There is a new c172 stc tailwheel conversion available, I am going to put one on my 1957 172 I am looking for someone interested in doing the work.

Please, I know I KNOW many of you will say not to But I am going to.

I all ready have completely rebuilt this plane along with lyc 180hp cs prop I am not starting over with c180.

This is my off field farm flying machine. Light weight and good performance.

This is a new stc from Alaska

http://www.stootsaviation.com/Tail_Wheel_Conversions.php

I need to find a mechanic would be good for this work and interested in it.


This is what i will end up with.

More power to ya if you think you'll keep it for a long time. Should be a nice flying airplane. The one pictured looks badass.

Where in mo are you? I know of a couple A&Ps that might help you. ( maybe I'd be able to get some time toward a A&P.....)

CStol

I agree, that is one good looking machine. There is a guy east of St. Joe at Union Star that has a Cessna jig and rebuilt a 1955 180. He taught sheet metal in California. Not sure if he is young enough to tackle another project.

If you end up with that you'll really have something!! Looks cool

I witnessed firsthand (riding in the co-pilot seat) a '56 172 with the 180hp, CS prop (short, cute little prop) takeoff, climb, and fly just fine (~1100' takeoff roll with myself and the pilot (both a bit over 200#), one passenger around 180, and 2 others around 150, along with about 120 pounds of gear. I also got to fly it on several other occasions at uh, gross weight. Impressed the hell out of me. It wasn't a taildragger but I could see the reasons one would want to do it. It didn't have any STOL mods at all either.

What does that new conversion STC cost? Does it come with all the parts or is it just paper?

born2flyak wrote:I witnessed firsthand (riding in the co-pilot seat) a '56 172 with the 180hp, CS prop (short, cute little prop) takeoff, climb, and fly just fine (~1100' takeoff roll with myself and the pilot (both a bit over 200#), one passenger around 180, and 2 others around 150, along with about 120 pounds of gear. I also got to fly it on several other occasions at uh, gross weight. Impressed the hell out of me. It wasn't a taildragger but I could see the reasons one would want to do it. It didn't have any STOL mods at all either.

That had to be a tight fit with 5 people & gear! Impressive

That will be a nice looking machine when it's done. Good luck.

Mike and Dale Twitchell at Twitchells Airport in Turner Maine have done 6 or more tailwheel conversions I have seen. Straight tails and newer ones. Cant remember if they were Bush or Bolen conversions. The last one I saw them doing they were putting a float kit in one as well. They mess with a lot of float planes, and like to do tailwheel conversions in the winter. I dont think they have done one recently, but they are good guys and straight shooters, their phone # should be in the AOPA directory. Let me know if you cant find it. I used to own a 180hp Skyhawk they did the annuals on, it was a nice performer, we used to see 135mph cruise with a fixed pitch prop, if it had a tailwheel I would still own it.\
Jim

cstolaircraft wrote:Where in mo are you? I know of a couple A&Ps that might help you. ( maybe I'd be able to get some time toward a A&P.....)

CStol

I live near Gallatin ,MO Which is NW MO

Thank you

Scouter wrote:Mike and Dale Twitchell at Twitchells Airport in Turner Maine have done 6 or more tailwheel conversions I have seen. Straight tails and newer ones. Cant remember if they were Bush or Bolen conversions. The last one I saw them doing they were putting a float kit in one as well. They mess with a lot of float planes, and like to do tailwheel conversions in the winter. I dont think they have done one recently, but they are good guys and straight shooters, their phone # should be in the AOPA directory. Let me know if you cant find it. I used to own a 180hp Skyhawk they did the annuals on, it was a nice performer, we used to see 135mph cruise with a fixed pitch prop, if it had a tailwheel I would still own it.\
Jim

Thank you that is what I hoped to find Someone who has the experience. I will try to call them

180Marty wrote:I agree, that is one good looking machine. There is a guy east of St. Joe at Union Star that has a Cessna jig and rebuilt a 1955 180. He taught sheet metal in California. Not sure if he is young enough to tackle another project.

Would you happen to know the gentlemans name??

I would reccomend Jims aviation in Charlotte Michigan. Jim is a big C-180/182/185 and L-19 guy. He had all the equipment to do the job right. He is the "Cessna Guru" around these parts,( and owns a beautiful 54 C-180 and a L-19 himself). His phone number is 517-543-6015.

Matt

I think you'll find the conversion a good one. Dave Stoots is a character, but he's a stand up guy, and makes good stuff.

MTV

Would you happen to know the gentlemans name??

Carl Ott 816 593 2512 I haven't talked to him lately but that is the number from a few years ago. Also e-mail was flyfloat at ccp.com

Don Deason in Paola, KS has numerous factory Cessna jigs and does outstanding work. Not that you need the use of any jigs for your project, he has them and specializes in sheetmetal work.

http://www.deasonaircraft.com/

Also Beagle there in E. CO isn't too far away from you. They have a good reputation, fix lots of wrecks. Might give them a jingle.

gb

Give Del Lehmann a call Mountain Airframe Services Mena Ark. 479-437-3333

I HIGHLY recommend/second the recommendation of Del Lehman. I have taken my -170B to him for ext baggge/ door and wing work. Outstanding knowledg, workmanship and best of all, he is an "old school craftsman and businessman. His word and handshake are more reliable than 99% of the industry. Give him a call, 479-437-3333

I'll also recommend Del Lehman, Mountain Airframe, Mena, AR.

I have flown my plane 500 miles one way to let him work on it... twice.. and will do it again if needed. He is a Cessna guru. And I concur, you won't find a more honest businessman.

Additionally, there are several paint and upholstery shops right there on the field in Mena and Del knows them all. All your work can be done right there.

K