Dumb Question 3: Worthwhile to convert a RG to FG?

[Frank N. O.]

I was thinking of the talks I've had and overheard about RG vs FG for small GA's and of my two favourite planes only one of them exist in a factory-made FG version, the other was originally planned to be in a FD version, designation GA-111 but it was never put into production and I can't even find any pictures (I never did find any pictures of the Cessna 187 prototype, also known under another designation, and a version a T-tail).

I was just wondering if one could take a 112 and fix the gears and close up with boots and panels to reduce the drag and remove the hydralics, would that be possible or would it just be cheaper to pay the insurance and service since I'm sure it would need to be specially certified?

Of course there's also the matter if a 112's retractable gear is more dependable than the 177's.

While on the subject on downgrading to save money then it probably wouldn't be worth it to ditch the variable prop either right?

And just for fun, on Trade-A-Plane you can buy a Baron converted to a single-engine experimental aircraft 

Frank

[Fabo]

While on the subject on downgrading to save money then it probably wouldn't be worth it to ditch the variable prop either right?

My guess you get more economy with variable pitch.

[PiperGirl]

By the time you spend all the money and effort to get it converted...Why not just start with a fixed gear, simple to use airplane? Or, keep the RG and enjoy the extra speed/ comfort  But hey, anything is possible.

[Rooster Cruiser]

And just for fun, on Trade-A-Plane you can buy a Baron converted to a single-engine experimental aircraft

That is known as a Harpoon.  They removed the two piston engines and replaced them with a single turboprop (either an Allison or Walter, I can't remember which).  You get a big boost in performance but at the cost of much higher fuel consumption.  After all, you can't be afraid of spending more money if you want to go fast.

I know the owner of that Harpoon.  It sits in a hangar near mine at my home field.  He tried selling it to my employer but he wasn't interested.  Its a nice looking airplane also.  I can always contact the seller for anyone interested in more info.

RC

[Frank N. O.]

I was just examining the choices in how to get my dreamplane but it seems I might as well just make sure I can afford it as it is.
Thank you all for the replies

Interesting about the Harpoon, but how about a Cardinal B with the 200hp engine from the RG instead of it's weaker 180hp engine?

Frank