Lift strut removal

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

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Aeroplane
Posts: 67
Joined: Sun Dec 22, 2013 8:52 pm

Lift strut removal

Post by Aeroplane »

I'm doing some corrosion control and paint touch up on my 170A and would like to remove the lift struts for painting, how difficult is it?
Louie Hanna ‘49 A model
hilltop170
Posts: 3481
Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 6:05 pm

Re: Lift strut removal

Post by hilltop170 »

Masking is much easier, that's what I would do, and it's legal for the owner to do unsupervised.
Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
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c170b53
Posts: 2527
Joined: Mon Apr 22, 2002 8:01 pm

Re: Lift strut removal

Post by c170b53 »

It's not that hard, but as the wing has to be lifted up to allow room to slip the fork end out there's quite a few in between steps involved and requires about three bodies.
I think, if it's just a paint thing then Richard nailed it.
Jim McIntosh..
1953 C170B S/N 25656
02 K1200RS
Aeroplane
Posts: 67
Joined: Sun Dec 22, 2013 8:52 pm

Re: Lift strut removal

Post by Aeroplane »

How about the strut seals? I've done a part number search for them with no luck. Replacing them was about half the reason for wanting to remove the struts but if they aren't available anyway... I'm assuming everyone is using some sort of "U" channel from Brown Aircraft, any recommendations? Thanks to all. Louie
Louie Hanna ‘49 A model
bagarre
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Re: Lift strut removal

Post by bagarre »

The 170 never came with strut fairings.
Early 172 fairings fit but your mechanic may want approval to put them on.

If you pull the strut, take care to not lower it until it is completely out of the aircraft or you can damage the end fitting.
Last edited by bagarre on Sun Mar 04, 2018 5:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
hilltop170
Posts: 3481
Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 6:05 pm

Re: Lift strut removal

Post by hilltop170 »

At 100 knots, strut fairings look nice as long as they are in good shape, but they don't do anything for airspeed. Plus, I don't want to drill any more holes in the plane.

I use U-Channel.

Texas Aeroplastics has made fairings in the past, http://buyplaneparts.com/brands/Texas-Aeroplastics.html
Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
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GAHorn
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Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2002 8:45 pm

Re: Lift strut removal

Post by GAHorn »

He wasn't asking about fairings...he specifically asked about "U-channel"... which can usually be replaced without removing the strut.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
Aeroplane
Posts: 67
Joined: Sun Dec 22, 2013 8:52 pm

Re: Lift strut removal

Post by Aeroplane »

Thanks George, question answered.
Louie Hanna ‘49 A model
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