So close, so close and yet so far...

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

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bagarre
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Joined: Thu Sep 30, 2010 11:35 pm

Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by bagarre »

If I could afford a new Cessna I'd be flying an RV-10.

And I'd take the saved money and buy a 140, a 170, a 195, a Pitts Special and a few Piper Cubs..
spduffee
Posts: 219
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 4:48 am

Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by spduffee »

Just an update....
I pulled the wing on Friday. We knew before taking the plane apart that the front right bulkhead bracket was corroded (had a blister 1cmx1.5cm). It was removed to see if it was infecting the spar carry through. Luckily, the spar looks great, inside and out. Now I just have to replace the bracket with a replacement. I have a question: Do all solid rivets have to be replaced with solid rivets or can alternatives be used?
Thanks, Shawn
N5448C -1950 170-A
c170b53
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Joined: Mon Apr 22, 2002 8:01 pm

Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by c170b53 »

You need to use a Cherrymax because one end of a solid rivet cannot be accessed inside the door post? You can replace a solid rivet with a variety of fasteners but generally rivets should be replaced with the same type of rivets if possible.
Blind fastener selection and hole preparation are key aspects to a successful substitution of a solid with a blind.
Jim McIntosh..
1953 C170B S/N 25656
02 K1200RS
spduffee
Posts: 219
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Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by spduffee »

Thanks Jim. I will pass this on to my mechanic, though i hhope he knows that.
N5448C -1950 170-A
hilltop170
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Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by hilltop170 »

spduffee wrote:Even if I could pay for a new Cessna, and despite all of my complaining, I'd still buy a classic 170/ 180/ 195. There's no comparison.
I agree, that's what I did....................and it only took 30 years!
Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
2023 Best Original 170A at Sault Ste. Marie
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
spduffee
Posts: 219
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 4:48 am

Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by spduffee »

I removed the aft bulkhead today and was searching for replacement parts. The part number of course is 0512108-3. I remember seeing a posting about someone whose mechanic supposedly fabricated a new one and I believe someone said it was next to impossible, due to the continuous tight radius at the bottom. Here is a picture of mine, that I removed today. Its lower small radius is segmented. Does anyone have a photo of an original piece that is not segmented? I think I read someone saying that a segmented lower portion is a sign of an aftermarket homemade, and illegal?
1002131934.jpg
1002131935.jpg
Does anyone happen to have a spare laying around anywhere?

Thank you,

Shawn
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N5448C -1950 170-A
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canav8
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Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by canav8 »

Shawn, if you are unable to find a new one, New Old Stock(NOS) let me know and I will make you one. I am really busy but I will fabricate one for you. Please try to get NOS first and exhaust all options but I will make sure you keep her flying. Doug
52' C-170B N2713D Ser #25255
Doug
spduffee
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Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 4:48 am

Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by spduffee »

Thank you, Doug! I'll keep looking around for a ready-made and definitely get back to you if I don't find one.
N5448C -1950 170-A
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Bruce Fenstermacher
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Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by Bruce Fenstermacher »

Shawn that part looks suspiciously like a true Cessna part.

At some point after you have found the path your going to take, ie have a new or good part in hand, it would be great to flatten (if possible) and get an accurate tracing of that part.

It is only a matter of time until manufacturing parts will be the only way and the Association needs to start collecting as many details about these parts as possible.
CAUTION - My forum posts may be worth what you paid for them!

Bruce Fenstermacher, Past President, TIC170A
Email: brucefenster at gmail.com
spduffee
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Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by spduffee »

Thanks Bruce. I am actually working on reproducing the unit in Autocad. Hopefully no one will notice that i am not working on floor plans. If so, i will simply say it's a custom beam seat pocket. I will share the results with the team.
N5448C -1950 170-A
bagarre
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Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by bagarre »

Flattening and tracing the part might not work very well as the aluminum will stretch during the flattening process.
Making a CAD of the drawing is closer but be sure to calculate the extra material needed for the bend radius.

Also, consider making a CAD of the inside of the part to possibly make a form for hydro-forming.
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n2582d
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Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by n2582d »

spduffee wrote:I removed the aft bulkhead today and was searching for replacement parts. The part number of course is 0512108-3. I remember seeing a posting about someone whose mechanic supposedly fabricated a new one and I believe someone said it was next to impossible, due to the continuous tight radius at the bottom. Here is a picture of mine, that I removed today. Its lower small radius is segmented. Does anyone have a photo of an original piece that is not segmented? I think I read someone saying that a segmented lower portion is a sign of an aftermarket homemade, and illegal?
1002131934.jpg
1002131935.jpg
Does anyone happen to have a spare laying around anywhere?

Thank you,

Shawn
Here's a link to the post you referred to. There is a photo there of the bulkhead which is not segmented. If you can't find a replacement bulkhead you might try calling Chris at Del-Air to hydroform the part (assuming Del-Air is still in business).
Gary
spduffee
Posts: 219
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Re: So close, so close and yet so far...

Post by spduffee »

Yea! the wing is back on!
I got a new bulkhead from Corvalis Aero Services (Warren Ruck) in Oregon. They may have some odds and ends from 170s.
1010131737.jpg
1009131112.jpg
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N5448C -1950 170-A
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