I recently bought a 1961 Colt project that I will be working on. My original intent was to keep the fuselage for an experimental build (Wagabond) and part out everything else. The Wagabond is a Vagabond replica, but the fuselage is almost identical to the Colt's fuselage, largest difference being main gear mount locations. The first Piper I ever fell in love with was a Colt, back when I did not know the difference between a Colt and a TriPacer. A lot of people think the fuselage is the same between the two just minus rear seating, but actually the Colt fuselage is shorter resulting is an overall length around 18'8" whereas a TriPacer is 20'6" But after looking everything over and talking to a neighbor friend and A&P, I have decided to build it back as a Colt. There are a few parts missing, and going this route will not be the cheapest way to end up with a Colt but once done it will be in very good shape and like I want it for the most part. I feel like I bought a kit plane now without the build instructions It will make a great trainer as I am a pilot to be ! Friends and neighbors who have seen it pulled out of my garage always ask "Do you know how to fly"? I just joke and say no, but how hard can it be? It's like riding a bike, you just have to do it, fall off a few times until you get it right. The looks I get are priceless, then I explain the whole deal about plane rental for training, etc and this is a good way to go if I am going to buy a plane anyway (by buying first, not necessarily a project).
I have a few mods via STCs I am thinking about, like a skylight, vortex generators, and rear TriPacer/Pacer type windows (which can be done via a 337). I would like to do Sullivan or Stewart wing tips, but I need to watch my budget and I am not sure there would be as much benefit of extended wing tips on a Colt as is seen on the larger TriPacer and Pacer. I also plan to go 135 or even better 150 HP. I think that, in conjuction with Vortex generators will make a very nice performing Colt.
I will try to do updates as I go, and will post some pictures soon as well.
I have a few mods via STCs I am thinking about, like a skylight, vortex generators, and rear TriPacer/Pacer type windows (which can be done via a 337). I would like to do Sullivan or Stewart wing tips, but I need to watch my budget and I am not sure there would be as much benefit of extended wing tips on a Colt as is seen on the larger TriPacer and Pacer. I also plan to go 135 or even better 150 HP. I think that, in conjuction with Vortex generators will make a very nice performing Colt.
I will try to do updates as I go, and will post some pictures soon as well.
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