Good to know on the fabric work. I know a viking that needs a recover, If the owner ever decides to do it I will point him your direction.

Good point on the fabric paint over. lots of stuff hidden under some of them. However, don't overlook a fabric plane because the paint is faded or miss matched. Many have recent repairs and may be in good shape. Just fly it the way it is!! The top of my wings look kind of rough but they fly just fine. My IA says not to repaint now just wait until repair is needed. He also pointed out with my skills wing repair may be sooner than later. I had a buddy get a great deal on a faded 182, spent two days cleaning and waxing the plane, It looked like a new paint job when he was done. Lots of metal planes go cheap because paint is falling off. As others have said they fly as good as the pretty ones and you won't feel so bad if you scrape the tail/belly on some brush.
DENNY

An Aeronca 7DC appeals to me. It's got electrics straight from the factory. I've got a few hours in them over the years and when rigged right they are nice simple airplanes.

There is a J3C with wing tanks, grove brakes, and 85hp with a starter out there. If I knew for sure I could get in and out of it I certainly would love to own it.

There's been a 100hp Taylorcraft on Barnstormers forever back east. When they stay for sale that long it can indicate maybe folks have looked and been disappointed.

I've had a hankering for a Rans S6 for a long time. Summer of 16 there were at least six that had been registered ELSA. I can do anything I want to one of those in addition to signing off the annual. Not a one is available this year.

An old friend of mine, well known to Alaskan sourdoughs, always told me to get a good airplane at a fair price. Make sure it fits the basic mission and then learn to make it work for you. One airplane will never make you happy by itself I think.

A young man that works for me just bought a 59 172. Farming 430, great paint and very nice interior. 24k. He just soloed in it and I gotta say it is very impressive how short that airplane gets in and out. Obviously he's alone and no load but it's impressive. Especially for a brand new student. And I love the visibility. Now he's talking about adding a sportsman stol kit and VG kit after he gets his private. Awesome plane for the money. At one time I owned a mid 60s model. Not awesome. Also if you can do the insurance early 0300 m4 maules can be had cheap also and with a flat pitch prop do very well on short field. Good luck in your search, it's half the fun!

Ughh spell check. Garmin 430