New Member (old Sonex dream still alive)

[patriot3300]

Hi Everyone,

I bought Plans in 2012 and never got started fast forward and my Son is now 8 and maybe we can do this together.

There is a Waiex kit about 4 hours away so I am thinking about going that route rather than scratch build.

Of course the kit is old and has some blemishes but has been stored inside at a residence so i am thinking mostly spit and polish to clean up.

What do you all Think a ballpark would be on a value for the kit and are there any big pitfalls with a kit this old ?

It's with the original buyer/builder so hasn't been all around the country and only control surfaces have been worked on.

While i am thinking about it is there anyone with 200 miles of Richmond Va I can get a ride with ? I am 5 11 and weigh 215.

So Many Questions ! Thank You !!!

[XenosN42]

I would offer no more than what the original buyer paid for the kit. Start out with less, he might be anxious to move it. Shouldn't be any problems with the age of the kit. Just check the list of Waiex revisions.

[patriot3300]

Thanks Michael,

Here are some pics,Is this typical of aluminum wrapped
In paper ?

[XenosN42]

Looks OK to me. The 6061 aluminum alloy is very corrosion resistant. If you wish you could polish that up to a mirror like shine.

I’ve heard that in some cases that the plastic protective coating may stick to flat pieces if left on for years (and years and years). If you run into that a little heat, from a heat gun, should release it. For smaller pieces that stick and won’t come off just soak a paper towel in mineral spirits, place it on the spot, wait a few minutes and it will come right off.

[WesRagle]

Hi "patriot3300" (Would be nice to know your real name :-)

My opinion differs a little form Michael's. I bought an old kit and paid right at 1/2 the price of a brand new kit. I think that is pretty standard.

Ref: https://www.barnstormers.com/classified-1583472-Sonex-AeroVee-Taildragger-Kit.html. Not that unusual.

Also if enough time has passed that the plastic becomes one with the aluminum sheet, it won't come off for love nor money. I gave up and bought new flap and aileron skins.



Be aware that with an old kit you will have to be vigilant about checking print revisions. I got bit a couple of times during the Onex build. One more thing, check both sides of the sheet material to be sure water wasn't allowed between the sheets and left standing. Without a thorough inventory expect some missing bits.

Best of Luck,

Wes

[patriot3300]

Thanks Gentleman,

I am Stuart Reynolds and it is my pleasure to be here !

Your information and advice are Greatly appreciated !

Here to learn,learn,learn.

Stuart

[Sonex1517]

Welcome Stuart!

[patriot3300]

Thanks for the warm welcome !

[patriot3300]

Ok,perhaps a little more about me. I started off in a Drifter in 2000 soloed as An ultralight pilot in it and didn’t fly for a while mainly due to the cost.
Back to flying again in 03 C172 and got the private in 06.
Flew none for 6 months and got my Tw endorsement in a citabria when I started again.
Today I own a Pa28 and I’m tired of the cost to operate it and would like to have some (fun) aka Drifter in 00.
There is a Sonex north of me at Kptb but I have no idea who owns it.
Is There anyone near me flying a Sonex that would like to share the passion for flight ?

Thanks !

Stuart

[patriot3300]

Correction, the Sonex I know of locally is a Kofp Hanover county airport In Ashland Va.

Stuart