The International Cessna 170 Association

Hi ! I need to borrow a set of wing root fairings to use as a pattern for making a set for my '51 170A . I am willing to send a deposit to guarantee a return of them to you . Also need to know what aluminum I should make them out of . Thx, the ButchPilot !

Buthcpilot, my 170A is getting an annual next Friday. I'd be happy to make the best paper templates I can.

The problem I see with your plan is seem to remember the wing root fairings are riveted to the wing at the top. At least that is the way I remember both of my 170s being. If this is the case you'd have to find someone willing to detach them. However, if I'm right you could get a good pattern from fairings while they are attached. At least a good enough pattern to get you close enough for final fitting in place.

I'll see what I can do for you.

They weren't riveted on my airplane but had two #8 screws on top.

With the wings on the airplane, it wouldn't be too difficult to make up a set as it's a flat wrap around with a 90 degree bend to stiffen the lower section.

That would be great Bruce thx and thank you also Dave ! Oh, I got an English wheel and later today I'm going to hopefully "iron out " some of the buckles in my lower cowling that was damaged in the wreck . I'll give an update later, the ButchPilot !

bagarre wrote:They weren't riveted on my airplane but had two #8 screws on top.

Do those screws have nuts or something hard to get to that makes them difficult to remove. I know I've never removed mine for a reason.

No, they are just sheet metal screws. No nut plates or anything like that.

bagarre wrote:No, they are just sheet metal screws. No nut plates or anything like that.

Huh. Maybe mine was stock and yours modified. Maybe someone riveted mine or used screws and nuts hard to remove. I remember thinking how dumb these things don't easily come off the top. Maybe I just never wanted to fetch a ladder.

Mine are also screwed in place. But mine is a B and Bruce's is an A model, maybe there different?

Last week during annual I removed and traced my right wing root fairing. The left is a mirror image. Mine are not pristine and I'm not even sure they are factory but believe they are.

I remembered rivets and indeed mine has one just above the leading edge which attaches two sheet strips together into one long assembly. Indeed the entire assembly could be removed from the factory with screws. However when I installed my one piece windshield, one of the screws holding the new top windshield lip, goes through the fairing. This screw is a bear to remove because the nut underneath is hard to get two. Doing the windshield again I'd not do it this way.

Here are some pictures of mine.

As for the template, I'll have to snail mail it to you Walter (butchpilot170) but seeing as you have a NJ address maybe we can meet for breakfast or lunch if your 172 is flying.

Thx Bruce for all the info and pics . I guess I'm a long ways away from putting the wings back on so I can put the wing root fairings on the "back burner " for now ! Yeah Bruce , maybe us and some of the other club members could do a fly in luncheon sometime and discuss the greatness of the 170 and of course get to know each other . Thx, Butch !

Bruce, I like the Army blanket! I wonder what Cessna had originally? I've used duct tape and silver/aluminum tape. Not sure what is best but your blanket may be the winner. Also wonder what others use successfully on the backside of the fresh air "fairing" in the cabin. Seems difficult to stop outside air from leaking there. I have used fiberglass but it still leaked. Not an issue in warm months but is in colder ones.