I figure 25% or maybe a little more once its done. Most of the internal systems will probably be new, as will everything forward of the firewall, including the massive main spar. Some of the skins will need to be replaced, and the wings look to be due for a major rebuild. Lex of course would be the man to provide the most accurate assessment.
The plane is essentially identical to the Vought / Goodyear variants so nothing priceless will be lost in its return to flight condition IMO. The only difference between it and its Vought counterparts would be the possibility of some substandard construction work (as per the rumors of Brewster's reputation as a second rate manufacturer). It would be interesting to determine if any of the old anecdotes hold water. Conditions such as that would hopefully be corrected anyway if the plane is to fly again. Maybe Lex could tell us if he has found anything notable during his inspections of the airframe.
I figure the majority of the intrinsic value resides in the simple fact that he's beginning with a Brewster product rather than an FG or F4U. All are essentially identical, save for the factory assigned designation and the data plates.
One of my great warbird wishes is to see this plane fly again one day, if only to complete the victory against the corrosive mentality that otherwise would have seen the plane languish. Upon its completion, the F3A should be toured and used as a lobbying tool for bringing sweeping changes to laws that regulate the recovery of these planes. Of course by then, I would hope such changes will have already taken place.
_________________
Rob Mears
'Surviving Corsairs' Historian
robcmears@yahoo.comhttp://www.robmears.com
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