Rat Plane Repair and Insurance -update

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

I've received 2 quotes from the closest repair facilities the insurance company knows of to repair my 170. (see http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... f=5&t=7142 )

First my insurance is, Phoenix Aviation. Their representative came out and looked at my plane and figured repairs would be about $20K. I've got it insured for $40K so if that is what repairs turned out to cost the plane was well within the allowable cost to get it repaired.

Two quotes later from the closest repair facilities which are a few hours drive from my place have the cost of repairs that they can see at between $28K and $29.5K. The quotes include disassembly and transport to the repair facility replacement or repair of the damage, repaint and return. Neither of the repair facilities think there is carry through spar damage and nothing is included for landing gear bulkhead repair if that should be needed.

Now most insurance companies automatically total an aircraft when repair will be 70% of the insured value. Phoenix however does not have a hard and fast rule. But $28K is 70% of the insured value and of course $29.5K is over that and that doesn't leave any wiggle room for found damage or overage at the repair process takes place.

The insurance company has also gotten salvage bids from between $2500 and $12500 so that hasn't helped factor into what the insurance company would like to do. I'm still on the fence depending on what time of day it is.

So we sit and wait because the correct way to proceed has not hit us over the head yet. We have sometime. I have my Cub to fly if I must and I have access to another 170A so I'm not going to be sitting around looking up at the sky and wishing I had a plane to fly.

[hilltop170]

Bruce-
Those estimates are probably so high due to the difficulty in matching the paint! They understand how hard it is to re-create a quality rat plane without looking like a fake.

GET IT FIXED!!!!!!! Don't let them send it to the junk yard.

[Jr.CubBuilder]

That's sad news to hear about your plane Bruce, I hope you can get her flying again.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Richard one of the gentleman issuing the quote called me to go over the quote. He assured me they could match the paint exactly. I just laughed and asked if he really had to do that.

Actually some of the cost might be because the wings are L-19 and those parts come at a premium though I don't think it's driving the cost.

[W.J.Langholz]

Bruce

Here's a thought for you. I have only owned 1 new car in my life, so when I going looking at the good used ones on the market compaired to what I'm driving my thought process goes to looking at what I have(knowing all the little ideosyncrasies) or buying someone elses that you don't know. I usually keep the one I have. Your plane is like and old saddle, nice and comfy eh .
If you get to the repair station and it does go over 30k will the insurance still cover it? Then go for it,that's why you pay your premium

Have a good week "FLYING" (yipie!)


W.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

W ordinarily, and as it is about 12 hours out of each day, I would agree with you, go with what you know. Either way I'll still be flying a 170.

N7A front low res.jpg

This is me flying my good friend Leroy Walter's 170A. This airplane has some very unique features. The first is it's N #. Can't get any shorter than that. Second it still sports cross wind landing gear. Third despite having about 30 owners over it's life, it has never been owned outside of Pennsylvania. And last but certainly not insignificant, it is another of those fast Green A models that will leave Georges Red B model in the dust.

The Paint today has a fine rat plane quality and the interior is functional though patched over the rears with material similar to the way it started. It does have a headliner. Leroy and I have the very same view on vehicles and maintenance and we get along well together. There could be a partnership down the road it my plane goes away.

So regardless if or when my Rat Plane gets fixed rest assured I'll be traveling in style and should a contest break out for a coveted RP trophy, I won't be missing a beat.

[GAHorn]

Bruce, you absolutely MUST do whatever it takes to get your airplane repaired. Remember our motto: "Formed to preserve and promote a truly classic airplane".
Besides, even a good RAT plane has at least SOME RED on it!

[hilltop170]

Bruce- GET IT FIXED!!!!!!! Don't let them send it to the junk yard.

I stand corrected. I forgot about your friend and his 170. If you and Leroy can work out a partnership deal and get your plane totalled, it might be the best deal. You and Leroy both get to put money in your pockets and fly for 50 cents on the dollar. It doesn't usually work that well.

I know you don't want a project but if you still have sentimental attachment to your plane, buy the salvage and see what happens down the road. With all the "changes" your plane has, salvage might go cheap (no offense). Then buy that '52 B on the horrible E-word site and then you just swap parts until it's flying again. The '52 B ad claimed all paperwork but didn't mention data plate.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

And you see the difficulty moving forward. First I MUST do EVERYTHING I can to preserve the breed (after all it's Red ). Some would argue the parts would go far to preserve OTHER examples of the breed.

Then the reality sets in. I have 4 local friends and between us we have 4 170's. The owners all have sentimental attachment to their planes but we should only have one between us. Some of us have sentimental attachment to some degree to all the airplanes. The logical airframe to get rid off first is the damaged one. But we've already chewed this over on another thread.

So until the magic light appears and shows us the path to take things are moving slowly as to the airplanes disposition.

[W.J.Langholz]

I like the 170A....nice green color

Like I always tell my wife, if I happen to die(ie:your 170) TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN!!!!!!!!!!!


W.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

After three months of thought and conversation with many knowledgeable folks I've directed the insurance company to total my airplane as that was my choice. It was not an easy decision and still isn't. Funny how we get attached to these machines.

The plane is most likely very repairable and has been and will probably be a fine airplane for someone, just not me. If your one of those folks looking to bid on salvage from insurance companies my insurance is Phoenix Aviation, N9149A same as my user name. Contact me before you bid and I'll tell you all about the airplane. It has an interesting history.

I'm talking with my buddy with the 170A pictured above about a partnership. If that doesn't work out I don't know what I'll do for a 170 but there are several examples for sale in my price range and I'm a MUCH smarter 170 buyer than I was when I bought my first one though I was pretty smart then and it didn't help. Hopefully I can keep that insurance check from burning a hole in my pocket long enough to work out a good deal to my advantage and this mess with be behind me.

[170C]

Bruce, sorry you 170 ended up a total although I can understand that for you (and for me if it was mine) a total probably works best to permit you to quickly get back in another one. Good hunting! I still don't know how you guys handle 2 or more planes. One keeps me busy & broke While looking remember to look for one of those GREEN ones

[SteveF]

Bruce,

It's a real painful decision but you will be flying a lot sooner this way. You never know - someday you may buy a salvage part and wind up with a part of 9149A in you new plane.

Good luck in your search!!!!

[DaveF]

Take your time and enjoy the shopping. Post updates and let me know if you need me to look at any candidates in the Denver area.

[170C]

Bruce, same goes for 170's here in the Fort Worth area or for that matter anywhere down here. If I can't take a look at it I'll bet we will have some member close by that can. At least I can look and then call you and discuss what my opinion is. I'll certainly be happy to assist anyway I can and I'm sure other member will be too.
Frank