The International Cessna^® 170 Association

We could nit pick and in the end many things are personal choice but I don't think I'd say they are "extremely advantageous". For one George I like the look of the early cowl and I never thought of the internal pressure cowl as a detraction from the model. 53 and later B model cowls crack and there doors chafe and pop open. And there design is such that the later Cone spinner must be used for aesthetic reasons. You can and many have put a later cowl on an early machine, I haven't seen the opposite though I suppose it could be done.

I think we touched on the B having better parts availability because more of it's parts are common with the 172, but don't believe we mentioned the L-19. Though L-19 parts aren't as readily available as they once where. Your elevator purchase was a once in a life time deal. And there are A models with B model (L-19) elevators out there though that solution is a stretch with approvals today.

I never considered the 53 and later panel an improvement, it's just different. In fact I like the piano keys of the 52 and prior.

gahorn,

I appreciate the additional info related to the other option for parts and differences. As for the stolen log books, I to had the same thought. Why on earth would anyone break into your office and steal log books. I even tried to push it out of my head saying that's a good reason so I could move on. He's in the Ag business so unless someone broke in and just grabbed what they could, maybe an unhappy customer. What value are they to anyone expect to cause problems for the other guy. I have heard of folks getting them stolen out of their car as they were in a bag that was stolen. I haven't gotten up the nerve to really question him on that subject yet. Just figured if he has had it for the past 23+ years since the logs went missing and has good logs back that far than maybe I can live with that. Not sure what title insurance is exactly but would imagine it's just to cover my butt if something comes up later where someone has a lean on it. Sorry to be so green on this but the fact is, I just am.

Bruce,

Thanks again for your input. I am mixed on the nose cone as I like both of them. I am used to the long cone as that type was on my 152 although it was a bit pointier. I do also like the look of the piano keys as well but I am not sure I like them enough to make it a deciding factor.

Aryana,

Thanks for pointing out the later model tailwheel steering. Now that you mention it, I recall reading that somewhere as well but had just forgotten it. I think I am losing data out my ears at this point. Not complaining at all about all the info this group of folks have been so kind to provide me with. Just overwhelming.


I greatly appreciate all the info provided and opinions expressed. I don't even know how to explain my state of mind at this point. Working so hard to look at this from every angle to make the best decision for me and my family. Not just for the short term (thickness of wallet) but for the long term. So parts availability plays into that but what repairs do I think I will want to do and what do i think might have to be done. What upgrades do I want in a plane, do any of these planes already have those. The problem is none of these planes have all of what I am looking for. I probably can't afford that plane if I do find it at my price it will be out of engine time or close. As you probably know I have been at this for months now. It consumes my thoughts that I have to ask the good LORD to forgive me while I am setting in church thinking about planes. I need to just do what was suggested and pull the trigger on what I think is the one and just live with the good and the bad of it. I have come to realize that I am not sure I can make a decision. I have made my mind up so many times I have lost count.

If I make a decision in your lifetime I will do my best to update the forum so you can celebrate with me. Even though I suspect it won't be the last time you hear from me.

I am sure I shared to much crap but hey my wife don't understand so I've gotta let it out somewhere.

Justin

Justin, I have read most of the posts referring to your quest for your to be purchased 170, but I don't remember if any of us mentioned the Cessna 170 Book that is available from our association. If you don't have one or access to one you are missing out on a lot of specific data on the 170 series. Every 170 owner should have one of these and it just might provide you with some data that none of us has remembered to mention to you.

Good Luck!

Frank

Thanks for the info Frank. I just went over to the store and orderd one. Hopefully I'll have it in a few days.

Justin

I would personally take exception to saying that the 55 model tail wheel steering works better than the earlier models. I've owned both kinds, and my considerable seniority and awsome knowledge convinces me that masterful taxying of any model of C-170 is best done with lots of differential brakeing.

Log books can be stolen or the dog can eat them. I know of a situation, that the divorce settlement by the court divided the aviation business in half. However you should be a licensed engineer to be the principal of a business. The male decided to set up a business just down the road. He then decided to divide everything in half. He wanted out. All the reference material was packed up and removed [She wanted all the tooling and stands and invoices and business paperwork]. All the log books of different owners were boxed up to be sent back to the owners. These were left in a pile at side of the hangar , the male was driving to his new hangar he noticed a large fire at the back of the old hangar. She in a fit of rage decided to burn all these log books[and anything of value that was his] in spite. She didnt have a clue what they were or the legal ramerifications of her actions. So the moral of the situation, log books can disappear and when this happens only a detailed /close inspection will show the real story about the aircraft.
["SEE"!! KC. no names or places that identified you and I didnt call her a bitch either]

Justin just remember most of us did not get so lucky to find the perfect plane the first time. We learned along the way and that learning could not take place until we owned a plane to learn with. Which came first? The chicken or the egg?

Many of us have been exactly where you are. When I thought about buying my first airplane I thought I have to get it right because I will never ever be able to buy another. It was this one and that was it. I've bought 4 airplanes since and have considered at least 6 others. I've also considered selling all of them and buying a horse. I've always wanted a horse.

Times change, your situation will change. What is important to you will change. These are the only things I can guarantee you. The decision to buy an A or a B is not that darn important in the big scheme. When and if it feels right buy one.

Bruce

KEEP THE PLANE!!!!!!

I had lots of horses in my day........oil is cheap compared to a hay burner!!!!!

At the end of the day.....do it now, life is short, enjoy.


W.

My friend said the same. He bought 4 wheelers and now sit till being used instead of working to feed, clean and exercise the horses.

I have 4 horses, I'll trade ya.

I have two horses, a donkey, and a B.
While a really nice 55/ 56 is the best of the bunch, the others are really nice airplanes.. I would buy a really nice 48 over a crappy B any day. That said I only looked at A's and B's because I knew I would be tying down outside sometimes.

My B is toasty warm at 18 deg OAT or even colder.

Bruce is wrong, clearly if you read though the forum there is a consensus that the best 170 is the RED ONE, regardless of model

A sound airframe and good engine are paramount. An engine is going cost at least 16k if you don't participate in the work. Paint will cost you upwards of 10k. Instruments are not cheap but basic VFR stuff is not too bad. Radios are expensive though. Interiors are relatively cheap.

I fall into a different camp, if the airframe checks out and flys straight I am not worried about missing logs or damage history especially if it is old history. That said, it is a bargaining chip in price negotiations.

Good luck and enjoy the hunt! I sure did, and I now I am really enjoying the airplane I ended up with.

Bruce Fenstermacher wrote:Justin just remember most of us did not get so lucky to find the perfect plane the first time. We learned along the way and that learning could not take place until we owned a plane to learn with. Which came first? The chicken or the egg?

Many of us have been exactly where you are. When I thought about buying my first airplane I thought I have to get it right because I will never ever be able to buy another. It was this one and that was it. I've bought 4 airplanes since and have considered at least 6 others. I've also considered selling all of them and buying a horse. I've always wanted a horse.

Times change, your situation will change. What is important to you will change. These are the only things I can guarantee you. The decision to buy an A or a B is not that darn important in the big scheme. When and if it feels right buy one.

Now, THAT is the best advice you're going to get. You can't know how airplane ownership is going to work out, so relax. I know, you can't relax. I've been where you are.

....and, if you take care of it, you'll get a whole lot of your money back some day.

It seems to me that a $2K annual is pretty steep. Did they have to do a lot of repair work?

That priceing sounds a lot more realistic.