HELP! To buy or not...rough 63 aztec for $25,000

I never like to rain on someones parade just because they are new to the
game, but this airplane will be trouble...
Your initial engine repair estimates are low by a factor of 3X just to get
em running properly - and then only for a time, maybe a year or so... You
are likely to then find that the engines will both need major overhauls...
One already has the sickness, and as soon as you start using them, so will
the other...
Next, you may find that the props and hubs are out of limits.. Once that
little overhaul is done, you will discover that the rpm wobble also involved
the prop controllers, for a another thousand bucks or so...
You likely will discover that the power pack needs an overhaul, where you
will then discover that most of the hydraulic hoses need replacing... Not
to mention that you need new seals on the gear cylinders, and that the pivot
bushings are shot, causing you to drop the gear - where you will find or
break some limit switches and wiring that needs replacing...
And, while we are on hoses, how about the fuel lines, hmmm? And, you better
get a look at the fuel bladders - probably gonna need some bucks thrown at
them..
Now, lets get into the control surfaces... Most likely the pivot bushings
are worn and the surfaces are sloppy and will need a rebuild... And, how
are the cables and pulleys? And, while we are inside the fuselage how many
AD's have not been done, hmmm? Don't tell me about the log book, have the
mechanic go look.. There's gonna be some surprises on a ship that was not
maintained in the first place

Awww riiight, I'm only getting warmed up (I do speak Aztec) but I'm gonna
stop beating on you here... I hope you get the picture, and that you get
actual, real world, estimates before putting down one penny your paint
estimate is out to lunch... If in the end the math adds up for you, then
go for it... Me, I would look for a plane that was maintained that is in
the $75K - $100K range, that I can fly away - and save myself a lot of grief
and dollars in the end..
Denny

"david" wrote in message
...
I have a chance to buy a 63 aztec in rough condition. It would be my
first plane.

"Dennis O'Connor" wrote in message ...

Next, you may find that the props and hubs are out of limits..

Right, I believe this things has the Hartzell X/V hub props on them.
They're probably already unserviceable. Has the first inspection
required by the AD from a few years back been done yet? This
is done every 250 (or 500 hours). A large number of the props
sent to Hartzell for the inspections get defiled by Hartzell as unserviceable.

Dennis O'Connor wrote:

Next, you may find that the props and hubs are out of limits..

He said it has brand new props.

George Patterson
Great discoveries are not announced with "Eureka!". What's usually said is
"Hummmmm... That's interesting...."