I am new inexperienced Beechcraft owner. I am a professional pilot living in Az, yet I work 6 week rotation in Asia.

I must confess, I didn't do much homework before the purchase, However I am confident that the price I paid and my eagerenss with 6 weeks off at a time will help with an owner assited rebuild.

It hasnt't flown in 10 years, The engine is 600hr E185-8 with electric prop.

If anyone has any words of encourgment or would like to verbally abuse me for my sporatic missigivings, I would certainly apprciate it!

Shaun

Shaun,

Welcome aboard and congratulations on having the courage to admit to your new Beech disease. You have displayed one of the common symptoms, that of being totally smitten by a Bonanza, throwing common sense away and handing over good money for a "only needs a few things for an airworthy" Bonanza

The early models have a simple charm to them that is very hard to resist - unless of course if you actually listened to the warnings of your wife or your accountant, your A&P, your flight instructor, your banker or your recently engaged psychiatrist.

Enough stirring - how about some pictures of your new toy!

Simon

Shaun,
Welcome to BeechTalk....."the quintessential Beechcraft Owners & Pilots Group providing a forum for the discussion of technical, practical, and entertaining issues relating to all Beech aircraft."

It's good that you have 6 week blocks of time to nurse this plane back to health after its 10 year hiatus. There are a bunch of older airplanes that just need someone to love them, and to keep them going.

They say that that engine and prop need a particular expertise; you will find it here on BeechTalk.

Thanks!

Welcome to the Beech Experience Shaun. There are quite a few BT'res here that can help you with those vintage Bonanza questions,

Shaun,

Welcome aboard. I'm sure by some of the comments you have already, you realize that you probably have a significant project.

The older Bonanzas are probably worth what the engine and radios are worth, so I'm sure you realize that it will be a labor of love and not a financial decision that won't cost, let alone break even.

And, this is a project for one who wants to work and tinker.... not fly... at least for awhile.

I rebuilt a K model once, which has a contemporary engine and couldn't sell it for half of what I had in it. But it was a delight to fly, had better economy that my friends Mooney and went faster. But, I went overboard on mods... didnt make sense. Panel, baggage, windows, radios, cosmetics, air scoop, vents, etc..........

BUT...... having said that, if you like to tinker, and futz with a classic you could be very happy. And as for flying, they are delightful. They handle extremely well, with well balanced controls, very light tough and perform very well with speed and fuel economy. And, they are easy to fly. While it probably won't be a load hauler, it will be great for two, luggage and some nice trips.

Now, post some pictures, interior and out. And let us know what your plans for fix up are. What will you do with the engine. I'm sure you will do a very through airframe inspection, above the prepurchase one, and are you thinking of any mods, radios, etc? You'll get a lot of comments from some of the folks that have been there.

Also, if you need specific help with the E series plane, contact Lou Gage. He writes for ABS magazine, owns an E plane and is a expert.... also a pro pilot (retired). Good guy.

Shaun,

Congratulations and I hope you enjoy it!!!

The best flying plane I have ever owned was a 1949 A35 with the E185-11 engine.

Shaun,

Great choice for a project. Always consider it a labor of love and a great educational experience. It will NEVER be a good monetary investment. First step is to join the American Bonanza Society and purchase some great reference books from them.
1. E series Bonanzas by Lew Gage
2. Colvins Clinic by Norm Colvin
3. Make use of the magazine archives on the ABS webpage. Many of your questions will be answered there.
4. Purchase the parts manuals and service manuals of EBAY.

I purchased mine under similar circumstances and have truly enjoyed the experience. The best advice I was given on the E series planes is to keep them simple and light and try to keep the electric prop. You will appreciate the build quality and robust systems if you are mechanically inclined.
Good luck!

Great, Thanks guys.

At this point I am really concerened with the engine and Prop, I would like to stay with them and hope that I can bring them to life at a reasonable cost. first is to stop any aging damage that is in process now, then attend to the rest of her.
When I can see light I will comence getting these back to the airframe.

With a midtime engine, does anyone know the dates for rebuild regardless of the TSOH?

The prop I understand will be an overhaul, looking at 250 hr Lube. And supprising no AD's!!
Pictures soon.

12 years, according to Continental Service Information Letter SIL 98-9A. Not that most people pay much attention to that.

First off, you aren't doomed to loose money on your project. I made money on mine. I had the same model as you, except someone had converted it to the 225 engine and hydraulic prop. It also had the baggage area aux fuel. It was probably the best flying aircraft that I have ever owned. It offered light, responsive, balanced handling, very nice speed, great economy, quiet comfortable ride, super short field performance, and a healthy dose of "ramp appeal". Congratulations on owning one of the finest aircraft ever manufactured, and in today's market the hands down winner for "most bang for the buck".

Welcome, and keep us up to date on the project. I'm curious how you plan to bring that engine back to life. There are some good inexpensive borescopes available now, and we recently had a good discussion on mag timing.

I am curious as well!!

Can't recommend Lew Gages' book enough. And he answers
specific questions in the magazine.

You will find that mechanics don't generally know much about
these powerplants and expenisve errors can be made.

So YOU need to become expert--with the help of Lew-- so you
can supervise the annuals and maintenance. Most important tool
to own is a BS detector.

The rest of the airframe is Bonanza and many are pretty good at
these.

Bill Hale

Hello Shaun, I also have a Be35, it is a great plane to fly, It has the E185-11 which gives you the 205 hp for take-off., with the beech 215 electric prop.
Like the others have posted it is light on the controls.
I have mine here at Ryan field here in tucson,az. If you need info on the servicing of the prop. I have a friend who has knowledge of them and has serviced them.
He is also a bonanza owner as well as instructor and a great person to fly with.