The Finishing Kit
Part 3 -- The Panel
Visitors= 
I haven't started this part of the project... I'm just using this page
to collect various relevant bits and pieces.
Those building Sliding Canopies might want to check out Cecil Hatfield's Tip-down Panel.
RV-List message posted by: Fesenbek, Gary <fesenbek@marykay.com>
I did not use the panel planner software so I can't comment on that
but I did lay out my own panel and wiring. The method I used was recommended to me by the very knowledgeable Ken Scott from Vans. He said to purchase a sheet or two of 1/8" Formica from the building material store. Rough cut the panel out of Formica and then file to good fit in the aircraft. Next, mark the location of things that will interfere with the back of the panel. I have a slider so there are a few things but nothing like the flip-up. Once you have a good template make a few copies. Next start doing the layout and cutting the holes. Install the Formica panel in the airplane and install the critical instruments one at a time to insure proper clearance. Even though I thought I avoided all interference, I did have a couple of problems that forced some rethinking of the panel. My panel was also harder because I have two removable sub sections very similar to the Young Eagles panel. If you find a problem just pick up one of your spare Formica panels. What is neat is that you can sit in the airplane and look at what the layout will be like with a few of the
actual instruments in the panel before you cut any aluminum. I was not able to install all my instruments because in an IFR bird the gyros are pretty heavy for installation on an 1/8" Formica panel. One benefit of this is that some instruments that I purchased had holes that were not exactly aligned with the standard instrument drill guide. It was good to catch this before working on the real panel. Once I got to the real panel it made it much easier. Of course this was a whole lot of extra work and some might not want to go through this much trouble.
RV-List message posted by: JusCash@aol.com:
When laying out the Tip Up Canopy instrument panel, don't forget
to leave clearance for the canopy attachment arms with the canopy closed. I had to lower the attitude indicator. This meant I had to lower the rest of the flight instruments to keep them even which meant I didn't have enough room for my switches on the bottom of the panel. I bought an oversized instrument panel from Van's which gives me all the space I need.
RV-List message posted by: dgmurray <dgmurray@telusplanet.net>
Those darn ribs behind the panel got in the way and I ended up with
three of my 2" engine guages about 3/16" too near the rib. I suppose that I will just have to remodel that panel rib a little. I hear that those
with tip-up canopys have the same difficulties when mounting their 3 1/8" flight instruments. Mine ended up 3/16" too high and I am going to have to remodel one hinge block a little to clear the RC Allen A/H. I just wonder just how much the panel and sub panel move in relation to each other while the airframe shakes around. It is going to be tough to get very much clearance back there.
RV-List message posted by: Austin <6430@axion.net>
I was laying out my panel with cardboard cut-outs and decided to
leave enough room for a handy dandy little glove box.....
I laid out my 2 1/4" engine gauges all along the top of the panel..(I have 9), and happily went on to cut them out.....looks real nice....then I put the panel in place on the airframe and guess what ?? Two of the holes are smack in the middle of the ribs in behind that the panel screws to... If only I had dropped them about an inch..... I had actually thought
about this some time earlier, but promptly went on to forget all about
it....well, like most things, I can fix it, but it will call on most of
my rapidly dying gray cells to find a way around it....I sure ain't sending
off for a new panel so that I can screw that one up too....
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