Blank Instrument Panel

[cess140]

Before I try to fabricate a new instrument panel, I was wondering if there was any vendor that has them already made up.

[6183]

What year and model airplane?
i.e. 1946, 47, 48, etc., C120, 140, or 140A

[2066]

I don't know of anyone who manufactures a "new" panel (...maybe Cessna would, at great expense ). That said, and to clarify...are you considering a complete removal/replacement of the entire instrument panel ("post to post")? We're often reminded that the panel assembly is a major structural piece of the aircraft...also, that too much cutting away of existing for additional instruments can reduce important strength. There are many who have achieved impressive & airworthy upgrade "modernization" without a lot of alteration so maybe you'll hear from some here yet. That there are lots of exciting and small/light instruments and packages available and being developed & marketed these days would be an understatement, no doubt we'd all agree. Fun and exciting times! Keep us posted as you explore the possibilities.
Mac

[scotts97385]

Instead of removing the panel for replacement in its entirety you may want to consider refacing it. I refaced mine with .050 by after removing all the instruments and then scribing from the backside the positions for instruments I wanted to keep. Brake bend a 90 on the bottom and cold form with a soft hammer the rolled edge on the top.

No structural changes are made so a 337 is not needed depending on your AI/AP.

[2066]

"No structural changes are made so a 337 is not needed..."

Truly outside the box, and looks great & "new". Nice work. ...curious -- what's the effect on weight and balance?
Mac

[scotts97385]

"No structural changes are made so a 337 is not needed..."

Truly outside the box, and looks great & "new". Nice work. ...curious -- what's the effect on weight and balance?
Mac

Less than a 1/2 pound I would think. We will be doing a new weight and balance soon as new lighter radios were added.

[7757]

Scott,

Do you have a few more photos of the panel overlay you made? I'm working on a fairly involved rearrangement of my own panel. Do you have some before-and-after photos? Or some photos of how the overlay interfaces with the original panel? Maybe a few shots of the edges? Thanks in advance.

-- Chris B

[scotts97385]

Scott,

Do you have a few more photos of the panel overlay you made? I'm working on a fairly involved rearrangement of my own panel. Do you have some before-and-after photos? Or some photos of how the overlay interfaces with the original panel? Maybe a few shots of the edges? Thanks in advance.

-- Chris B

Here is the before, I removed everything and made sure the front was flush with no protrusions. Then cut a .040 sheet to fit. While holding it in place with a couple celecos I scribed from behind the holes I wanted to retain.