retrofit a Float Kit on a C170B?

[Bruce N]

Hi all,

Being new to this forum, and to the 170 world, I was wondering did Cessna have a factory float kit that they installed in the '170?

I know they had this for the 180 and 185, and it included the windshield "V" brace which was a quick way to tell if it was installed.

What parts are needed to put one on floats?

Thanks

Bruce

[minton]

Yes! Refer to the 170 parts manual. The 170 kit did not include the "V" brace. A field approval is required for such but not to technical an installation. After market brace is available through F. Atlee Dodge. for around $450.00.

as an asside, be careful of aftermarket installations of float kits. They can be lacking parts, or be installed incorrectly.

[mit]

Look in the parts book its all there.

[Bruce N]

Thanks for the info. By looking at a 170, how can you tell if the factory float kit is installed?

[minton]

Look at the parts book, it depicts the inside and outside parts. The TC data and the planes equipment list will tell all as to weather the kit is factory or not. If it was installed after it should have a form 337 detailing the parts installed and logbook entries stating so.

[Bruce N]

Is it possible to retrofit a float kit onto a 170B?

If so, how expensive was the process?

Thanks

[minton]

If you mean the "Whole" kit, print up lots of money. Retrofitting means to me installation of sheet metal and cables. Price it out @ cessnaparts.com and add labor on top.

[Bruce N]

yikes.. I was afraid that might be the answer.

The Cessna 170 that I am looking at does not have the factory float kit installed.

Thanks

[mit]

Look in the parts book! I put together a kit, and sold all the parts at one time for about $1500. That was a few years ago . It is one of the easiest float installations of the 100 series.

[minton]

The "At one time" is the catch. Prices have gone through the roof! The use of FAR 21.303 might be an option for you. If so contact me as I can help you out.

[ak2711c]

You will find that for all factory new parts you will be out about $3,500.00 and you will have 30-40 hours of labor into the install. You can find some parts available used and can make some of the parts yourself to save some money. I just finished installing my float kit on Monday and installed the floats on Tuesday. What a blast to be on floats again!

[Bruce N]

That is great news, thanks! Will have to get into the parts manual and start making my Christmas list, just so the kids know what to get me.

Appreciate the info

BN

[GAHorn]

Thanks for the info. By looking at a 170, how can you tell if the factory float kit is installed?

The complete factory float kit included chromated interior, sealed pulleys, stainless control cables...in addition to the actual hardware depicted in the IPC. Although an aircraft may appear to have all the hardware...unless evidence of the corrosion-resistant flight control system and interior, addt'l chormating is present... the complete "factory" kit installation is not likely. (Keep in mind that portions of the kit may be installed by the dealers prior to delivery, or subsequently by owners.)

[minton]

I would just add as George stated "Chromated" means all primary parts where chromated "before assembly" not after. So be careful in jumping to fast and making the wrong assumptions. A thorough inspection should be accomplished to assure yourself of the "real" processes that were accomplished not just an overshoot.

As stated earlier, the aircraft equipment list assigned to that aircraft should call out a factory float kit if installed as original equipment.

As an asside, there are a few good corrosion proofing products that can do the same job after market. Just make sure you paint your plane first as those products can bleed through the sheet metal seams forever thus rendering a new paint job worthless as far as sticking to the metal surfaces for any length of time.

[flyguy]

Some years ago I was visiting some friends in Eagle River AK. Of course I had to visit every airport within 50 miles. I came upon a fellow working on a pretty nice polished 170 on wheels. He was working on some spots where there had been some float fittings. Curious as to why he would remove those fittings I questioned him. He had taken his plane to some shop to have some engine work done and when he went to pick it up all the fittings had been stolen. The shop denied any responsibility and the fellow said when he started looking up the cost to replace the stuff he decided to forget it.