The International Cessna 170 Association

I've noticed some differences in the panels for the 52 model. My panel had the small hole in the center for the compass. I've seen some other pictures showing a round instrument in the center. Was this an option from the factory or have these panels been modified?

Nippaero,
Take a look at the 1952 Owners Manual in the MX Library that Bruce uploaded a month or two ago, especially the options section at the end. You will see that there were a couple of panel options along with various radio options. My '52 has the gyro panel -- with the round version of the old AN DG in the center. There were some flight instrument options as well. Also take a look at Figs 40, 41, and in the options section Fig 74, of the B model IPC.

Thanks Gene. I will look into that.

I also have two card holders on my panel. I wonder what they originally held? I am guessing the center one was a compas card. Any ideas what that would have looked like or what would be in the other one?

The one in the center of the panel is the compass card holder. I have one below my DG, although the compass is mounted on top of the panel. In most pics of original panels, you will see a compass card holder in the center of the panel. I don't know what the other one would be. Where is it located?

Here is a September 1952 170B advertisement in Flying magazine showing the instrument panel. If you look closely, you see that the instrument layout is slightly different from the ones I pointed you to in my previous reply. So there was a fair amount of variation in the panels. (I've also just posted a copy of it in the MX Library)

Many, most probably, came from the factory with no radios or vacuum system and gauges installed. Yes the venturi vacuum system was optional. If Cessna did not install a vacuum system it would follow they did not install the gauges. The systems where installed post factory. So there can be variation found what instrument was placed where though because of the size the variation was limited. Most times of course advertising pictures where not of an actual production plane but one from the year prior pulled of the line and mocked up with the proposed new stuff.

The panel in the add looks just like one. I need to recreate the compass card that sits below the old DG but why would a DG need a compass card or was that to hold something else?



I also found this goodie on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Origina ... i6&vxp=mtr

Probably only weights 10 or 12 lbs!

Very cool radio. Looks to be in great shape. Nice decorative piece.

If you are talking about the paper/cardboard card that slides into the metal compass card holder, you can find one in the inside front cover of the association's membership directory. You just need to cut it out (and fill it out). It even has the Cessna logo.

I just noticed the second compass card on your panel - above your altimeter. I have no idea why there would be a second one in that location. The one below your old DG looks to me to be the original one. I believe that panel configuration with the small rectangular window in the center was for a compass in that rectangular hole. It looks like that compass may have been replaced early on with the old AN DG. Or perhaps someone just installed the DG in that style panel overlay from the start. Bruce's comment may hint at what happened - the DG was added post factory. I'm just guessing at all this though.

Thanks Gene. That would make sense if there was originally a compass in that location. I will go back through the logs and see what I can find.