The International Cessna 170 Association

When changing the batteries in my ELT, I discovered an upholstered panel on the backside of the cargo area. It isn't the access panel to the tail section, rather it's a panel that was attached above the access panel (at head level for backseat passengers) in the tail section. Does anyone know what this is? The only thing I can think of is for noise dampening... but that's a stretch!

Either noise control or to prevent cold air in the tail from moving forward into the cabin.
I installed one in 81D to block off the tail's cold winter air - worked quite well.

I'm not sure which model you have but on the "B" that area would be the back of the hat shelf area which I believe would normally have the headliner providing the barrier at the fuselage frame.

I think originally, the headliner material back there had insulation in that area to help with cold and noise. When I bought my 53 170B back in 1970, the original headliner had plastic encapsulated insulation attached there.