C170A... Observer Door?

[evmlarry]

Hey everyone, while researching the history of my project I was able to uncover that the aircraft actually was delivered to the border patrol straight from factory. After reaching out to the US Border Patrol museum, I was able to land some great representative pictures of both A and B model 170s when they served. Unfortunately they couldn't track down my aircraft.

One thing I would love to do is possibly return the aircraft's pilot side door back to the observer condition, but I have not been able to track down any part numbers or information on this particular door or modification. Has anyone come across this before? Here's specifically what I'm looking for:

c170a_bp.jpg

And just because I think it's a cool thing to see, I've attached a B model they sent me with the BP insignia on it for your view pleasure -- unrelated to my request above.

bp_insignia.jpg

[n2582d]

I'd try calling Craig Cuthbertson, Cessna Customer Service Engineer, at (316) 517-5800 or email him at customercare@cessna.textron.com. He was able to help me find an obscure blueprint for the Aeromatic propeller installation on the C-170B. Be ready for to pay for the info though -- over $300 for a sheet of paper in my case.
I wonder how much a pilot could see out that door unless they only had one seat centered up front. Seems like the pilot's seat in the normal position would pretty much block the view through that window.

[GAHorn]

That "observers" door reminds me of the ones on the Cessna 140's we flew on pipeline patrol which had similar plexiglas in the lower door frames. There was no documentation whatsoever....simply put, there it is...a door with an additional window in it.
Since the door is not structural, I can't imagine it being a big deal to anyone who wanted to cut a hole and fill it with plastic.

[hilltop170]

I think bubble windows are much more useful for looking down than the observer window. Plus bubble windows give a nice arm rest and you can also look directly behind the plane. Vertical seat adjustment capability also makes looking out of bubble windows easier. Not exactly original if someone is trying to make a historically correct recreation, but much more functional.

[GAHorn]

Maybe you should put them in your 195, Richard. That way you could see forward.

[hilltop170]

No kidding!

Or, I can roll down the side window and look out.

[MoonlightVFR]

Larry


I too have a C170 with an early history of U S Border Patrol. N2890C was apparently purchased to work for Border Patrol.

A logbook entry noted that aircraft was contracted to patrol the. Rio Grand river area from Texas to pacific ocean.

a loud speaker was fitted to belly of N2890C and pilot was instructed to turn back cattlemen trying to bring cattle across the river and sell in U.S. Log book referred to loudspeaker removal. I have the original headphones and they look 1930s.

The lore had it as a cow worth 15.00 in Mexico would bring 40 to 50 dollars in the US. Wade that little river and triple your money. 1954.

I think I will contact the Border Patrol and see if they have a copy of private contractors.

[GAHorn]

...I too have a C170 with an early history of U S Border Patrol. N2890C was apparently purchased to work for Border Patrol.
A logbook entry noted that aircraft was contracted to patrol the. Rio Grand river area from Texas to pacific ocean......

That's quite a long border to patrol....all the way East across the Gulf, Atlantic, Sub-Sahara, Mid-East, Asia, and Pacific.....(especially since the Rio Grande doesn't flow into the Pacific ocean, but the Gulf of Mexico instead.)