On Sat, 23 Oct 2004 23:31:52 GMT, soxinbox wrote:

I am getting ready to buy my first plane. I am considering an early 60s
bonanza or debonair. Some of these planes don't have a standard "six pack"
panel layout, and I was wondering if anyone had an idea of how much this
would cost to upgrade. I probably would update the radios at the same time,
but I am really interested in the cost of the panel only.

Mine http://www.rogerhalstead.com/833R/833R_frame.htm has the non
standard T arrangement. I don't know if there's an STC but I've seen
a lot of them that have been changed. The non standard T can be a bit
confusing if you aren't used to it, but it sure is nice for partial
panel work. Another non standard, but nice feature is the air speed
indicator is CAS and not IAS. They ride the bumps very well but are
not at all forgiving if you get behind the airplane. They are
absolutely rudder only in stalls.

I understand it's an easy conversion to move the instruments. STC or
how cheap? I have no idea. I found mine easy to use so never bothered
changing it. One thing you will note is they have very poor panel
lighting for night flight. A good set of post lights or the new ring
lights would be a good investment.

If you crawl under the panel be prepared for a shock as a 40 to 45
year old airplane will probably look pretty ratty under there.

Most already have the radios upgraded to something more modern, but
may not have GPS. Mine was modern when I purchased it, but the old
KNS-80 RNAV is a tad outdated now. :-))

I've spent quite a few hours "in the soup" in mine.

If you have the chance the upgrade to the Deshannon Speed sloped
windshield (3/8" or 1/2") along with the 1/4 inch side windows is
worth the investment. You can fly in torrential rain and not hear it.

One thing you want in a Deb or Bo is a good autopilot if you plan on
any instrument work. " Mine has the S-tec 50 although I'd like to
have a 60. I've thought of having a certified enroute and approach GPS
installed, but so far I've stuck with the King Silver Crown stack and
use my Garmin 295. I like the new map anywhere and may just stick on
the yoke or top of the panel.

Look for one with the 260 (IO-470N). They are faster and use only a
little more gas.

Be sure to check the main spar carry through for cracks.
Check the throttle and prop cables for jacket integrity and ease of
operation. The jackets tend to get brittle and flake off leaving
them open to moisture, but this is true of most old airplanes.

Check for wrinkles up front, although they are not nose heavy and have
almost unbelievable elevator authority some do end up landing on the
nose gear. Landing book figures are shorter than a 172. Other than
the pattern entry they both fly the pattern close to the same speeds.
The Deb has a lot more momentum, is far slipperier, and has a higher
sink rate, but you almost have to try to make one float.

Also does anyone know if there are any STC'ed conversions to a standard
power/prop/mixture quadrant for these older planes.

They are standard, Everyone else is backwards. :-))

I learned in the Deb so anything else really is backwards to me. You
have to reach over to get the gear handle while the newer ones have it
right by your hand.


Thanks in advance for any help.

I've put over a 1000 hours on mine and the maintenance has been quite
reasonable. A visit to a Bonanza service clinic is well worth the
cost as is the ABS/Air Safety Foundation Bonanza specific training.
Actually it would be worth joining the ABS if you are considering the
purchase of one. They are a wealth of information.

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com