The International Cessna 170 Association

I keep reading all over the place that there are various parts interchangeable between the L-19 bird-dog, specifically the first variant (305A) and the C170B. Despite the part numbers being different though close in some cases, various parts are essentially identical.

Does anyone know of any documentation that says what is compatible with the C170B from the L-19 parts?

Specifically looking at installing an elevator from an L-19 (305A) on a C170B.

The 170B was reportedly developed from the L19/O1 and share many wing and empennage parts. Cessna utilized part-drawing-numbers to develop part-numbers and often an interchangeable part can be determined by that comparison.... I.E. 0550123 and 0650123 might indicate the same part being utilized on a 05 series aircraft (170B) and a series 06 aircraft (L-19/O1). This convention is NOT foolproof however, as sometimes interchangeable parts have completely different PNs.

Be cautious about differences which may not be obvious. Example: Elevator counterweights may be different.... but that should be checked as a part or ordinary flight-control-balance checks during installation. Trim tab and leading edge differences may exist as well, particularly with regard to antenna-bullets on leading edges and extended-chord tabs of certain L-19 variants.

Hope this helps.

I have read that the bird dog was developed from the 170a series initially . Then the 170b was developed and the bird dog was updated on that design. Plus a 3 seat bird dog was also built by Cessna . I have seen in Thailand a Cessna 170a in full military colors and no interior [it had sling seats ].. This was used in the Vietnam conflict and was stored at a local airport plus other ex light military aircraft . A major flood there about 5 years ago would have finished them off.

Basically parts of the cowl are the same as '52 and earlier 170s as well as vertical and horizontal stabilizers, rudders and elevators are the same as B model. An entire L-19 wing can be bolted to a 170A or B if appropriate flap controls are installed. Various wing parts are the same as B model wings as are those of 172, 175 and others.

I am pretty sure I have an L19 rudder, it has two landing lights.

daedaluscan wrote:I am pretty sure I have an L19 rudder, it has two landing lights.

Old thread, I realize… just doing a “search” this one popped-up… I’m sure Charlie did not mean “landing lights” but meant “position lights”.

Why two..?? Because only one light seen during a night formation flight will not provide adequate distance-detection…while two will assist in determining distance from another aircraft.

I was able to get a L19 tail spring part off eBay for my 170B. Fit perfectly. It was that u-shaped part with a little pin in the middle to keep it from sliding off the leaf spring. Original nub wore down.