There's a great looking 150 square tail for sale that's been converted to both a taildragger (Lowe STC) and a 150hp. It has all the aspects that I'd be looking for in a new plane, but it seems too spendy. The owner is asking $50k. Does anyone have any experience with these? And does anybody have any knowledge of other 150/150 taildraggers that have sold that I can use for comparison to get a better understanding of pricing?

Sounds insane to me! You can buy a descent 180 for that right now or a sick 170. If it was a bad mutha it might be worth 25k IF that's what you wanted. Just my 2c.

There have been several older straight tail 172's advertised for under $20K. Remove the rear seat, and think of it as a 150/150 with more wingspan and aspect ratio, more wing area, more fuel, more cabin shoulder width, and a baggage compartment the size of a commercial refrigerator. The old girl has decent STOL performance with two aboard, just keep your tool kit, survival kit, and luggage as far rearward as you can get it.

The 150/150 conversions can have a very low legal useful load if they are not done properly. You can have a single seat (legal) airplane if you are not very careful. My hangar neighbor has one like that. Any restorer who has added so much stuff to it, that they think it's worth 50K, has probably added enough weight to make it a one-seater.

There are a couple of tailwheel conversion options, one available right now in Fairbanks (Stoots Aviation) and an improved one I will be offering in early/mid 2013. Even with the more expensive option in Fairbanks, you would come out significantly less than $50K IMHO.

This is the one, just for reference sake. I guess there's an upgross with it.

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/CESSNA-150/1961-CESSNA-150/1265283.htm?dlr=1&pcid=66

Sweet plane. Not 50k sweet tho. Your in 180 range at that price.

I know, it's unbelievable that you can buy a 180 for that money these days. But, I'm not interested at all in a 180. I want a light, 2-3 place plane. I totally understand that this 150 is not worth $50k, I'm looking for opinions on what it IS worth.

I was the previous owner of that plane and I liked it a lot. Good peformance, economoical. And I had around $50K in it. The stc also allowed for 180hp. Gross wt was increased, but I can't remeber to what. I put the larger fuel tanks in and seems I could carry a passenger and full fuel. My biggest compplaint was not much roon in it for passenger or baggage.
Gary

Sounds insane to me! You can buy a descent 180 for that right now or a sick 170. If it was a bad mutha it might be worth 25k IF that's what you wanted. J

I am shopping for a decent 180 or a sick 170B. I would like to see what is available for $50K I haven't seen anything good in that price range, except for Matt's.
Thanks Gary

That was yours Gary? Man U know how to build some cool planes. As we all know its unfortunate you hardly ever can get what u put into building something. Unless you find the right person. Pundy, the what is it worth question is tough question. Depends on if you want to be able to get out of it soon for any reason. Whether its to upgrade or whatever. If its exactly what you want, then it may be worth way more to you. Because you can't buy one and make it for that. What's your reason for wanting a plane like that? That price range opens you up to lots of options. Like Gary said, your very very limited on room. Your in 180,170, super cub, maule territory. All more versatile in my opinion. Of course I'm the only one with an opinion.

Gary I ran across several that coulda been bought in the 50's low 60's while I was lookin. Ill keep an eye out for ya. Did ya see that green one up around Denver a few months ago? It was pretty nice but the guy didn't have logs b4 90. I don't think he sold it and I think I may still have his # if you'd like. I know which one I'd run at right now if I hadn't just one. Good luck buddy.

If I remember right, I got $38K for it when I sold it, and that wasn't easy, in a much better market.
And I would still like to see a good deal on an early 180

I went to the 180 from there, and never regretted the switch.

The 150 was a very good plane, just goes back to mission, mission, mission

Wow, what a small world Gary. I sent you a PM with a couple of questions.

I bought a C150/150TD in 2008, new paint, 10 SMOH, $36K. 1964 model, original gross weight 1500, bumped to 1760 with the "texas" engine upgrade. Weighs about 1240 right now with 850's, minimal panel, and no vacuum system, so not a helluva lot of useful load (520#). $50K for the linked airplane seems a bit steep, esp in this economy. Esp with 1200 hours on the engine, I'd say down around what I paid would be about right. Specs say "O-320-E2D Peterson Conversion", and that the gross was bumped to 1735. I nver heard of the peterson conversion STC so I can't verify that, but I do know some of the engine conversion STC's (like mine) do NOT bump the gross for the 1959-1963 (fastback) models. If you do look into buying a C150/150TD, I'd double-check the empty & gross weights and the CG, as well as look at the wheel alignment (aka toe-in)-- lotsa these airplanes are less than optimal in these two areas.
That said, I really like my airplane. Lots sportier to fly than my old ragwing C170, good performance, and (relatively) inexpensive to operate. Great for solo sport flying, or one or two people with light camping gear-- but if you like a luxury camp better get something bigger.