Brian, There are a few kits out there where the builders give up for one reason or another. Some are a nightmare waiting to happen, some have been started nicely. When I was looking to purchase I posted a want ad on Barnstormers.com and was surprised how many came forward for sale and was such a novice that I thought they were all good. I purchased two started RAF kits and after many measurements and research I found both to have critical mistakes and I had to start from scratch again to make them work. I am sure that once the smoke clears I would have been financially better off buying new kits.
There are a few completed RAF and S/H out there that have been supervised and some even tested by qualified AI’s and master builders with experience that can be purchased for cents on the dollar spent. There is a RAF with the AAI mod in Buckeye that the owner has decided he is just not cut out to be a pilot and is selling reasonably although he has 15-20K in the radios and panel alone. Will make someone a nice aircraft, been supervised and is done right.
Looking back on my trials and tribulations and all I have leaned in the process of my build I would seriously look at a quality built machine that I know has been supervised by someone qualified and I would take it apart to inspect and rebuild with someone knowledgeable looking over my shoulder. The build part is essential to making sure I or you know how our machines are built with its strengths and its potential problems as well as issues to watch and keep an eye on. Seems every time I have assembled mine and taken it apart I learn something new which is good.
Your goal, “I would love a polished flying machine, but more realistically must find a partial ready project in order to save cost.” Is a nice idea, but my guess is it won’t save you cost and if it does will it be safe with you really understanding your machine enough to do the maintenance and identifying potential issues? Cost is an issue that is overcome with a second job or the death of a rich relative and should not be used in building something that ultimately will take you to your dream and has the potential to end all your dreams. Not a good gamble in my estimation, but it is your dream.
I rambled on and should have just said, Enjoy your build and I wish you many happy flights in you upcoming gyro. That S/H 2 looks pretty nice and might even save you some money in the long run over a partial kit or rebuild. Best of luck to you.
