eman1200 Posted August 5, 2016 Report Posted August 5, 2016 you're going to look at a 68G, let's just say. which would be the three best inspection panels to take off and look into to see general condition? I know there's one in the tail section where you can see the majority of the inner workings..........where else? top 3 picks, besides the engine compartment.
MB65E Posted August 5, 2016 Report Posted August 5, 2016 The tail cone panel is too easy it almost doesn't count. -The larger belly panel where all the landing gear tubes can be seen. -the rear seat panels that look into between the main and rear spar. -the left side interior side panel. Looking at all the steel tubes. -Matt
eman1200 Posted August 5, 2016 Author Report Posted August 5, 2016 7 minutes ago, MB65E said: The tail cone panel is too easy it almost doesn't count. -The larger belly panel where all the landing gear tubes can be seen. -the rear seat panels that look into between the main and rear spar. -the left side interior side panel. Looking at all the steel tubes. -Matt thanks. the rear seat panels, easy access? I mean, as easy as climbing into the back seat can be, but you know what I mean......
MB65E Posted August 5, 2016 Report Posted August 5, 2016 The seat cushion is pretty easy, the panels have about 4 sheet metal screws in them. The hard part is getting the tape off. The left side interior panel can be tedious, just take your time. Recent threads on a K model that has had corrosion on the steel tubes would be good for you to read. -Matt
carusoam Posted August 7, 2016 Report Posted August 7, 2016 If I was going to look at a G, would I be spending my own money with no return policy? 1) rusty steel tubes look terribly expensive to get stuck with. 2) corroded aluminum spars are terribly expensive to get stuck with. There are two spars hiding behind many panels. Where they go through the fuselage they get more chances of degradation. Degradation can happen at a very high rate once it starts. Annual inspection is required because that's how fast stuff can go bad... 3) important parts of the spar can be hiding under the rug. A full PPI is nearly as expensive as an annual. That's why many PPIs get coverted to complete annuals. There are so many panels that are opened to see everything. That's why a PPI is worth doing. You want to know everything before you buy it. If you are allowed to judge the quality of a plane by opening only three panels, you are getting stuck... Somebody is restricting access for a reason. Sound familiar? Best regards, -a-
MB65E Posted August 7, 2016 Report Posted August 7, 2016 Also, if flying commercia to look at the new airplane... Make sure you buy a return ticket. lessons learned, -Matt
eman1200 Posted August 7, 2016 Author Report Posted August 7, 2016 If you are allowed to judge the quality of a plane by opening only three panels, you are getting stuck... Somebody is restricting access for a reason. Sound familiar? Best regards, -a- No one is restricting me, I'm just looking for the best 'bang for the buck' places to check. A panel that is easy to remove but shows me a whole lot.
Guest Posted August 7, 2016 Report Posted August 7, 2016 If you're only thinking of opening a few panels and using these as a basis for your purchase decision, I can help you with opening lines for your post at next years annual. "My G model is in for annual and I just got a call from my mechanic, you can't believe what he found.........." Clarence
eman1200 Posted August 7, 2016 Author Report Posted August 7, 2016 Ugh, I love the Internet. The 'quick inspection' was because I already had a general idea of the 'external' plane condition. It was boiling hot out and I really was trying to take a quick look TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS WORTH MOVING FORWARD WITH A PRE-PURCHASE. Think of it as speed dating for planes. A real quick 'get to know you' to see if I wanted to get her # to make more plans. I never said I'm doing this as a purchase decision, it's to see if I'm even interested in further discussions.
bonal Posted August 7, 2016 Report Posted August 7, 2016 3 hours ago, M20Doc said: If you're only thinking of opening a few panels and using these as a basis for your purchase decision, I can help you with opening lines for your post at next years annual. "My G model is in for annual and I just got a call from my mechanic, you can't believe what he found.........." Clarence Been there done that no T shirt
bonal Posted August 7, 2016 Report Posted August 7, 2016 32 minutes ago, eman1200 said: Ugh, I love the Internet. The 'quick inspection' was because I already had a general idea of the 'external' plane condition. It was boiling hot out and I really was trying to take a quick look TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS WORTH MOVING FORWARD WITH A PRE-PURCHASE. Think of it as speed dating for planes. A real quick 'get to know you' to see if I wanted to get her # to make more plans. I never said I'm doing this as a purchase decision, it's to see if I'm even interested in further discussions. Seems like a reasonable approach spend a hole day open as much as you can. Lake aero styling has a PPI check list you can pull off their site. If it checks out then on to the real inspection
Andy95W Posted August 7, 2016 Report Posted August 7, 2016 3 hours ago, eman1200 said: The 'quick inspection' was because I already had a general idea of the 'external' plane condition. It was boiling hot out and I really was trying to take a quick look TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS WORTH MOVING FORWARD WITH A PRE-PURCHASE. Think of it as speed dating for planes. A real quick 'get to know you' to see if I wanted to get her # to make more plans. I never said I'm doing this as a purchase decision, it's to see if I'm even interested in further discussions. Okay, I think I get it now. You want to spend about an hour looking at the airplane to see if it's worthwhile paying big bucks for a REAL pre-purchase inspection. My suggestion for a 1 hour quick look: 1.) the big inspection panel on the pilot's side of the tail, just behind the wing. 1/4 turn fasteners, very fast. You can stick your whole head in and look all the way from the cabin back wall to the empennage attach points. Look for general condition, corrosion, rusty pushrod tubes. 2.) top cowling and possibly cheek cowling pieces. Look for general condition, chafed wires, old and cracked wiring, exhaust leaks (grey powdery stains where the exhaust pipes meet the cylinder heads). Neatly arranged wiring is key- if the mechanic that installed the engine was sloppy in routing and securing wiring, in a fairly open and accessible engine compartment, you will want to question how the rest of the airplane was cared for. 3.) the belly panel that gives access to the main wing spar. The spar is easily identifiable as the forward attach point for the landing gear legs. This will take the most amount of time. Obviously look for corrosion on the heavy spar aluminum pieces, as well as rusty pushrods, general condition, and hydraulic leaks, particularly near the hydraulic flap cylinders. Leaking hydraulic fluid will be reddish in color and sticky. The more it evaporates, the stickier it gets. 3a.) while you're down there, look hard in the gear wells, particularly at the forward and rear attach points for the landing gear legs. The forward attach point goes on the main spar, the rear is the stub spar. Look at these spars as much as possible for corrosion, and while you're there you should look for general condition of the landing gear and brakes, and for hydraulic leaks. 4.) At your actual prepurchse inspection, make sure your shop looks at the condition of the steel tube structure IAW SB 208. This will require removal of at least some of the interior per the picture below (taken from a different post). 4
Guest Posted August 8, 2016 Report Posted August 8, 2016 11 hours ago, eman1200 said: Ugh, I love the Internet. The 'quick inspection' was because I already had a general idea of the 'external' plane condition. It was boiling hot out and I really was trying to take a quick look TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS WORTH MOVING FORWARD WITH A PRE-PURCHASE. Think of it as speed dating for planes. A real quick 'get to know you' to see if I wanted to get her # to make more plans. I never said I'm doing this as a purchase decision, it's to see if I'm even interested in further discussions. No offence meant. It's just this site has a number of sad ownership stories, which could go under a new heading "Regrets and remorse" Clarence
TheTurtle Posted August 8, 2016 Report Posted August 8, 2016 if this G is in Nebraska get a prebuy. or call me I give you mine for half price
carusoam Posted August 8, 2016 Report Posted August 8, 2016 Eman, You got caught by not typing enough info. Other people have tried to short cut the PPI. Their request start the same way yours did. It's not what you said, it's what you didn't say... My preliminary visits to the last plane I bought were only skin deep. That was preliminarily to make sure the photos were true to the plane being advertised. Doors, side access panel(s) and sitting in it were the basis of me sending it out for a PPI... My purchase agreement was pretty detailed, the PPI was going to be done by the MSC which included the operation of all navcom equipment. There is nothing more comforting than finding the plane actually matches the Internet description. I don't think any three access panels stand out more than any other. The other challenge with access panels, some owners don't know how to remove them and may not be comfortable with you removing them. Always ask before expecting to inspect that deeply. On the other hand, some owners love to take panels off to show everything... Buy from that guy! Best regards, -a-
eman1200 Posted August 8, 2016 Author Report Posted August 8, 2016 20 hours ago, M20Doc said: No offence meant. It's just this site has a number of sad ownership stories, which could go under a new heading "Regrets and remorse" Clarence no offense taken, I appreciate the input and you looking out! 11 hours ago, TheTurtle said: if this G is in Nebraska get a prebuy. or call me I give you mine for half price yikes, it is not in nebraska, but thanks for the heads up! 1 hour ago, carusoam said: Eman, You got caught by not typing enough info..... I respectfully disagree, but that's ok, it's not the point. great information from everyone. thanks again!
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