"New" Cruisemaster aircraft

F

flight51

New member
Hello all, I'm new to the list/club.
Call me crazy but I'm considering a Cruisemaster restoration. I've found an old cruisemaster "kit" (a complete aircraft but will need a complete rebuild) I have no problem tackling the project and even realize that the finish plane will probably be worth less than what I have to put in. But I'd like to hear your thoughts before I jump in. Maybe you can talk me out of it. As I've looked over the threads on the board it looks like there are numerous "projects" sitting in the back of people's hangers. What problems/issues should I look out for? Depending on how it goes I may be looking for parts that some of you could help me find. More importantly I'd hopefully learn some from your collective experience.

Nice to meet you all. And thanks in advance. Everett
 
Hi Everett.
Check the wings carefully. There's some excellent guidance available from the club on wood wing inspection in the publication catalog/cruisemaster section - look for B-006

Which cruisemaster model are you looking at? The 14-19 has a Lycoming engine that is now kind of rare and difficult to live with. the 14-19-2,14-19-3, and 14-19-3A all have Continentals that are still very well supported by the factory and the myriad of engine parts/service companies.

Propellers/spinners can be a headache. Hartzells have oppressive ADs, if the one you're considering has an airworthy McCauley you can count yourself lucky.

The landing gear control pack can be a problem to get repaired. Few are left and (I believe) there's only one person left who can officially repair them. Fortunately they don't often fail.

Those are the biggies I can think of, the rest of the plane is not much different than many modern types. They're far and away some of the best flying planes around.

What part of the country are you in? As you can imagine, it's really good to hookup with someone that has one.
 
I hope you or your brother is an A&P IA. These are great planes but a real CASH COW! :shock: I recovered and repaired my crate in 2008. The covering materials were 5008 bucks. I would not touch that job again for 35K. It took nine solid months and 7 days a week. I love that thing but have sunk three times what I paid for it into rebuilding. Do what Blimpy says and buy the best low time one you can find. Lynn the crate
 
I'll play the devil's advocate here.......
If you are a "hands on" person with some basic tools, ambition, patience a place to work and yes, some money, this can be a rewarding endeavor. You'll have a very nice airplane to fly that you don't see very often.
If you haven't rebuilt/restored an airplane before I would have some competent help on a continuing basis. Hopefully, as Lynn said, that person would have certification as well as experience.
You will never come out financially, but it is a satisfying and rewarding experience.
Dan
 
Previous responders to your question pretty much some it up. As long as you are willing and able (financially and physically) it will be worthwhile, regardless of the occasional setbacks that all projects face.
There are some great "words of wisdom" on Pg 2 of the Jan 2014 Aviation Consumer regarding purchasing aircraft. While not all is applicable to a restoration, the article does talk about it. It is well worth reading. I doubt experienced owners will disagree with any part of it.
 
Larry Lowenkron hits the important "intangible" aspect.

These are:

1. Feeling of Accomplishment

2. Pride of Ownership


Larry L hits it on the head.. if you haven't married an A&P already... do so soon.
 
you cant do comps on planes by looking at Barnstormers..

just about every Bellanca I've looked at that was posted for sale was a dog (except for one) - that's why they're on the market so long. Most of the time when you're hear it's in "real good condition", it's not. Funny how folks selling planes turn into slimey used car salesman..
If you can fix it and want it bad enough, count your blessings that it's so cheap.
If you're selling one, you must not want it or be able to fix it (or both) so, man up and sell it for what it's worth.
the guy in the hanger next to me bought a Comanche 260 12 years ago for 60K and is now constantly whining because he cant get more than 45K for it.. I got so tired of hearing it that I actually told him yesterday to shut the hell up. it isn't a silver ingot for Christ sake..
Some people are just better suited to joining a club :)
 
Fresh air SolCal, Why isn't my classic (old, old everything, wood, not supported by factory) Franklin powered aircraft appreciated for it's dominating performance numbers compared to other similar planes. Because it's old, old everything, wood, not supported by factory and franklin powered.
 
Ok...
Or as Chico Marx said in " Day At The Races"
Geta your Tutsi Frutsi Ica Creama . :shock:
 
Not sure what you are all moaning about. Cruisairs have been low priced (read that cheap) to buy as long as I can remember, and I have been flying since 1963. For what ever reason, each type of planes seem to fall into a price group. Look at J-3. They are ridiculously priced for what you get. Look at Champs...the average price is more than our Cruisairs. Compare older Bonanzas to same age (and similar performance) Commanches or later Vikings. That is called "the market". LIVE WITH IT, 'cause that is the way it is and has been. You want to change it? You are going to have to change our economic system.
You all know what you each paid for your plane, what makes you think it is worth that much more, considering the market today? In today's market, the only way you are going to be happy is to buy. Selling is another emotion...just hope you don't get screwed too bad when you sell. The person buying your plane most likely has the same attraction to it that you did, unless you have totally changed it since you bought it. If you knowingly bought a dog at a cheap price, that is the kind of person who will buy it. Likewise if you bought an OSH winner. Everyone wants a great deal, but any knowledgeable buyer knows they usually get what they paid for.
Regarding the original subject of this thread...I can't help but think that most (maybe not all, but most) triple tail owners recognize that the 14-19-2 is the best of the bunch. It may not have the lightness of feel of the Crusiairs, but considering the more powerful, modern, factory supported engine and carrying capacity and performance, how can you go wrong? Again, it is personal- just make sure you have the money, time and dedication to finish it. If you do finish it and do a decent job, you won't be sorry...just don't expect to recover the money you spend.
I read the above to my wife to see if it made any sense...she said it sounds like an internet rant...'guess I have to agree, but it felt good saying it.
 
Larry Lowenkron said:
I can't help but think that most (maybe not all, but most) triple tail owners recognize that the 14-19-2 is the best of the bunch.
Click to expand...

I used to think so, till I got the -3.
 
As my Spartan buddy says" Everything is for sale at the right price" so if you see something you like make an offer. The worst that happens is they say "NO". Lynn the crate :!:
 
Awwww, Come on now folks. Bellanca are the best buy on the market. There is virtually not a part of the airplane that you can't fabricate. Try that with Bonanza, you have to by factory castings, factory just about everythting. The 14-19-3 is the best of the breed. It is a low upkeep plane as long as you have a hangar. Even out of doors it is not that bad depending on where you live and how much attention you give it. I don't speak this for Vikings because I have never owned one. But seem like it is not really different from the 14s. And there are parts for them. I just bought new rudder bar bell horns and bronze tail wheel busing. I don't have a complete list of what he has available. I think he is called Alexander A/C 320-763-4088. Kent
 
Parking a Bellanca outside is really hard on it - IMHO, other than an occasional overnight, it should never be parked outside.
Almost every airport where I've been an overnight transient, I've been able to find a place to hanger it for the night for *very* reasonable charge, may times for free. The big Jet centers always have room under some Gulfstream wing. Often if you buy gas from them they'll do it for nothing. Heck, I flew into the Horizon airport south of El Paso once - little airport that looks deserted - and a guy came out of nowhere, topped it off, used a tug to put it in a nice big Quonset Hut hanger and loaned me a car to drive in to town, all just because I topped it off. I went to put some gas money in the ash tray but it was already stuffed with money!
Just in case I carry one of Bruce's Covers for my -3 when I'm traveling, the one with the 3 ft wing extensions, to help keep any surprise rain out of the roots. It's the best I've seen but not perfect, they're not waterproof just water resistant. They also add a little security since you can put a lock on the straps to dissuade looky-loos from checking out the inside.
Even with full wing covers, the wing gets abused outside.. seriously, if you cant find shelter for one, get a Cessna. I know a really good deal on a C150 that just hit the market.. talk about a simple plane to live with :)
 
blimpy said:
It costs $400 to OH a franklin cylinder with a new sleeve
and $ 1200 for a Conti-Coming but those are better- right ?
Just shoot me now.
Click to expand...
uh no & yes.
$650 exchange for an I/IO-470 chrome exchange at my neighborhood engine shop. If they don't have one on the shelf, they'll OH yours in 2 days - often for less if the valves are good. I just had two done for a club's skylane, very nice work.
yes, I think it's better simply because they are available readily in many flavors.
But a nice running Frank is a sweet experience. I loved mine when I had it.
 
To all and anyone,
I recently purchased a totally restored 1947 Bellanca 14-13-2. As expected, the "totally restored" version comes with a few, if not many, idiosyncrasies that any reasonable person would use as an excuse to cancel the deal. This is my third Bellanca in 50 years, and it is an excellent machine - as in comparing a Porsche to a VW, but I am not a 'reasonable' person, so take what I think about a Bellanca with a grain of salt. I am not a Bellanca 'expert' and will take any and all input on how to make it correct by original specs. I am having some problems with the tailwheel and with avionics/electrical systems (such as noise and feedback) that will take some time to resolve. Your help would be appreciated. I hope to be able to contribute to the forum with my own experience and expertise. My background is a degree in aeronautical engineering, A&P, private pilot (ASMEL, Instrument) and 50 years commercial and military, domestic and international aviation experience. I'm new to the forum and hope to be able to contribute as well as gain from your experience. If I can get this bird 'fixed' soon, I'll bring it to Sun-n-Fun 2014 - it is a beauty. My biggest issue now is the tail wheel; tail wheel rigging, and tail wheel repair. I have found too many problems with the current installation to enumerate here, but would appreciate beginning a dialog with anyone that is knowledgeable on the installation and rigging of the original design. Thanks in advance. ArtL.
 
Art.. it will help if you can post 1 or more pictures of your tailwheel,
and enumerate the problems.

This might best be done as a "new topic" also check the archieves, many topics and suggestions have
previously been discussed in depth.. and often there are several approaches to choose from.

I have no idea what your problem is.

There are posts concerning the spring, and damper, the tires, various kinds of tailwheels.

I have what I think is an original tail wheel on my 14-13-2.
The manual and parts manual covers the spring unit pretty well.

The tire seems only available from Desser as a non-approved item made in Taiwan, or from Czech maker.

---

As to noise... check all your grounds. Take them apart, clean and make them secure.
Do you have resistor plugs or not. Some of the surplus plugs are not resistor plugs.

Many radio installations now a days are made in the field by tyros... and there-in lies the rub.
A real audio panel ( instead of a portable intercom like I have) is worth it's weight.

You've been there before.. you'll get there again !
:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top