The International Cessna^® 170 Association

Hi all, I'm new to the site as of today! I'm a 400 hour commercial pilot currently working as a flight instructor. I have about 100 hours of tail wheel time mostly in Citabrias and crop dusters. My family and I are considering the purchase of a 1951 Cessna 170A that has come up for sale not far from us. As a (potential) new aircraft owner, what sorts of things should we be looking at before flying home with it?

Its got 3400 hours total time, 70 hours since overhaul on an 0-300. One thing that I noticed on the annual done this summer was mention of corrosion, which the owner described to me as some light aluminum dust in the wings. Is this normal for a 60 year old airplane or something to be wary of?

Any insight at all would be appreciated!

Yes it is not unusual to see some corrosion on a 60 year old machine. If it is a light dusting and easily cleaned or treated it may be no big deal. But be wary. Look at it very closely. Get opinions from people who have seen it first hand who know old airplanes. A little corrosion often points to a lot of corrosion you might not be able to see.

Humm....Dust you say or he said. If you long term goal is to buy a 170 then simply join this club. Do your research on this site by using the search engine. Yes there's almost too much info here but wouldn't you want to buy an airplane where info is readily available? Note you can do your research without being a member but ...whatever
On that note, everyone on this site should pat themselves on the back, it's through everyone's effort to promote and preserve this type that the airplane's appeal is as strong as ever.
Back to your situation. I'll suggest( likely many others) get an annual inspection carried out by knowledgeable individual who has no interest in the sale and by someone not associated with the present owner.
The short answer for your corrosion issue is ; " Dust" and if it really is dust, is a corrosion level that suggests there's airworthiness concerns or the wings are in an unairworthy state.
Why? light corrosion is the norm albeit some aircraft have Nil. Seldom is the damage widespread but when it is there's another reason for its occurrence.
Dust suggests the corrosion is wide spread.
Questions like this make me think of a local ambulance chasing company whose TV ad and slogan for dealing with our local government auto insurance is:
" When in trouble call Del"