I Bought The CHEAPEST Twin Engine Airplane on EBAY

I came across this Ebay listing for a 1978 Grumman Cougar GA-7. I ended up buying it because it was the cheapest one on ebay at the time. This twin engine airplane is very rare and people love it because of how cheap it is to fly. The biggest problem is that this plane has sat abandoned due to a propeller strike. Can we get it started and flying again, or are we going to find a massive issue with it? Find out on this episode of Rebuild Rescue!
Rebuild Rescue Videos:
I Bought The Cheapest Airplane On The Internet
• I Bought The Cheapest ...
FREE Abandoned Airplane... If I Can Start It! Ep1
• FREE Abandoned Airplan...
Taking Our FREE Abandoned Airplane Home! Ep2
• Taking Our FREE Abando...
He's Trying To STEAL Our FREE Abandoned Airplane ! Ep3
• He's Trying To STEAL O...
Will Our FREE Abandoned Airplane Finally Start? Ep4
• Will Our FREE Abandone...
Is The FREE Abandoned Airplane Finally Ours ?! Ep5
• Is The FREE Abandoned ...
Did We Ruin The FREE Abandoned Airplane Engine ? Ep6
• Did We Ruin The FREE A...
Our FREE Abandoned Airplane Gets Its First Wash In 17 Years ! Ep7
• Our FREE Abandoned Air...
Will Engine #2 Ever Run Again On Our FREE Abandoned Airplane !? Ep8
• Will Engine #2 Ever Ru...
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Contact info
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#CheapestAirplane #Ebay #RebuildRescue

[@Horse86gt]

This was my Father's plane. He imported it from Canada back in 1988. He and his instructor flew it back over the Rockies from British Columbia. The pilot who had the accident was one of his partners in the plane and his close friend. I still speak with him on occasion. My Father also owned a Grumman Cheetah, which he flew a lot more than he did the Cougar. He used the Cougar for long cross country and over water flights.

[@vinniezambuto9625]

This plane went down today in Pennsylvania unfortunately.

[@rexmyers991]

I have been an aircraft mechanic since 1962 (I’m 80 now) and I have never had a job go as planned. It always seems to take twice as long with numerous unexpected extra expenses. All that being said I am SO GLAD to see you doing it right. No corner cutting. Polish out the paint and maybe ask a little more for the airplane. I got my multi-engine in a Cougar (1981) and it is a very good airplane. I have been to Marshal many times. Very nice airport. Enjoy a great meal at Schulers Restaurant!

[@rebuildrescue]

We love hearing from you all! Thank you for sharing, it's definitely a tedious job!👍🏻

[@charlesnullens]

You should have worked in IT Support, everything always goes to plan in our world. Oh wait, sometimes (often) it doesn't, darn, what's it doing n

[@dorfsteen]

@@rebuildrescue you guys have a scammer on your chat thing here trying to get people to go to Telegram in your name, why doesn't KZbin ever do anything about this?

[@OldPackMule]

Very cool rebuild. There's so much to airplanes that can't be done "ah, good enough". If you break even and get a classic in the air again you will have done a good thing for general aviation. You guys are great ambassadors for aviation. As Mike Patey says "Back to work!"

[@rebuildrescue]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

A lot of work, but worth it!

[@ShawnPossible]

The only cougar I would pursue. Another great video, Jason. Surprise surprise, you found more bird shh.. stuff; wouldn't be a rebuild rescue without it. Can't wait until next week's episode. Be safe.

[@rebuildrescue]

Thank you for watching and supporting Brother! Great to see you on the channel!

[@v1rotait23]

Yeah, I laughed when I saw the bird straw! The 401 all over again! - Whereever there's a gap, there'll be straw and feathers for Jason!

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Looking forward to seeing it fly for sure. It was great to help get this project moving!

[@rebuildrescue]

Love having you along on these rescues Josh. Learning so much from you with ever one ! Thank you Brother👍🏻

[@howardwilliams7399]

Any chance you can finish a project before you start a new project. 🤔

[@BjoernKarlsson]

​@@howardwilliams7399You do know that the videos are not released in perfect chronological order, don't you?

[@dponath]

"That was way too easy" The Airplane Gods have heard you, and laugh hysterically! I was thinking . noooo, you just invoked the mechanics curse!

[@rebuildrescue]

😂😂🤣

[@jfanellijr]

a sad day indeed…..

[@Huskiedrive361]

Safety is not optional as you stated. Glad to see you going the extra mile by replacing or inspecting items that are not mandated. I really enjoy your videos and the level of explanation you do. I am a retired diesel mechanic, but you've definitely sparked my interest in aviation and I'm now a subscriber! Great job.

[@robertferrell8518]

Thanks again for a wonderful episode and I know you’ll persevere so don’t be disheartened. You are definitely doing the right thing for the next owner.!! not only does he have receipts, but there’s video proof of the work being accomplished that’s gonna be one beautiful airplane. Once it’s all together I’m speaking of the cougar at the moment.

[@rebuildrescue]

Your kind words are so motivating! Thank you for following along and we're glad to have you here with us 👍🏻

[@garybondurant8097]

Digital photography is such a boon for any mechanic or anyone in a field of work that requires remembering where everything belongs. Great video.

[@Kentucky921]

Don’t get discouraged, it’s a marathon, not a race, you got this cool friend

[@Youngberg1000]

Don't exactly know why but I feel this has been one of the best video in a while. Just got to see so much more consecutively so I really enjoyed your pain, lol. Best of lock on turning a profit. At the very least, you put another beauty back in the air! Cheers. If I had the money I'd buy it.

[@tacticalpilot]

Isn't aircraft ownership just so much fun!! Totally understand how you feel. Remember, you are keeping a good aircraft flight worthy and that is also worth something. Not enough people rescuing aircraft these days. Looking forward to the next video!

[@DeadlyDigger]

When the big guy upstairs was handing out patience you must have been front of the line. You just take every setback so easily. 👏👏👏

[@rebuildrescue]

I may have left out the part where a few tools flew around the shop and I stomped around kicking boxes. 😂🤣….. In reality most days I feel so blessed too be able to do what i do that it makes the setbacks so much easier. Without you and so many others it all wouldn’t be possible. It means the world to me and the team.

[@iwayini]

Great video. Just got the editing right between detail and time lapse. Well done!. Thank you. Look forward to seeing this bird fly!

[@kathypriddy8430]

I’m really getting tired of tuning in to find yet Another project. What happened to the Boat? The 401 seems to be an after thought now. How about the one you had a Prang in? The engine is back in, yet, nothing more. Please, stop making us dizzy moving from one to another. At least give us an update on each and you plan. I’ve been an aircraft mechanic since 1969. Really enjoy how you bring us into the gubbins each and every time. Cheers..

[@RobertLake-mf2qt]

Even a master craftsman needs to rest now and then. You are resigned at doing things right so that when you sell an airplane of yours, you know that it is safe. Good for you!

[@rebuildrescue]

Thank you for spreading positivity Robert ! We appreciate you being here on the channel

[@BwInNewJersey]

These videos can never capture just how much work is involved. Not yo mention the vlog effort. It can be easy to forget watching videos. Aspirational. Oh I wanted the Austin lol 😢

[@josotorres9643]

"The more stuff you take off from something, the easier it is to work on" GOOOOLD!!!! THANKS DAD❤❤

[@tedheierman1181]

I like the interior looks of that hanger with the exposed brick!

[@md4droid]

I really like Grummans. Excited to see where this new adventure goes. Thanks for being my Saturday morning entertainment for over a year now. BeardedAv8r

[@rebuildrescue]

We're excited too, thank you for coming along for the ride!

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Just worked on another Grumman this week, it was a Traveler this time. Glad you enjoyed this one 👍.

[@md4droid]

@@Blaircraft.Engines Have flown a Traveler and a Tiger during my training days. Such a joy to fly.

[@benjaminlann]

If you could rescue a Grumman F-14 Tomcat I’d appreciate it. Probably a similar ask in terms of effort I am sure 😂

[@markhammerschmidt5315]

I can feel the frustration Jason. Keep plugging away as it’s all you can do!

[@rebuildrescue]

Thank you for the motivation Mark!!

[@alrad5686]

Thats a real nice looking plane. I have a feeling it may be added to your collection instead of flipped!! You can take pride in knowing you did it the right way, replacing old gaskets, etc, so it will fly for many years into the future.

[@rebuildrescue]

We always want to do things the best way ! And it is really nice plane...who knows😂

[@mikeg2214]

Love that hanger you guys are working in.

[@bobmoyer8864]

Aren't airplanes expensive!! I don't know how you make each episode so great.... I wish I was in a position to buy. I would trust anything you put back together. Hang in there....

[@artherwalters]

That is a beautiful Mustang but I want the Austin!! lol I kept checking your channel all day yesterday because for some reason I was thinking the announcement was suppose to be yesterday…I dunno, guess I was confused! Anyhow, glad to see y’all are back on the Cougar! Great work you guys! I think y’all should race the 401 and the Cougar lol 😂

[@Joshua-rc3zk]

Love your videos Jason and glad you are rebuilding lost and forgot planes. Want to see the Phoenix fly again.

[@rebuildrescue]

So glad to have you apart of the Rescue Crew! We can't wait to see her fly!

[@AnthonyWrightCortez]

Crazy I’ve been following your channel forever and this plane is right around the corner from where I grew up. Hopefully you guys went to Oye Amigos for lunch. That place is so good, I go every time I’m back in Michigan.

[@donguhl2499]

Great video, as always! Can't wait to see another rescued airplane fly!

[@rebuildrescue]

Thank you for watching and supporting the channel Brother!

[@brook.aviation]

Amazing work guys, love your videos !

[@rebuildrescue]

Thank you so much for stopping by and supporting! Enjoy!

[@vkogan1990]

You've got to stop adding new projects. I'm getting overwhelmed on your behalf.

[@jonathanwelter]

Great video. Don’t get defeated. Just keep at it. Love the work you guys are doing.

[@rebuildrescue]

Thank you! Will do Jonathan!

[@foxmustang93]

The car is sweet! The black on yellow is my favorite Fox setup. Sounds good and looks clean! Need to get mine looking like that lol.

[@rca-in-glasgow6781]

Always exciting. Stay strong. Keep up the great work!

[@rebuildrescue]

Thank you so much! All you guys support is so motivating!

[@barrywood5357]

As in all you do the way it works is to do it the right way the first time. this will be a great hauler for you with hopefully a good life ahead. keep up the good work and be safe

[@v1rotait23]

Another great episode Jason! - A cheap airplane!? - Nos such thing ever! - As you're finding out, especially having to hire a licenced AP by the hour and travel for 11 hours, plus those ridiculously overpriced (lawyers & US litigation) basic airplane parts! Eye watering stuff! 🥺😅 - Would sure love to pull the engines with you. Cheers from an even less valued currency place called New Zealand, David.

[@markbrewer1988]

What I find amazing is how you can go to a remote airport and discovering you need more parts plus an engine lift. How do you get additional parts and tools like you do? I can't wait to find out your next project when the C401 is done.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Yeah… lol we hoped that we could just remove the accessory case with the engine still installed, not with the cougar! Thankfully I brought most the tools we needed.

[@markstopkey4085]

Beautiful plane. It deserves your efforts.

[@rebuildrescue]

Agreed!

[@mattbasford6299]

There's right, and then there's perfect. Sometimes perfection is the enemy of doing it right. Sometimes it's overkill, I've noticed.

[@carbonfibercreationswashin7213]

Nice plane, I love it. Great videos! Please get both fuel pumps rebuilt.

[@christopherseivard8925]

Another great day. Thanks

[@rebuildrescue]

Thank you for watching Christopher! We hope you enjoy !

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

Everything takes twice as long as you thought it would take... I have a Grumman AA1A Yankee that needs to be reassembled.

[@dponath]

Back for Saturday Awesomeness!

[@rebuildrescue]

Welcome back!

[@noelbowerman1562]

I feel for you ,I've had a similar outcome with a water damaged motorhome I purchased ,it's the unknown ,unseen that costs so much.

[@cindysmith116]

Great episode Jason! And you know I love love love that Mustang! Too bad I'm disqualified from entering to win it. Lol

[@Niteskate1]

It's always fascinating to watch the processes involved and it's awesome how you go about it the right way and don't cut corners. My son went to technical school to become an AME and now I can understand what he went through. It's also nice watching a rare bird being repaired and sent back into the skies, rather than relegate it to the scrap heap.

[@Patshes]

Excellent so far!🆒😎👍!

[@rebuildrescue]

Thank you for watching!

[@billquillin1952]

Hi, Blair!! The wheels go on the bottom!!! LOL 😂😂😂

[@richardthomas1743]

HEY! Good morning and thumbs UP!!

[@rebuildrescue]

Hey Richard, we hope you enjoy the video! Thank you for being apart of the Rescue Crew👍🏻

[@jeffreybassett9918]

ALWAYS replace the nylon gears in the mags - they deteriorate with heat

[@joekerrthejoker]

Keep at it! One bolt at a time

[@dorfsteen]

That's a really cool twin engine playing I like it.😎

[@marsstarlink3235]

I like this HGTV style presentation for airplanes, keep it up.

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

It was a good time to be part of it, I agree with you… I like the style it was put together as well.

[@alorff2039]

that clear prop hits hard

[@rebuildrescue]

😂👍🏻

[@watermanone7567]

those are great planes, hope it fly's o.k. Thanks

[@White_Rose_Al]

Quite a few projects ongoing, be good to a completed one shortly 👏

[@larrymiglore7508]

5 days? Try 5 months. Project #372 for Rebuild Rescue. I hope we live long enough to see one of these projects finished.

[@garintaylor2097]

All these new projects are very entertaining but when do you expect to actually start flying some charity flights ?

[@coldsamon]

I don't believe we'll ever see a charity flight.

[@terrybryant]

How is the avionics? The airframe looks sound but that could be deceiving. I would love to work on this bad boy. While my expertise in in rotor wing I have some experience with many fixed wing aircraft as well. Just love these videos. I would for sure replace that gear especially since you already have it disassembled.

[@jimhallinsn1023]

Scary the amount of work required, just to return these beautiful aircraft back to the skies.

[@scottvenable8695]

Jason some of the movement you see on that indicator is from the fine adjustment mechanism on the arm from post to indicator, do your manuals show where to check runout by diagram or state it in writing. I ask because if you have less than .005 on the face at the outer edge of the flange then there's no need to check closer to the center. I question if the .005 spec is a radial specification taken at the diameter of the flange with a .003 spec on the face. just curious

[@johngoogle7626]

Light prop-strike/Heavy prop-strike -- a prop-strike by any other name is still a prop-strike.❤

[@cseivard]

❤sorry, finally caught up! Rooting for you.

[@rebuildrescue]

Thank you for stopping by, we appreciate it!

[@ronboe6325]

Estimate your time, then double it. Actual time is triple that..... :P Home remodeling, boat fixing and plane fixing - you're just opening a can of worms and it's a rare day when things go to plan. Good to be flexible - and the money to support it. :^)

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Yeah five minute jobs equal out to about three hours occasionally often! 😬😁

[@ricardobaptista5340]

Hey, love your videos!! Am i the only one trying to figure out what is the airframe in the back of the hangar in minute 00:17? Keep it up!

[@Lee-qp6gf]

I think the guy that really made out is the one that sold it. Good luck.

[@mobsquad8500]

what is the safety wire tool? Never mind. Found it… Thank you so much!! I’m a new A&P, very cool and great information!!! I really appreciate the general mechanics stuff it’s the heart of all builds!! Thank you!

[@rebuildrescue]

The cable tool is a really clean way to safety wire things. It is more costly though.

[@kaboom-zf2bl]

well good a time as any to get a basic refit done ... might s well give both engines a nice once over with new gaskets ... you can verify all is good ... and you know how recent the gaskets are ... better to spend 700 now than 7000 later ...

[@punchbird3663]

This dude must have learned how to bounce around projects from Gentry and sons.

[@lanceripplinger8352]

Great plane, and rescue! Thank you for showing us all the in's and outs that go along with airplanes! 😄

[@trevfenn]

If you are still with the Cougar please look at something for me. Looking at the nosewheel, is the centerline of the tire lined up with the centerline of the strut or is it offset by about 3/8 of an inch?

[@terrancestodolka4829]

Yes great idea "Lots of pictures" &, marks on things before dismatling.... 😂

[@garybonz]

There's nothing better than a good old double wire safety, forget that cable crap . . .

[@robertmacdonaldx]

I flew a few times in a cugar from Prestwick scotland. I was a pupil using tiger's and a cheetah. My friend jas several aircraft, including a TP2

[@travish.2296]

All of these side projects are interesting but if the effort for side projects was on the 401 it would be a lot further along. It would appear burnout has taken effect or something. Why not create another channel for side projects and get some help. All of these other projects are taking focus away from the 401. Yes, this is RR and not the 401 channel but many of us are quite invested in the 401 and is what drew us to this channel. Is there a clear plan to accomplish this project? What about with all of the donations. It’s good to hear that you have plans to do all of these great things but unless you are able to complete any of them, it’s just starting to feel like a cash grab and a adhd type channel where everything is scattered, started and not finished. It feels like the team is in over their head with the 401 and is stuck working on it as a lot of viewers are here because of it and you are afraid to let it die. There is no doubt that it is a large project with lots of delays but even the last 401 videos are shorter and less frequently. Can you provide your estimated timeline? If there is a lot happening in the dark that we are not able to see and it’s farther ahead that what we are seeing, why not provide some updates. It does feel like the project has lost its focus and has been forgotten about. All of that being said, I do love the channel and the work your team has done.

[@phademusic4744]

Your correct but this is now about youtube income not about fixing anything

[@phademusic4744]

You are spot on, reality is if they did that project properly it would be finished

[@Sniffy1975]

You forget that these side projects happen while waiting for something that needs to be done for the 401, whether it be parts or something being reconditioned etc etc

[@phademusic4744]

@@Sniffy1975 then you get on with other items on the 401, its like the mount for the wing tip fuel tank. 3 weeks of nothing, nowt was stopping them running cables or other work completely unrelated. Sorry its being strung out for views and view mean cash on youtube and lots of it

[@JHeck1989]

I’ve watched less and less videos and less time spent on videos as he starts more and more projects. The 401 videos are a large talk show and huge let down. They drag 1 day of work out into a ton of talking bits..

[@hokiedoo]

Ok,I have been watching the 401 project since you found the 401....but what I want to know about is that Gold 78 Trans Am you got 😉

[@rebuildrescue]

We’ll be getting on that one soon 👍🏼

[@hokiedoo]

Brother if I had a dream car that would be it!!! 🥰

[@Witherstorm30]

@rebuildrescue any update on the boat as i am invested to see how its turrning out ps hello from the land down under love the content hope i can one day meet u guys on a trip to the states or if u visit australia

[@scottgaree7667]

It's always the unknown unknowns. Only a LOT of experience allows you to estimate how much they will add to a job.

[@rbrtjbarber]

One correction - the O-320 engine on the cougar is 160hp.

[@fonhollohan2908]

That's a nice looking plane if your not gonna get what it's worth, I'd hang on to it. until you find the right buyer don't just take it on the jaw like that. Cheers bud.

[@denney103184]

Good morning RR!

[@rebuildrescue]

Good morning!

[@dustyfarmer]

I've seen nylon distributor drive gears fail in old engines as they harden with age & become brittle then fail when running or even after a backfire on start-up. I'd change those mag drive gears out with new ones.

[@Craig_79]

You gotta love the aviation premium. Sump gaskets for a car £20 for an aeroplane engine £700

[@DirkLarien]

Have to wonder, do you have to use some prescribed or approved types of gaskets ? Since it is in aviation ....

[@stickandrudderaviation4629]

I want the Austin! Airplanes 👍

[@doriWyo]

I always like to find out a bit more about the planes, but Wikipedia isn't cooperating.

[@doriWyo]

Aha! Designed by Grumman, produced by Gulfstream.

[@buckmurdock2500]

It started life as a GA-5 Tiger with 2 engines. Even had a sliding canopy. It's just another light twin that never tickled the market.

[@gawebm]

I want the Austin!

[@Kirithian]

Me every time hearing Birs chirping: "Ohhh noooo" :D

[@georgemay3665]

In before Jason decides to keep it :)

[@jeremyeller8072]

wow this is the plain that took his life R.I.P Sam

[@stoyan_vuchev]

It takes a lot of time, energy, and assets. But after all, it's worth the dedication! Keep up the Great work and as always, have an Amazing and restful weekend everyone! ❤‍🔥🙌🏼

[@rebuildrescue]

Hey Stoyan! Hope you have a great weekend, thank you for stopping by and spreading some positivity this morning!

[@paultaylor9939]

I think you might be keeping this one so that you can get rated for it just saying. All the best

[@JasonTrew2018]

I know there ain't nothing new on the Firebird, but if you was driving around Catoosa County, GA, back in the late 70's and saw a white Trans Am behind you with a blue light, you got nabbed by one of JD Stewart's boys

[@briank1671]

Wow, only 115 built? bet parts have to hard to find. Keep them flying

[@Blaircraft.Engines]

Yeah, they’re definitely rare!

[@pingpong9656]

When someone asks me how long something will take, I usually say, "how long is a piece of string?"

[@waynehoward1663]

“I want the Austin” 😂

[@tomwarner2468]

He drove there? The route he would've gone pass the exit to my hometown ,exit 16 ,on i-69! If stand in front of the brooks hanger ,my house is about 30mi south east of there! Small world!

[@alancoller1602]

The reason they didn’t make many because the cougar was under powered two 160 hp 172 engines. Get them up to 180 hp would be a lot better.

[@pelleparafin8647]

Ty

[@olddogg60]

I have found in a few decades of working on aircraft that the hard way is the easiest way. 😉

[@fastradioburst253]

Great episode! Very interesting and informative.

[@rebuildrescue]

Glad you enjoyed it!