Have been looking at a '52 170B that has some damage history. The aircraft looks nice, the price is right, but it has been groundlooped a few times in its life, even a taxiway collision. Apparently it has undergone major reconstruction and some point in its life, including having much of the fuselage replaced with a '53.

The quality of some repairwork in this world rivals the manufacturing line at Cessna, but how much is too much? If it was a good price would you buy frankenplane? the 170 fleet is old, and it's likely there are few without some damage history. What would turn you off of a purchase?

Zane

Thanks Jr, that is good stuff I had no idea about.

Z

I agree, look it over real close with the help of a trusted A&P or IA. If it passes the smell test, buy it. You can make a flyer look pretty good with some sweat equity and an IA who will let you do most of the work supervised.

Took some dual in a C170 this morning, as I am considering buying one. It was my first time flying a Cessna taildragger, or any taildragger with a yoke for that matter. I have about 15 hrs in a Super Cub and Decathlon, so I am well acquainted with the stick.

Anyway, I am in love. What a great machine, this one had a 180HP Lyc with a C/S prop, and at 4800' wasted no time getting airborne. Seems to fly way better than the 172, just more nimble feeling overall, like a 152. As usual, I had a hard time with the site picture and 3-point attitude, so those sproingy gear got me buckin. Anyway, had to share. I had such a fun time.

Z

Zane, I have a C170B with an o360 Lyc, and I love it. We are still working out a few of the gremlins in it since we only have about 40 hours since we completely rebuilt the plane and put the Lyc in it. That being said, I also owned a 170A model with the C145 in it and really liked it. Don't over load it and don't get into a hurry getting up to altitude and they are a great airplane. The bigger engine gets you to altitude quicker, but the airspeed doesn't improve all that much more. Our plane is heavy for a 170 because of all the extras we put on it along with way too much paint and primer, but it still flys good. We have a c/s Hartzell 80" prop with a dampener on it and it runs smooth, but not as smooth as the Continental. As you have discovered with the 172, the temps on the Cont. run high. The Lyc runs alot cooler. Take out the back seat in the 170 and keep it light, it is a FUN airplane. Had a Super Cub, (2) pa-12s, a J-3, a Citabria, a 7ac Champ, and (2) 170s, and have flown a C180 several times. Bang for the buck -C170- is my choice, although the 12s were fun. Don't be afraid of a plane that has had damage as long as it has been fixed correctly. Get an annual done as the pre-buy inspection, that should cover any concerns or squaks there might be. If something arises out of that, back off and see what it takes to make it right. Remember an AI has to sign his name on the dotted line, so their inspection should be as good as any pre-buy you can get and it is on him that you fall back on, should a problem arise as to condition, airworthiness, or paperwork. Good luck, Jon

I have to second the opinion that you shouldn't be afraid of Frankenplane. As long as it's solid, who cares about damage history? Mine has a 337 for repair work after a wreck that includes the phrase "replaced fuselage". So I guess I have a Frankenplane too. So what? The price was right, and it flies great.The 337 is from 1960 so I guess they musta done a good enough job to last 45 years.
This airplane happens to not be real shiney- well, that and the Frankenplane aspect kept the price way reasonable. Just remember that the price will be reasonable when you sell it too.
My motto is "good enough is good enough, and perfect costs too much". Kinda depends if you want to brag about your pristine airplane & win fly-in static displays, or if you just want to get out there & FLY. You know- is it for show or for go? If you can afford perfect, go for it. I can't, so I settle for good enough and have a good time with it.
Good luck with your airplane hunting.

Eric