Thanks Randy, and others who replied on/off list.

Most everyone agreed that the airframe won't be the limiting factor.
Opinions varied on negative G from "never", to "briefly", to "for a
lycoming, as long as you want," but most fell under the 'briefly'
category, which is backed up by the POH.  The POH confirms that -1G is
expected during an aileron roll.

> Over 60 degs banks require a parachute.
Only for carrying passengers, if my recollection of the regs is
correct. If you're flying solo, I don't believe it's mandatory.

> Keep all loose objects secure.
> Always do aerobatics in designated areas.

That's an important point. I scoped out a few areas on the sectional.
It's not easy to find an area > 4nm from an airway around northern NJ,
but I eventually found a few :)

One of the most important revelations that came out of this was a
point regarding the attitude indicator.  I had been told years ago
(but had since forgotten, until I was reminded by a CFI on this list)
that it was not a terrific idea, long term, to do aerobatics in an
aircraft that is regularly flown under IFR. A steam-driven attitude
indicator (which I have) takes somewhat of a beating when > 60degs are
exceeded.

As it happens, mine is going to be overhauled this week, so I might
take the opportunity to do a couple of rolls before then, but after
that, that might be the end of it for me since I primarily fly the
airplane IFR.

So, overall, there wasn't complete consensus on the negative G issue,
but most ppl (and the POH) think -1G its ok for brief stints (a la, an
aileron roll or briefly during a cuban 8), but as it turns out, I will
probably curtail all aerobatic activity to save my beloved AI.  I'll
have a chat with the mechanic to confirm later today.

Thanks for the replies as always.

Keith