Lost in the Foliage

[1964-M20E]

Great

I'm glad to see somone is willing to take it on. I just wish it could be me.   Oh well I guess I'll have to buy another powerball ticket.  :-))

[KSMooniac]

Wow, this is exciting!  I concur with Byron's advice... check the show-stopper areas for corrosion first before putting any significant effort/expense into the project.  George's advice about documenting the restoration and getting in touch with Mooney and some service centers for assistance and sponsorship is also a great idea.  That plane certainly has some historical significance, although I couldn't say if that increases the potential value.  Lycoming might indeed have an interest in that engine if they have any sort of museum-like display.  Your sentimental connection to it is special, and only someone like you could realistically take this on!  Best of luck bringing her back to the flightline.

[Skywarrior]

Very hard for me to believe there is no corrosion. Just sayin'...

[carusoam]

Sharing my thoughts...

From what I see... There is good news...  I have witnessed an M20G leave the weeds after a decade+ and fly out on it's own.  Mostly restored to a functional level by it's new owner.  The old radios still worked like old radios, engine still had compression.

There is so much physical labor that can be done independently and with the guidance of a local mechanic.  There is much to do if you like that kind of work.

Pick what level of restoration you want to achieve and how much you want to be involved.

There are several pictures of restoration projects in the picture file of this site.

Stop, Think and Plan....then repeat, often.

You will like the results of your efforts.  A flyable M20E is a nice plane to have for most years of your life.

Do you need more encouragement?

Best regards,

-a-

[KSMooniac]

We have a J owner in Canada that has restored his '77 from the ground up, and I'm sure he can offer some valuable lessons learned, too.  His plane is for all intents and purposes NEW after everything he has done.

[lamont337]

+1 for everything that GeorgePerry said, especially a link to donate. I'm in for a few bucks.

Very cool Joel!

[jkb458]

Best of luck on your restoration Joel!!!

I like George's advice about getting businesses and Mooniacs to chip in with parts and expenses.

I'm very interested in your progress!!!

[N601RX]

With the new registration rules many of the planes sitting like this will be canceled.  I wander how much headache  that will cause.

[dcrogers11]

Joel,

Congrats on your acquisition and I hope things go well with your project.  There is hope that planes can fly after sitting for extended periods, although considerably deep pockets will most likely be required.  My '64 C model sat unflown in a closed hangar from 1991 until the owner decided to sell it in 2009.  Fortunately, the exterior was painted in 1990 by Poploski in Ennis, Tx and after clearing layers of dust, retained its sheen.  The engine, on the other hand, had rust on the inside and required a major overhual and i would be really surprised if yours is not in the same shape.  The interior is vintage '64 and needs a complete upholstry makeover, but it's not horrible for a 48 YO plane.  I installed used avionics to get it up to speed.  I plan on further upgrades to the radios and panel along with getting the non-functional AP replaced.  

This sounds like a project to be documented and could be of interest to any of the aviation publications with the story that you have told and its history.  You can then go to some of the big name suppliers out there for sponsorship and parts.  You might also continue to post here on items that you might need and there may be those on this forum that could have them laying around collecting dust.

Good luck!

Don 

[900TL]

Wow, thanks everyone for the support and ideas, I had no idea I would get this kind of response! The first thing thats coming out is all the interior, and belly panels to further inspect for corrosion. I'm hoping for the best.... But I should be able to get a pretty good look at the spar and tubular structure.

I have a good bit of experience with Mooneys, I actually own my own maintenance facility, specializing in Aerostars. I kind of got thrown into it, after the company I was working for just decided to close it's doors one day, with me in it....But thats another story.

I never thought about soliciting help from vendors, but it may not be a bad idea, parts are expensive. If all goes well as far as the corrosion with the structure and spar, the cylinders will definately come off, I'm guessing the cam will be shot. I really dont have a ton of money to throw at it right now, but I do have cheap labor, and some good friends...

I will keep everyone posted on the progress, especially since all the interest I recieved so far. And obviously, if any of you are in the area, N71, it will be worth at least a free lunch!

Thanks Again,

Joel.

[kerry]

It would make a great AOPA sweepstakes plane.  That picture in the foliage is classic.

[DaV8or]

Wow Joel! Nice going! Not many people would take on this challenge to save another Mooney. My sugestion would be that perhaps you move the project to a better, enclosed area. If a closed hangar is not available, or affordable, consider breaking the plane down and trucking it to your garage. Kind of like what home builders do, except in reverse! They start in the garage and move to the airport, but I'm thinking you might want to start at the airport, but move to the garage, then of course back again.

Before you get to much time in it though, you ought to have a real Mooney expert come look at it and look for major challenges.

[M20F-1968]

Rebuild cost would be expected to a multiple of to $60,000 posted on an earlier reply.  This is most likely a parts plane.

John Breda

[M20F-1968]

I am just finishing a complete rebuilt with many modifications of a 1968 F model.  Mine is now a modern aircraft with a johnson bar and hydraulic flaps.  It would seem that you would want to restore yours to more original condition and specs, but you never know.  Even if you do all of the labor, parts costs and rebuild of each system will most likely be more than budgeted so I would plan on that.  How much more depends on how it plays out.  Get a good hangar.  You could take the wing off it and find a good garage but that mean 1 trip each way to/from the airport and dissaaembly/reassembly.   I would go through the engine and all accessories entirely.  In fact, I would consider most removeable parts to be considered "core" parts in need of replacement/rebuild.

Check well for corosion, especially in 4130 tubes as discussed and spar.  There will be some corrosion most likely in the skin lap joints.  How bad remains to be seen.  My aircraft was inside for 26 years so I had a pretty clean irframe to start with, although dismantled.  I have many left over parts so you might keep in touch.  E-mail if you have questions.

John Breda

[M20F-1968]

FYI:

I have a nice set of cowl cheeks which yours is missing and an F model top cowling if you need it.

My e-mail is johnabreda@yahoo.com  Cel phone - (617) 877-0025

John Breda

[PapaPapa]

in europe there are 2 sitting, owned by an FTO (according to add).

Don't know if they'll fly again, such a pity they let the M20 rot like that :-(

http://www.planecheck.com?ent=da&id=18214

 

These are nice project, but you must either have a lot of time and good skills or a lot of money :-)

So kuddos and all the best with this project