The 1946 Cessna 120 that was donated to the chapter in 2021 is for sale as a complete airplane project. The project has been a wonderful learning experience, but it has reached a critical milestone. We’ve reached the end of our interest free loan. The purpose of the loan was to enable the restoration. We had hoped the project would attract an owner, or perhaps jump start a flying club. That has not happened. Without funds and ownership, the project can’t proceed. We’re selling the project to re-pay the loan.
The asking price is $25,000, about $2,000 less than our total expenditure. We spent $19,500 on the motor and $5,000 on the wings. We estimate the current fair market value of the engine to be $18,000-$22,000, and the wings to be $4,000-$6,000. The airframe is sound and and we have many rare parts. We plan to sell the airplane as a complete aircraft. The sale is as-is, where-is.
There is a lot of interest in seeing the airplane fly. It would be a great airplane for group ownership. This is the preferred outcome. Assembling the airplane would provide the experience needed to care for the airplane. The cost of completing the project is reasonable. The airplane offers a lot of utility and economy. There is plenty of experience and resources available, but it won’t happen without a committed owner or owners.
We’ve completed the biggest, and dirtiest jobs which had the biggest unknowns. For example, the machine work on the engine took 18 months and had an unknown cost. The airplane was complete before disassembly – we have all of the original parts. What remains to be done is mostly re-assembly. We have a concise list of parts that need to be replaced and their costs.
The wings were completed in 2023 using the Stewarts system, up to the UV/primer coats. They are ready for the final color coat. The wing restoration was supervised by an A&P/IA. The A&P completed an FAA form 337 and a logbook entry.
The motor was completed in January 2024 using yellow tagged and/or new parts. Four new Millennium cylinder assemblies and all new hardware were used. The starter pinion was modified for a lightweight starter. The motor was rebuilt by an experienced A&P/IA. The A&P completed a 337 and a logbook entry.
Most of the paint was removed from the airframe. The main gear legs were stripped and painted with epoxy primer. Many parts, e.g. the controls, peddles, main and tail wheels, were refurbished. The sale photo album includes highlights. More photos are available on request.
Ad details:
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- 1946 Cessna 120 S/N: 9798, registered N72622
- Engine: Continental C85-12F. Rebuilt using yellow tag and/or new parts.
- McCauley Met-L-Prop 1A90 CF7149 (71” diameter, 49” pitch).
- Airframe total time: 2168 hours (tachometer)
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- Airframe, engine and propeller logbooks and maintenance records are fairly complete.
- All ADs up to date.
- STCs: Cleveland brakes, C-150 exhaust, fabric rivets, Mogas
- The registration is current, the owner is EAA Chapter 105
- Interesting history – in Oregon since new
What’s needed to complete the project (estimated $10K-$15K):
- Magneto rebuild/replacement
- Carb rebuild
- Electrical system – starter, wiring, battery, ELT, radio. ADSB-out?
- Instrument overhaul (venturi driven)
- Windscreen
- Brake parts
- Paint wings
- Tires and tubes
For additional information contact Chris Riedener. Serious inquiries only please.
Cell/text: 503-754-5605, or email: chris.j.riedener@gmail.com
Project: 1946 Cessna 120