170B Float Kit Option contents

[JohnNielsen]

Can someone tell me two things:
1: the changes (contents) of the factory installed optional float kit to the 170B
2: Other than the V-brace (which many add by itself), how can one identify for sure if your plane has the option?
3: any idea how many 170B models included this option?

Thank you.
John Nielsen

[mit]

Look in the parts book.

[GAHorn]

The factory "float kit" is a bit of a misnomer. I was told that while it generally included float fittings and lift rings, it did not automatically include all the additional options available unless specified by the customer at extra cost...such as internal corrosion-proofing (zinc chromate and drains) or corrosion-resistant (stainless) cables and sealed-bearing pulleys. (Not so sure about the V-brace... I have been told by several that is usually found to be aftermarket, not OEM.)

Also, just because stainless cables are found does not mean a seaplane equipt. list was included, as they could be special ordered on landplanes, as could most other options.

Many airplanes were treated with float kit anti-corrosion options ...not because they were intended for seaplane useage...but because they may have included an "agricultural kit" and/or photographic options. This was common for aircraft intended for export to So. America as back in the 50's import taxes were high on luxury items such as airplanes unless they were intended for such special use. My own '53 B-model left the factory for El Salvador with internal corrosion proofing due to it's special-ordered agriculture kit and photo kit, for the above-mentioned reasons. When it was re-imported to the U.S. and restored it's photo kit was removed (subsequently purchased by another of our members and installed in his 170.) I mention this because if you believe you can identify your airplane's original configuration by such clues.....you may not be accurate. The BEST way to determine if your airplane was so equipped...is to contact Cessna and ask for it's original Equipment List by serial number. (And presume that the airplane you actually own...is still in possession of it's original/correct datatag.)

[marathonrunner]

This is pretty straight forward. You can look in your airplane and see if it has the installed pieces by looking through the panels under the rear floorboard. The IPM in this case is very accurate. The V brace was not required but when added definitely stiffens up the windscreen. If you look in the TCDS for the 170 under landing gear you will see that you can install floats IAW drawings 0541125 and 0541125B. I believe I supplied these to the association so they should be available in the documents if they are there. Currently I am lending mine to another member who is going to install a float kit in his airplane.

I also made templates of all of the parts that came with a factory float kit I was able to obtain. I am supplying him with those so he can duplicate the ones that are easily duplicatable. One note, you may have the diamond patches on the rear attach points. This from a quick external view may lead you to believe that aircraft is float option equipped. It may not be, you have to do an internal visual. Also I and several others did a slight alteration which was approved by making that diamond patch more like the Cessna 180 where you go vertically and forward to the rear door post. This strengthens it and you won't get that belly deformation you see on some with just the diamond.

Hope this helps

[marathonrunner]

Oh yeah and if you are going to get floats get the Aerocets...far superior to the Chedos...Chinese Edos...fact not opinion