1950 170A wing issue

[mwoods]

I'm having trouble finding a replacement left wing for my 1950 170A. during this last annual we found some internal granular corrosion in the spar doubler. Does any one have any info on putting 170B or 172 wings on a 170A? if you have any info that would be greatly appreciated. please feel free to call at 785 531 0987 or email at mwoods@windcapitalgroup.com Thanks again for all your help.

[GAHorn]

Changing out only one wing with a B-model will likely be difficult.
Changing out both wings might work. Bruce's previous had a similar recipie, but he also had B-model tail as well. (It may have been only the datatag that was an A, but without a doubt he can comment on this matter better than I.)
The problem with repairing your A by substituting B wings will B more than flaps. (sorry for pun)
The larger downwash from B flaps is what demanded balanced/different tailfeathers on that model. (And the struts are different between the models, in order to accomodate dihedral...another choice you'd have to make.)
You'd likely have some difficulty convincing a knowlegeable IA or FAA differently.
It may possibly be less expensive to repair your spar? There are several qualified metalsmiths who can do this for you, several of them are Members here.
Do you have any pics to post?

[bat443]

Peter at Skywagoncitydotcom has a left and a right 170A wing for sale, kind of pricey, but probably less than changing to B or 172 wings.

Tim

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

As George points out you can not just install B model wings because the flap and it's associated controls are all different as well as the aileron cable runs. This extends to the center carry through area, pulleys under the floor and the flap handle itself. Then you have to decide do you use the A struts or use the B struts for dihedral as the B wings and washout were designed. I do know of a B model flying with A model struts and no dihedral. Owner says it flys fine.

The A model elevator is probably more of an issue of legality and meeting the certification process than whether or not the plane would fly OK under most circumstance. I know of A models with the B elevator but can't recall any B models with the A model elevator.

Bottom line, fix yours or find another A model wing. They are your only real viable options.

[hilltop170]

mwoods didn't say what part of the world the plane is in but there are shops all around the country that specialize in rebuilding Cessna wings. I wouldn't think of trying to change wings if all the existing wing needs is repair.

A replacement wing could easily be in worse shape than the existing wing.

[blueldr]

A friend of mine that has a C-182 had quite a bit of work done by a guy down in Alabama that advertises under the Cessna ads in TAP. He was well satisfied even with the cost of shipping from California.

[Kim Purcell]

There's also a shop in California (Ukia) that does a great job rebuilding or re skinning wings and other parts. West Coast Wings has done all of my 170's control surfaces as well as repairs to my rudder and was going to rebuild my horizontal until I got lucky and found another. He did a major repair on a friends 170 wing due to corrosion that was really nice. Nick is very meticulous, knowledgeable and honest, he has the jigs and I think is reasonable on pricing. Last time I was at his shop he was doing a complete rebuild on a 180 wing as well as some repairs and mods for some of the mustangs that race at Reno. You can contact his shop at 707-462-6822
Kim

[mike roe]

This is the person in AL. Stephen Schomp. Has done control surfaces for me with excellent work and price.

SCHOMP AVIATION METAL, Chancellor, AL. Will rebuild Cessna single wings & flight controls. Quality workmanship at fair prices. Complete rebuild prices for 172. Flaps, $300. Elevators, $350. Rudders, $375. Wings, $1800. AL/(334) 406-7720; Fax 347-0873.

[GAHorn]

Those must be flat rate prices for the wings, as the degree of damage and/or corrosion will ultimately affect the final price on something that large.

Williams Airmotive in Kendallville, IN also has an excellent reputation for wing repairs. They ship a crate to you..and you return your wing inside it. (Their restoration and interior anti-corrosion poly treatments, general workmanship on serious damage is impressive.)