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TurboExec

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Well it appears I'm finally close to closing on a deal to sell my Turbo-Normalized F Model, however I can't be planeless (not counting the light sport I fly).  So my Uncle happened upon our next project on a private strip in a hanger not more than about 2 miles from his base airport.


It is a 1965 E model that hasn't flown since 1979 when the owner was diagnosed with cancer.  It sat in his hanger until about 2 weeks ago when we dragged it out.  The paint is original and in like new condition (as soon as we dust it off) as is the interior.  Total time is about 1400 hours with around 400 hours on the engine (but over 30 years).  I've never seen the original yokes or engine instruments in that good of condition.


The plan is engine overhaul and new avionics.  Not sure what I'm going with yet but I'll be designing a new panel to put all the gauges in the correct 6-pack format and vertical.  I'll miss the turbo especially when truing out at 175knots...but I only used it about 10% of the time.

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GeorgePerry Veteran

GeorgePerry

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Adam


That's amazing...I suppose the old story about finding a classic in a barn still holds true!   The interior really is almost in untouched condition.  Museum quality piece.  Have fun with the project and keep posting pics as it comes along.

TurboExec Collaborator

TurboExec

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Actually the owner passed which finally lead to the sale of the airplane by his wife.  I haven't flown it, we had it ferried the 2 miles to my uncles hanger where all the work will be done.  So it has flown and the engine started right up!  Of course there was a lot to get done and inspect before that ferry flight.


There is no way a IO-390 is in the budget...It is going to be a field overhaul, that is actually my Uncles specialty.  He has enough left over cylinders lying around we use them as target practice now!  It is amazing the damage a little 7.62x54r will do to an aircraft cylinder...hehe


If anything I'd love to experiment with the watercooled jugs from www.liquidcooledairpower.com talk about zoom climbs and high power cruise without worrying about CHTs and running closer to peak EGT without the worry of detonation...of course there is the possibility of a coolant line leaking...

MattS Rising Star

MattS

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Congratulations on selling your F.  That is a cool looking plane, but it begs the question.... What the hell were those guys thinking back in the 60s? I can see the Mooney design team now: "John throw another dart so we can figure out where to put the turn coordinator."

MattS Rising Star

MattS

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You are right Jim. And to think I was all proud of my joke.  Those radios are a trip... Are the functioning Adam? Any more pics of the interior?

KSMooniac Grand Master

KSMooniac

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Adam, I like the idea of flying it to OSH as-is for judging!  Might be pretty fun since it isn't that far away, and then go about the modification and updating.


I grew up in the back of N5822Q, a '65 C, that had the same paint scheme except for lovely brown/beige/gold colors and brown vinyl seats.  Ick.  My dad still has a KX-150 radio just like 32Q! 

fantom Grand Master

fantom

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What a great find....she's a beauty!


I've got to believe keeping her as original as possible makes the most sense, both from a financial and a historical perspective. An engine overhaul if needed, recondition avionics that require it, and slap a Garmin 696 on the yoke, and you'll be good to go with a one of a kind Mooney.


OSH and Kerville are beckoning!


 


 

TurboExec Collaborator

TurboExec

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Quote: JimR

That is just too cool, Adam.  I've never seen a more original mid-60s vintage Mooney.  I can't even identify some of the stuff in that panel.  What is the contraption attached to the pilot's side glareshield, for instance?  Also, the subpanel above the nose wheel well, and I see an AC power cord dangling under the panel.    

I would be very tempted to keep her as stock as possible and to have her judged at Oshkosh in the Contemporary Classic category.

What an amazing find.  I'm really looking forward to seeing more pictures and following along in your restoration.

 

 

 

TurboExec Collaborator

TurboExec

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Quote: JimR

I think that she's been set up with minimal equipment of the day for co-pilot operation.  There are two T&Bs, one in the traditional spot on the left, and another on the right, along with a second clock and radar altimeter.  Very interesting.

TurboExec Collaborator

TurboExec

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Quote: KSMooniac

Adam, I like the idea of flying it to OSH as-is for judging!  Might be pretty fun since it isn't that far away, and then go about the modification and updating.

I grew up in the back of N5822Q, a '65 C, that had the same paint scheme except for lovely brown/beige/gold colors and brown vinyl seats.  Ick.  My dad still has a KX-150 radio just like 32Q!

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