Being a long time Bo owner/operator/maintainer, I know people who know people. It might be a long shot, but here goes. I've been made aware of TWO E-series C35 and D35 that are in need of full restoration or at a minimum a lot of catch up maint. One of them has sat on the ramp in the PNW for 22 years(way inland, desert area no where near the coast). The engine was pickled in 2004 and is not seized. The interior is rough, it has a dual yoke($$$$), and some nice upgrades. It also has some corrosion on the ruddervators so those are a complete do-over($4500-6000 pair). Second plane has been in and out of a hangar, on the ramp, and under a covered tie down for 18 years. It's not as bad, but still will need a few months of Bo specialist A&P work.
The E-series Bo's are a labor of love. From 1948-1956, Beech made a ton of airframes. They are some of the best of the best as they used heavy carrythrough center sections, the same as the Beech Mentor. They are light, and with the 225 engine and 84 or 88" prop are remarkably fast for the age. The market supports those airframes that have been lovingly cared for and have been upgraded with Cleveland brakes, extended wing tips or tip tanks, single piece windscreen, third window, and a plethora of other useful options.
I would love to take these on, but I'm not an A&P, and although my IA would let me do the majority of the wrenching the sad fact is, with the new rules, any A&P has to literally watch over my shoulder each time I turn the screwdriver, or ratchet. Oversight of owner/op maintenance beyond that which is allowed by regs needs direct supervision, so the A&P might as well be in there doing it anyway, and not watching a goober owner.
The big question is - what's the cost? Well, I'll tell you. I can get both planes for under $30k. A breaker yard would pay around $18-22k each, but they will then charge the owner at least $3000 to de-mate, and carry away the carcasses. So - there is an opportunity there if an enterprising Bo lover wanted to get his/her hands dirty, and come away with a fantastic vintage go-fast plane. Yes - I already know the cost of this and that. You can blather about it if you like, and I won't disagree. But sweat equity does exist. I've seen early Bo's in good cond going for $60-90k. A cheap one is $45k depending on avionics.
Anyone want a job? For real? Or take on a few year commitment? I can get wing wrenches, and I have a 30' trailer that will haul them. I also have access to any kind of truss and crane needed to load em up and move em out. git-er-done........
The E-series Bo's are a labor of love. From 1948-1956, Beech made a ton of airframes. They are some of the best of the best as they used heavy carrythrough center sections, the same as the Beech Mentor. They are light, and with the 225 engine and 84 or 88" prop are remarkably fast for the age. The market supports those airframes that have been lovingly cared for and have been upgraded with Cleveland brakes, extended wing tips or tip tanks, single piece windscreen, third window, and a plethora of other useful options.
I would love to take these on, but I'm not an A&P, and although my IA would let me do the majority of the wrenching the sad fact is, with the new rules, any A&P has to literally watch over my shoulder each time I turn the screwdriver, or ratchet. Oversight of owner/op maintenance beyond that which is allowed by regs needs direct supervision, so the A&P might as well be in there doing it anyway, and not watching a goober owner.
The big question is - what's the cost? Well, I'll tell you. I can get both planes for under $30k. A breaker yard would pay around $18-22k each, but they will then charge the owner at least $3000 to de-mate, and carry away the carcasses. So - there is an opportunity there if an enterprising Bo lover wanted to get his/her hands dirty, and come away with a fantastic vintage go-fast plane. Yes - I already know the cost of this and that. You can blather about it if you like, and I won't disagree. But sweat equity does exist. I've seen early Bo's in good cond going for $60-90k. A cheap one is $45k depending on avionics.
Anyone want a job? For real? Or take on a few year commitment? I can get wing wrenches, and I have a 30' trailer that will haul them. I also have access to any kind of truss and crane needed to load em up and move em out. git-er-done........
