231/252 Structural Dimensions

[Buster1]

Does anyone know if the 231 and 252 share the same identical structural dimensions AFT of the firewall?  I've read something that the 252 has "more elbow room" but can't seem to find anything else to support a different fuselage.  I know the 252 has rounded windows.

Thanks.  Still searching...and waiting for houses to sell and houses to buy :-( so we can do this!

[Piloto]

The 201, 231, 252 all have the same dimensions aft of the firewall. The 231/252 have 76 gallons tanks. The 201 have 64 gallons tanks. In the cabin environment the 231/252 has provision for oxygen supply from a tail cone oxygen tank.

José 

[KSMooniac]

The extra elbow room comes from later model sidewall interior panels, not from any fuselage structural changes.  I didn't realize that the 252 might have had them, but that would be the explanation if indeed there is more elbow room in the 252 vs. the 231.  Mooney will install the modern interiors with composite (and very nicely sculpted) panels in our older birds, but it costs a small fortune.

[LFOD]

Quote: KSMooniac

The extra elbow room comes from later model sidewall interior panels, not from any fuselage structural changes.  I didn't realize that the 252 might have had them, but that would be the explanation if indeed there is more elbow room in the 252 vs. the 231.  Mooney will install the modern interiors with composite (and very nicely sculpted) panels in our older birds, but it costs a small fortune.

[KSMooniac]

Matt, I'm not sure.  I think it was $10k +/- just for the new composite panels, and quickly went up from there if you did seats, carpet, glareshield, etc.  It is nice, but I cannot fathom how or why it costs that much, especially when they're otherwise idle at the factory.  They're in a very low-cost region of a low-cost state, and fiberglass is not expensive at all.  A buddy and I have had discussions about trying to make our composite panels...one of these days.  It is a perfect "garage biz" opportunity IMO.

[LFOD]

Yhea, i thought they would be falling over themselves for the work. I heard that Wilmar was looking at coming up with an interior similar to the factory deal for half the price. Haven't heard anything in a while.  

[FlyingAggie]

Willmar does have their own interior design, but it is also pricey---just not as pricey as MAC.

Given the choice between a 20K interior or a Garmin 500 on the panel, the Garmin wins, although  I would like to do something to spruce up the interior of my new ride.

Alan

[jlunseth]

It appears that the Plane Plastics panels work on the 231.  The website does not say so, but the panels are the same between the 201 (which they do supply) and the 231.  There are a few small panels that are different and they supply those for the 231.  Am having a local company install them in May, will advise further.  Much cheaper.

[KSMooniac]

The previous owner put new Plane Plastics panels in my plane and they're decent enough.  The downside of the plastic is that they will warp and discolor eventually, and are hard to fit initially.  Willmar has a Kydex panel, with the color dyed/infused during fabrication so it will not discolor,  It is also incredibly tough, and will hold it's shape and contour.  Of course that comes at a price too...

[231BB]

A good interior shop will cover the panels with an easily conforming synthetic leather and add reinforcements to the panel's back. This gives a very modern look for a fraction of what MAC charges. In fact, I had a complete interior with leather seats, etc., for about what Mooney charges for the door panels. I've posted pics of my interior under "231BB".

[fantom]

One of the biggest mistakes, IMO, that the Mooney bosses have made, is charging out the wazoo for any and all retrofits. In this economy, and moreover, with their lack of business, it makes no sense.

[markejackson02]

Quote: fantom

One of the biggest mistakes, IMO, that the Mooney bosses have made, is charging out the wazoo for any and all retrofits. In this economy, and moreover, with their lack of business, it makes no sense.

[KSMooniac]

Well, the MSC network doesn't have the new interior pieces or a full upholstery/interior shop sitting idle.  I agree with Gary...if I were leading Mooney I would have drastically reduced the prices for the interior and paint refurbs (maybe even mechanical stuff too) just to keep the lights on the people employed, because once they are laid off, there is no guarantee they'll return on the next upswing.  Quotes like $12000 for new interior panels (cheap fiberglass + ultraleather) or $18000 for paint are just crazy when they're trying to cater to us with 25-50 year old planes. 

The only possible reason that comes to mind for the high prices is perhaps the 18 yr liability clock resets if the factory does any upgrade or maintenance, but I don't know.