Cross-posting is generally poor 'netiquette, so I'll just post the link here. Just trying to get a little advice while generating some traffic for Volo.

https://www.volo.aero/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=35

Stuart,

Forgive my confusion. Are you personally asking for guidance. If so, I'll be happy to tell you what I know.

Jgreen

A J3 is a valuable tool in which to learn to fly.

It is valuable to the restoration and happiness of your soul.

It is valuable to occasionally keep you a little humble when life puffs you up and makes you feel like you know everything. This can occur during the engine start, cross wind taxi, takeoff or landing phases of flight.

It is valuable to put smiles on the faces of your kids and friends and friends' kids as they hang their knees in the breeze and enjoy the wonderful happiness of a 500-1000 AGL trip across the countryside of God's creation.

It is valuable in reminding you there is a heaven when wheels hit the grass at the close of Civil Twilight and you come knock-knock-knocking up to a dimly lit hangar in the cool of the day.

And good ones go for about $40k, I think.

Yes. I'm looking at a J-3 with a C-90, electric start, and comm radio. That makes it different from most of them on Barnstormers and TAP.

Sorry off topic. I love cubs and have owned a 1946 J3, but the graphics of volo aero are dismal. A bit dark for my taste.
Kevin

Please add "wing tanks" to you list of wants. Why?

- Greatly reduced risk of fire (in the event that you put it on its nose)
- Option to solo from the front seat

Stuart,

As you probably know, I have owned a Cub for over twenty years now. It is basically a J-3 converted to a PA-11 which was the "step" between the J-3 and PA-18 Super Cub. Very few PA-11' s were produced. There is, by the way, a great little paperback book that delineates all of the various models of the rag wing Pipers, "The Piper Classics" by Joe Christy.

In all the years I have bought and sold airplanes, I would have to say that the early tube and fabric models, be it a Taylorcraft, Luscombe, Piper, Cessna, Aeronca, etc., are easily the most difficult aircraft upon which to establish value or market price. There are just so many variables of condition, modifications and buyer preferences to erase any logical evaluation.

A few observations:

The little engines seem to defy all logic of the dangers of lack of use. I've seen them sit for years, then start on the first pull and run forever.

Issues with deterioration of the tube structure are equally rare except in the worst situations of abuse.

The condition of the fabric is everything. You won't find one with linen anymore so they all have some "modern" covering that if protected from ultraviolet seem to last "forever". They will likely need paint at least once before cover.

As far as recovering, if you go to a "name shop" you can spend well over $50,000. I can get you a first class job for under $25,000 if you will give the plane up for the winter.

The electrical system is of value, but not as much as you think. Many owners simply don't care. If a buyer wants electrical he will have nothing else and vice versa. IMO it probably adds $5,000 of value tops.

The one thing I don't like about the "stock" J-3 is the header tank, it is dangerous as it can be. That being said, if you want a "stock" J-3, you don't have an option.

I don't know squat about the current market because there really is none; just some buyers and some sellers trading airplane called J-3's where one bears little resemblance to the other in condition.

If I had to place a number on a "nice" average airplane, I'd say 20 to 25. I'm guessing that an electrical system on that airplane would add $2500. That would be one you would not have to spend any money on for 10 years. A REALLY nice one, $35,000.

I think you either find the one you want and buy it or shop the market for a long time and take the "best guess" of value. Either way, it is not a lot of money for a lot of fun.

Jgreen

Stuart....

My hangar is the very much like "heaven on earth"... I have a 1946 J3 and a V35A...doesn't get much better than that...

My J3 has an 85, wood prop, wing tank, and electric start. You need the wing tank just to keep a few extra gallons in it so when the air is warm and the flying perfect, you can spend a few more minutes enjoying life (without running out of fuel).

Secondly, you will fly your J3 more with an electric start... the idea of solo propping and getting into the plane, while it can be done safely, is not as good as strapping in, priming the engine, and pushing the button. I have a battery only... works great, recharge every 2 months.

A j3 is the greatest flying machine... it will be an instructive machine regardless of your aviation experience

Mike

You might want to ask your question in SuperCub.org. Lots of "Cubbies" there, Suoer and otherwise...

My middle son purchased a t shirt at Oshkosh last year that has Orville and Wilbur Wright having a conversation about the first flight of the Wright Flyer. Wilbur asked Orville "what does the Wright flyer fly like?" ....Orville says "It flies just like a Cub".

And there you have it!

I see you there ...

if you own a cub be sure and join www.supercub.org, it's like BT but for cubs.
gary

The prices of used J3's have been constant since the 1950's. A decent used cub sells for the same price as a new pickup truck.

I think I've priced mine too low http://www.barnstormers.com/classified_ ... ornia.html

I hope not. Have you priced pickups lately? Pretty easy to spend Supercub dollars.