Considering purchase of a hangar queen Tri-Pacer

[WebRuss]

Greetings All

I am new to the forum. I joined because I am considering the purchase of a 1955 Tri-Pacer. It has been in a hangar since the mid 90's. SO about 25 to 30 years. In short I am truly worried that it is corroded beyond redemption The engine will most likely need overhaul as it sat unprotected all this time.

Where do I start? What inspections, particularly on the airframe, must I do to determine if this plane can be brought back to life? Is there a guide somewhere I can follow to inspect the airframe to determine the extent of corrosion?

Regards
Russ

[J Ryd]

Here's a good place to start: https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app

Not sure if I posted the link correctly. It's in the ShortWing Saloon area
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[brian heidt]

In the tech library part of this site are inspection lists. A good place to start is there

[Nut]

Where is it located? Climate makes a big difference.

[WebRuss]

Thanks for the link. That is for sure a good start
Regards
Russ

[WebRuss]

Where is it located? Climate makes a big difference.

Located in North Central FL.

[WebRuss]

In the tech library part of this site are inspection lists. A good place to start is there

Thanks for the lead. I will go look
Regards
Russ

[WebRuss]

Hello All

So I gathered some more information and things are getting interesting. This particular aircraft is featured in the 1985 video by Al Butterbaugh where he found corrosion in the airframe tubes around the baggage door. It is one of the aircraft used to create the SB-819. It has already had extensive airframe repairs done to prevent the corrosion from happening again. Maybe that is a good thing? I'm not sure.

Russ

[Steve Pierce]

Hello All

So I gathered some more information and things are getting interesting. This particular aircraft is featured in the 1985 video by Al Butterbaugh where he found corrosion in the airframe tubes around the baggage door. It is one of the aircraft used to create the SB-819. It has already had extensive airframe repairs done to prevent the corrosion from happening again. Maybe that is a good thing? I'm not sure.

Russ

I would say that is a good thing. You could most likely find a flying airplane cheaper than it will cost you to get it airworthy but it is all a matter of time, money effort, personality and end goal.

[Troy Hamon]

I would say that is a good thing. You could most likely find a flying airplane cheaper than it will cost you to get it airworthy but it is all a matter of time, money effort, personality and end goal.

Just a support note for Steve's point...

If you goal is to rebuild an airplane, then buying a project makes sense.

But if your goal is to fly an airplane, you will spend less money and time getting yourself in the air if you save money until you can buy the flying one in good condition. It takes a ton of money and time to wade through a project. If you are considering it because you think it will cost less, then you have a bad plan.