Malcolm,
I own a 1968 Citabria 7ECA. I really enjoy it. A citabria might work
for you but you'll probably need one with the adjustable front seat.
Also, although the 7ECA is the slowest, cruise at 105-115mph, it has the
highest useful load. You can get one IFR certified although I don't
think I would bother. I also wouldn't look at fabric as a way to save
money. Recover and paint is around $15k-20k.

Any of the grumman aa5 series of four seaters would suit your needs.
You should be able to find an IFR mid time cheetah or traverler, 150HP,
in your price range. The tiger, aa5b, is 180HP. A good tiger may be
out of your price range. I used to rent a tiger fairly regularly. They
are really sweet machines. Don't let anyone tell you that the handling
is squirrelly or any of that nonsense.

Another under valued plane is a beech musketeer or sundowner. Check out
the "musketeermail" group on yahoo.com. Do your own research and don't
listen old wives tales. A lot of people trash talk airplanes that
they've never even flown. Talk to owners and mechanics experienced
with that specific aircraft. Join owner's groups or mailing lists for
any model your interested in.

Good luck
dave
68 7ECA

Malcolm Teas wrote:
jsmith wrote in message ...

It really doesn't matter.
Most if not all of the metal aircraft that were built through the 70's
were not zinc chromate, so inter granular and other types of corrosion
are still problems with any aircraft, be it stored in a hangar or at an
outdoor tie down.
With fabric, you will want to recover it every 10-20 years just so you
can perform a thorough fuselage, wing and empenage inspection.
Much easier to inspect and repair than on an all metal aircraft.
Many of the older rag and tubes have gotten powder coated or epoxy
painted frames if they have been rebuilt in the last 10-20 years.
It all comes down to personal choice. What do you want to do with the airplane?


Ok, to summarize:

- Fabric today lasts quite a long time. Keeping it outside is
possible, especially with a cover. Even though this give some of us
the willies to do it.

- Corrosion is a issue with all planes before 1970, and some after.
Fabric or metal wings doesn't make a difference here.

- Repairing minor problems on fabric wings is cheaper that metal.

- Fabric will be a little slower - although in the price range I'm
after it's not a real consideration.

Malcolm Teas