The International Cessna^® 170 Association

Hi All,

I'm contemplating an avionics upgrade in the near future for my 1952 170B. I was initially considering going the Garmin route with GNC355 GPS/COM, 2x GI275 (AI + HSI), and GTX 345 ADS-B transponder, and GMA 342 audio panel. However, it looks like the Dynon Skyview HDX system has an STC for Cessna 170, 170A, and 170B (https://www.dynoncertified.com/aml-list.php). The Dynon system is looking pretty attractive. However, I have the original instrument panel and I'm concerned about mounting space. Also, it seems like there would be a lot of labor to modify the panel to accept the Skyview where the GI275 will fit standard instrument holes. Has anyone installed the Dynon Skyview in their 170? What was your experience?

Thanks
Ben

Relieved to hear I’m not the only one looking to spend way too much money on an old taildragger. I’m also looking at the 355 and two 275s. Put a L3 Lynx in last year. Been wondering if I’m crazy.

Yes, you're not the only one. My panel needs some work. I've got an INOP GPS, Nav radio, and attitude indicator and it is all quite old. So rather than invest money in old equipment I wanted to go with new and make the plane IFR capable.

I'm leaning toward the GI275 as they will let the panel still maintain the classic look and eliminate the need for a vacuum system. But the Dynon system is extremely capable. I'm just concerned that the labor to install it will be too much. Also, I didn't know if there were any "gotchas" as it relates to the 170.

My 170A is currently in the avionics shop getting dual G5's and a GNX 375. To finish out the upgrade, next year I plan on adding a new GNC 255 nav/com. The G5 HSI will be able to show both the VHF nav and GPS nav. I also didn't have an attitude indicator in my plane before (and never had a vacuum system). The GNX 375 and GNC 255 give me everything I'm looking for and was cheaper than a GTX 345 and GTN 650 combo. I chose the G5's vs. GI 275 due to the lower cost and my opinion that such a small touch screen would be difficult to use. The round screen also looks more cluttered than a G5. Obviously I was okay with the square instrument look.

I didn't really consider the HDX due to cost and fact that I would need to redo the entire panel.

I hope to have my plane back in a couple weeks. Will post pictures then...

Doug

A new instrument panel isn’t that hard to fabricate. A 2’ x 4’ piece of 0.125 2024-T3 will make two panels for a later B-model. Use the old one to mark the shape and match drill the mounting holes of the new one. Just be careful of the depth of any instruments or boxes you mount between the yokes, as most 170s still have the T-shaped control column behind the panel.

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