Trade 172 for 170???

[proav]

Hello All!
I have a 1978 Cessna 172 with 8100TT and 1450 SMOH. It has a very basic panel with old style radios. Paint and interior reflect its age and hours. It doesn't have damage history that I'm aware of. Is there any reason not to trade straight across for a 1949 C170A? The 170 has 4200 TT and 600 SMOH. It has significant ant damage history from 1964 to include rebuilt spar, repair to landing gear box, fueselage repair behind the cabin as well as damage to the lower rudder due to tailwheel spring breaking. All of this damage occurred at 3 different time over a 2 year period. It is well documented. Airplane looks and flys straight.
Any opinions or recommendations?

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Hmmm. From the little we can gather from the printed word it sounds like you might be trading a plane jane run of the mill 172 for a classic airplane with the same capabilities and perhaps condition except the engine might actually be a bit younger.

I'd have to ask why the other person wants a 172? Why do they want to get rid of this 170A so bad?

Then I'd probably be a sucker for the round tail and tail wheel and do it.

[cessna170bdriver]

What Bruce said. I admit I'm biased, but based on what you've posted, it sounds like a trade up to me, as long as the repairs were done well.

[hilltop170]

It has significant ant damage history from 1964 to include rebuilt spar, repair to landing gear box, fueselage repair behind the cabin as well as damage to the lower rudder due to tailwheel spring breaking. All of this damage occurred at 3 different time over a 2 year period. It is well documented. Airplane looks and flys straight.
Any opinions or recommendations?

I'm still trying to figure out how ants did all that damage.

Other than that, I would go for the 170.

[proav]

LOL, sorry about the typing errors. I was running between connecting airline flights and didn't check my typing before sending. "Ant damage" should actually read " amount of damage" but you get the drift.
We both had our planes advertised for sale. I contacted him about the trade as I am partial to tail wheels and round tails my self. I actually would prefer to trade down to a Champ for the cost savings but I have always been interested in the 170's also. He has kids that want to learn to fly as well as a brother who wants to get his Instrument rating. He said the 172 would fit the bill for what he wants to do. That and the fact that he also owns a C195. So, he can still get his tail wheel fix in a classy way.
Thanks for the input.