Wing recover on 140

[8350]

Soon to be new owner one of two 1947 140's. Old Bonanza driver (77) having owned 5 Bonanzas and one Debonair trying to decide on a 140, probably my last airplane to own. Both engines have the O-200: one has 140 SMOH by Premier engines in Troutdale, Oregon; the other has a very new IRAN, not cosidered a major O/H. All parts were inspected, replaced or repaired including crankcase, crank, cam, basically all moving parts. I am leaning toward the one with the Premier O/H which also has new fabric (stits-ploy fiber??) recovered in 2015. The other's wings were done in 1991 (left wing) 1993 (left wing). This plane has been hangared since the wings were recovered. The wings look like new to me. My main concern with this 140 is with the wings: How long can one expect the fabric to last if it has been hangared since the wing was recovered? Also this 140 owner is "type A"; the engine compartment was painted and after 140 hours looks brand new, like factory new! The rest of the plane is equal to the engine compartment as far as detail and looks. Thanks in advance for your help in making my decision. Looking forward to learning how to fly these wonderful flying machines! John Farrell Portland, Oregon

[7365]

With all of the modern fabric systems (ceconite/poly fiber, etc), if the fabric job was done correctly and the airplane is hangared, it'll last well beyond 25 years... Personally, I prefer to recover stuff if its been longer than 20-25 years, mostly for inspection purposes.

[6643]

How long can one expect the fabric to last if it has been hangared since the wing was recovered?

Virtually forever. Your post says the left wing was recovered in 1991 and again in 1993. Did you mean one in 1991 and the other in 1993? (I'm guessing you did...)

[8350]

Yes, I meant left wing recovered in '91; right wing in '93. Thanks for the information!!

[6298]

My vote is for the second one. Sounds like it is well cared for by the current owner. Poly fiber can last for 40 years outside. Always hangared is a big plus.

[8350]

Randy; My original post after re-reading it is confusing. I am leaning toward the one with major O/H from Premier Engines with left wing recovered in ''91 right in '93. The rest of plane including the engine compartment looks better than when it left the factory. BTW always in Oregon. All logs from flight in '47 from factory to Oregon.

[6298]

If the original test flight was done by Mort Brown, you will have a historical gem.

[8350]

When I Review the original logs of the flight from Factory to Oregon I'll post.

[V529]

I recovered my wings in 1998. Other than a few Oshkoshs, 120/140 Convention most years, a few misc fly ins, the airplane is inside almost 100 % of the time. I hope to not have to recover the wings again in my life time. So far so good. 20 years and it all looks brand new still. (Polyfiber process)

To assist with your engine choices: General info;

A recent overhaul and constant activity(flying) is about the best medicine for an airplane engine.

Sitting static(non flying) and or poor oil change activity is about the hardest situation on an aircooled airplane engine. Other than cold starts and/or reving the engine right after start up.

FWIW, our flight school trainers all have Lyc engines. Over the past 13 years I've been with this company we've only had one not make TBO. ( we change out engines about every 3-4 years on the trainers) I list Lycomings because they seem to suffer more than Continentals from "sitting idle".
Our trainers are brutalized. Cold starts, high RPM after starts, flooded starts, endless take offs and landings etc, etc, etc.

Speaks well for continuous flying and regular oil changes. And yes, we use Phillips XC20W-50 oil.

If that helps with your engine choice between the two aircraft great.

I will say when we sold my Dad's C-140 about 10 years ago, The engine had been topped about 10 years prior to that, the lower end. (full overhaul) was done when Kennedy was President..........speaks well of how long a Continental will hold up with intermittent use. I would not expect a Lycoming to hold up that well.

[8350]

Deal is supposed to happen tomorrow. Unfortunately, she needs to sit out for about a week or so until I can fly her to my beach hangar at S45. Hope to secure a hangar in PDX area soon. Until then, she will be tied down and mostly out of the wind with a make-shift cover (from my previous vintage machine, a 1989 Scorpio; bet no one knows that automobile!). Plan to get her in a hangar ASAP!! N2061N has been in Oregon her entire life. Logs show that Mort Brown was her test pilot 18 January 1947. First x-country flight was from Wichita KS to Klamath Falls, Oregon 22/23 January, 1947! Flight log showed over 10 hour flight if I recall. Amazing, in the middle of the winter!!!