I finally pulled the trigger. After about a three year research process which took me from 108s to Pacers to 170s back to pacers to M-4s and so on I finally did it. I wanted something with the climb of a SuperCub, doors of a Maule, manners of a 108, sex appeal of a 170, power of a 180, speed of a Mooney and fuel burn of an S-7.
Its often said that every airplane is a compromise of some sort and for my current station in life the Pacer is the best combination of all those things as long as I slid the similarity bar to the left a ways. Additionally, price of admission, cost of care and feeding, insurance, and availability weighed heavily. I searched to the ends of the interweb and after seeing footage of Highroad's Pacer and the so-called "Pie Chaser" from some dudes down under as well as many others I was satisfied that in the right hands and properly equipped this little bird can flat get it done.
Once that was decided, I started the search for the right one. As well equipped, well taken care of, undamaged, with the lowest time I could find. Show queens, repos, half owned, rotten fabric hurricane salvages need not apply.
In the end, I decided on 05A, an A&P owned 1957 PA-22/20-150 with 35 SMOH, good fabric, decent paint, and IFR equipped. Other highlights include a climb prop, sealed struts, Madras tips, a full skylight, shoulder harnesses, Federal 2500 straight skis, Aero tail ski, 8.5x6 tires, auto fuel STC and spin on oil filter.
The only catch is that this specimen is no fewer than 2047nm away. This would likely have deterred me had I not followed Troy Hamon's journey to take delivery of The Island Girl.
I sniffed around to learn how to do it right on a long distance deal, and ultimately questioned the owner, his IA and had a very detailed pre-buy performed by another IA who had no prior contact with the plane or it's owner. An offer was made, a little haggling ensued, and I ultimately wound up paying asking price but with the addition of the skis which the owner was asking $3500 for. Maybe it's just to make myself feel better, but by my math with the addition of the skis to the deal at no added cost, I like to look at it like I talked him down $3500
I enlisted the services of Suzanne at AIC title/escrow co. and went full Monte with title search as well as title insurance. The paperwork was handled, the details came through and the deal was closed.
I have since had a thorough annual completed and since the plane hasn't flown for a number of years, hired a CFI local to the plane to put a few hours on the bird as a "confidence flight"
On May 7th (my birthday), I'll fly commercial to Syracuse, NY, drive up to Fulton, NY and pick up the bird to begin the journey home to Oxnard, Ca. My sister, also a pilot in the early stages of IFR training like myself will be coming along as my safety pilot for another set of eyes, somebody to talk to, and a consistent sanity check to keep me honest.
I've gathered a considerable collection of gear including just in case items like safety wire/pliers, zip ties, TP, and Flyties which will hopefully arrive before my trip.
Our planned route of flight will include overnights at:
Graham farm, OH-(hopefully) to camp and grip&grin w/ Crzyivan13,Wyomingiswindy,Patrolguy. Those guys have been a big inspiration.
Polo, MO-to spend a night with some family
SEDONA, AZ-to hook up with an old Navy buddy
Fuel stops between the above mentioned stops will be based largely on straight lines and reasonable fuel prices in addition to any recommendations you all may have as to where to stop or not.
I'll try to keep this post updated as a trip report for those interested.
Here are a few pics taken by the previous owner of our chariot.
SD
have a great trip. 
