Hello all,

I have read this forum for quite some time and helped while the time away while I was in Afghanistan. And now I would like some opinions about HOW to do this properly.

Background:
My friend and mechanic (A/P) found a twin commanche that the owners must get rid of as all three if them have medical issues and haven't flown in for three (3) years. It has been hangared the entire time in a very dry climate. My mechanic is considering going partners with me on this plane. I can afford to do this and he throws in the maintenance for pre-buy and annual.

Specifics:
1965 Turbo twin commanche with tip tanks
Engines have 500 hours since overhaul
Paint is good (6-ish) and original colors and paint
Panel is original and IFR capable
All ADs were complied with before storage (will be verified with Pre-buy and annual)
No known damage history (to be Verified)
The price is such that I can not refuse and the partner rarely flies, but he wants this plane as part of his stable and wants to help me with my long range flying

Questions:
What would you suggest prior to buying?
What upgrades would you make immediately or ASAP? (Use a figure of no more Than 15 AMUs for the immediate Upgrades.
This plane will be used for long range flights from Ft Polk to Atlanta, PA, NJ, and OR.

Yes, I will also be using this plane for Multi training.

Thanks,

Martin

How old are those 500-hour engines? That makes a difference.

Are the hoses and baffles and lines and seals all OK?

Does it have a capable GPS? An autopilot?
Those two things I consider absolutely necessary, and would be where I'd "upgrade" if they're not already in place.

Boroscope the cylinders. See if you can get a look at the cams to see if there is any corrosion. Check for corrosion.

How ancient are the radios. The entire panel may need to be redone as well.

Have it checked out by someone who knows Twinkies.

It would be great to save another one of these really nice planes. Good luck.

Hi Martin-

It sounds like this could be a fun plane, and a good opportunity if your partner is willing to invest the required mechanic skill over the first year or so to fix things that will crop up. As mentioned, try to pay particular attention to the cams and look for general corrosion in the engines. Definitely talk to a Twinkie expert to find out what to look for on your inspection. I would set aside your $15k upgrade budget for the first year, and just fly it with the current equipment, assuming it works and is IFR capable. If you haven't spent your upgrade budget on unexpected expenses by the second annual, then you can think about upgrades. The exception to this is shoulder harnesses, which you should install immediately.

Bear in mind that if you ultimately desire a fully modern panel, you may not get your money out of such an upgrade when you sell the plane. To me, that is not a big deal. I buy new avionics because I want to use them, not because I expect to recover the cost. (Consequently, I still fly around with some pretty ancient avionics.)

Good luck!

Regards,

Bob

Generators or alternators?

Do the Ron & Jon's Comanche shop flat panel STC conversion!!!

have the gear checked carefully as per comanchegear.com Heck replace all the switches! They will leave you with the gear stuck up or down at some point. Just went through this on a 65 that had been sitting 15 years.


Wait for a 430W to come on the market.
Do a cheap audio panel 430 and a modern (within the last 25 years com 2)
Get the avionics bus out of the floor and install where the audio selector used to be on the lower right. Install a real avionics master.
Install a gear warning system.

Wow,
These are great ideas.

A little more info that my potential partner and I have discussed:

- he is going to examine each cylinder and cam and as much as he can before we but
- the plane does NOT have a GPS of any kind, but we do have a 496
- plane does have an autopilot ... Piper 111 I think


- not sure about alternator or generator
We plan to switch to alternators
- my first thoughts of upgrades were:
Shoulder harness - keep me alive
Engine monitor - keep engine and me alive

All else is up for discussion especially from experienced owners and pilots

Interesting thoughts about the panel and switches


Martin

There are some model specific parts availability quirks to turbo TCs. I have an email out to someone who owns one. What price are they offering? Lotta in-annual airworthy twins to be had for $50k.

I was remembering incorrectly. Nevermind.

That is my favorite airplane. 195 mph class. Let me know if you decide not to take it.

Charles makes a very good point here. I had been assuming you could obtain this at a "bargain basement" price given the history. It is definitely worth comparing the contemplated price to the cost of a flying Baron with mid-time engines.

Regards,

Bob

Please think many times..... And then buy a 55 Baron. Support especially for the Turbo Twin Comanche is limited to not even a handful of knowledgeable people.

Check out the http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/main.a ... 2001599485 Forum the people that own and fly Comanche airplanes Lots of knowledge there.

Pay $30k and keep it cheap.

Love to see some pics!

To see the cam on a Lycoming I believe you have to pull a cyl. This would involve new rings and honing the cyl. to put it back on but It might be worth it if you find rust or spalling.