someone gave me a list of differences.  I wouldn't buy older than '65 and I wouldn't be the first person to get a plane active again after sitting for 10 years.  If someone had been flying it a lot for a couple of years and had extensive receipts from a MSC after it sat for 10 years that would be different.

I'd probably walk away from both of these.

[140pilot]

The guy that owns the 68 had it posted for sale on Mooneypilots.com in 2/09. In the TAP ad it states it has 3900 TTAF and 20 SFOH done in 2000. But the ad posted in 2009 says the plane had 4100 TTAF and 0 SMOH/SPOH. So I would want to do a little bit of due diligence on that one. Personally I like the 62. Same owner 26 years. Looks well cared for with nice mods. Some like the manual gear and hyd. flaps if you dont you wont want the 62.

http://www.mooneypilots.com/classifieds/feb_2009_Classifieds.htm

 

1968 M20C N69ZZ

Rare corrosion free M20C loaded with Speed Mods. Hangared at MOB, logs read like well loved business jet (AD-logs for 17 years) TTAF4100, 0 SMOH/SPOH, fresh annual, good paint-white w/red and dove gray, good glass/tires, no hail late 231 style custom high back cloth seats. KMA 24 audio panel, dual Collins Nav 251/Com 351, Apollo Flybuddy Loran, King digital Digitak KT76c TSO transponder, digital Narco 890 DME, PC wingleveler autopilot, wired for yoke mounted GPS, 201 windshield, cowl enclosure mod, 231 wing tips w/strobe enclosure, belly beacon, 231 wing and tail root fairings, 231 tail enclosure, flap and aileron gap seals, elevator hinge seals, new style shock disks, brake rotation conversion, 201 blade antennas, alt conversion, high capacity fuel bladder mod. $60,000/offer Chris Zuschke 251-648-6257 email:  zmed@bellsouth.net for pics/specs.

[netPilot]

Thanks everyone for responding!  Some good things to think about in this thread.

[eaglebkh]

Following up on my comment about changes up to 1966...

I know the windscreen changed to a 1-piece at some point (not a 201-style), but both of these birds already have 201-style.

The rudder was extended to include the tailcone, yielding more rudder authority.

Rear windows became rectangular instead of wedge-shapded.

There are probably more, but you'll have to decide how important each one is to you.