Converting a C175

[zero.one.victor]

Frank,I dug out an old magazine ( April 1986!) I saved for an article about a 172 tailwheel conversion. It sez it's a Bolen conversion,STC SA296GL,and that the STC was sold to Bob Williams,Box 608,Udall KS 67146. It also lists other contact info for Williams-- Bush Conversions,PO Box 431 Udall KS 67146,316-782-3851 & Avcon Conversions,PO Box 654,Udall KS 67146,316-782-3317.
The airplane in the article is fitted with 180 gear legs, and has the standard (early) 170 rudder bellcrank-to-tailwheel steering chains & springs.
Hope this information sheds a little light on the subject.
Oh,a friend of mine has an Avcon engine conversion on a Cessna 150-150 that he bought. he had some questions on the STC,and contacted Williams on the telephone ( eventually). He told me that Williams didn't seem any too interested in providing any information unless it involved an exchange of money,and he wasn't too sure that would work either. I have heard from other sources that Williams doesn't have the greatest reputation for being easy to do business with.
I was just thinking,you mentioned Tom Benedict having done a Bolen conversion on a 175. Maybe he still has a copy of the STC paperwork,that might be useful to you. My old article sez the STC for the 175 conversion is a different one that for the 172,it's # SA383GL.

Eric

[Gooney]

HI Eric

Well done, I think that you have it, I have also sourced a company that does the conversions in Australia, who apparently do a fantastic job, check their web site out at: http://www.northwestaviation.com.au/tai ... rsions.htm they convert C152,172,182 but specialise in C182’s, worth looking at as the C182 C and D which is ideal according to Paul (owner) go for very reasonable prices in Australia and converting will cost between 18-23 000 OZ$. Thanks for that STC number, now the biggest problem of all as you said was sourcing it, I have written to Avcon as apparently they have the STC so lets see what comes out of it, will keep you posted.
Ciao
Gooney

[170C]

Thanks for the info regarding Bob Williams. I have a phone # at home for someone or some company in KS, but when I have called that number I never got an answer. I will try the ones you provided. Fortunately my questions are minor so if I can't get in touch with them it isn't critical. It is a sorry state of affairs when STC holders fail to support their product, but guess that goes with a lot of other things that goes on.

Ole Pokey

[GAHorn]

Not all STC holders purchased the STC for purposes of re-sale. Some of them are bought as investments, some to get rid of competition, some because they are airplane-maker wannabes who got old and lost interest. Also, some STC's are simply poorly designed with defects not worth the risk of promoting. FYI

[Dave Clark]

I had to deal with Bob Williams last winter to get the STC reissued for the conversion I bought. Nice enough guy but it took three months and $125. Beware. I would only buy something from him on a Cash On Delivery basis. No deposit either. I 'd go so far as to pick it up in person after inspecting the item(s).