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v-brace

Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2003 11:06 pm
by flyingpumkin
Was the v-brace part of the float kit for the 170? If so, does anyone have a part number? Or is it a modification/add-on requiring field approval from the FAA? I want to install one, but need to know how to properly document it. Any suggestions or information would be appreciated.

Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2003 1:00 am
by mit
It is not part of the float kit. I have never seen a STC, all of the ones that I know of where done on a field apporval. There was a guy in Anchorage that made a bunch of them about 10 years ago I will go look and see if I still have his name. Call and ask Atlee.

Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2003 7:33 am
by 2814C
I purchased mine from Atlee a few years ago. My plane was put on floats in 1970 and flew that way for nearly 30 years without the V-Brace. I was told that the V-Brace is not a mandatory part of the float kit. Those who fly skis recommend the V-Brace. Since I do both skis and floats, I put had the V-Brace put in.

Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2003 6:54 pm
by funseventy
The preferred method for securing those loads is using flying wires. They attach to the spar carry through and to the engine mount on the other side. This is much stonger than attaching to the top of the dash, even thought the V-brace looks beefier. But I don't know where you'd get those parts.

Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2003 5:30 am
by GAHorn
Tom Downey once explained very convincingly to me, that the V-brace was necessary to allow loads from the floatplane attachment area to be spread correctly to the fwd doorpost/spar rather than flexing the fwd fuselage and cracking the windshield.

Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2003 10:30 am
by 3993v
I just ordered a v- brace from atlee dodge a few days ago. Have not recieved it yet. My plane was on floats for a number of years and also on skis every winter. It was also explained to me how the v- brace helps stiffen the cabin in rough environments. At some unknown time the brace was removed but lost to time. So we are going to replace it. When it arrives I can give you the p/n and phone number. nick

Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2003 3:44 pm
by Roesbery
Hope you ordered the stainless steel version, it will prevent a lot of grief with the compass. I had a steel brace for a few years and never could get the compass the way I wanted it. Bought Attlees' stainless brace and had no more problems with the compass.

Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2003 4:10 pm
by 3993v
Yes I bought the Attlee Dodge stainles brace. Good info thanks. nick

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2003 3:36 am
by zero.one.victor
Seems like I recall that XP Mods sells V-braces also.
http://www.xpmods.com
And he's a 170 Association member.

Eric