Access panels

oren_rokach · #1 07-09-2020, 09:48 PM

(following a thread on FB)
How many of you already installed the front of windshield access panels?
what did you use for sealing to avoid leaks?

How many are against and why?

Auburntsts · #2 07-10-2020, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oren_rokach

(following a thread on FB)
How many of you already installed the front of windshield access panels?
what did you use for sealing to avoid leaks?

How many are against and why?

IMO they simply aren't needed. In this day in age of multiple EFIS screens, if you remove one you've got a big hole to get to stuff. I have the stock panel that's one-piece (vs the segmented version in the plans) with no special attachment (ie hinges, etc) and I've haven't had any issues. YMMV....

Dennis Harm · #3 07-10-2020, 05:22 AM

Installed access panels in my 14 A . Just the ability to work from the outside I worth it IMHO. Sealed with a thin bead of fire barrier 2000.

RONSIM · #4 07-10-2020, 06:14 AM

silicon "grease" --- scuba shops have it, or on Amazon. Works good and easy to clean off when needed. I use my panels frequently for work and inspections. Could not maintain the plane without them.

Ron

Auburntsts · #5 07-10-2020, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RONSIM

Could not maintain the plane without them.

Ron

Really? That seems to be a bit of an extreme position but I don't know your planes. I just completed my 6th condition inspection on my 10 and there's nothing that front of windshield access panels would have helped make the inspection any easier or better, and definitely nothing that would have helped maintain the plane over these past 5 years. Having said that, I see nothing wrong with adding these panels but I just don't see the point.

rocketman1988 · #6 07-10-2020, 07:22 AM

As always, what's good for one build may not be good for another.

I installed the access panels and could not be happier. If I had put them in sooner, I would have been able to use the space between the sub panel and firewall for placement of some of the LRUs, instead of trying to cram them all on the sub panel.

I will be using closed cell, self adhesive silicone foam weather-stripping for a seal. Available at McMaster...

MS19087 · #7 07-10-2020, 07:31 AM

I have a QB fuselage - I am still in the build process - however i installed these as one of the first items i worked on with my QB. They have allowed me to do lots of work MUCH easier. Installation of rudder pedals, installation of brake lines, fuel lines, firewall penetrations, etc. For me these were a great addition. I will also appreciate them as I install and maintain remote LRU's, etc. Very happy i did this - no more laying on my back as i did for years with my -9A tip-up! Check this out.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUp...2eOQIw1zRaLwvy

Bill Boyd · #8 07-10-2020, 07:43 AM

I'm finding that the most needed hypothetical access panels would be in the glare shield, for access to the pilot (aft) side of the sub-panel from above. Will never happen of course - windscreen is in the way of any useful access from that angle.

I have access from below (by assuming the most painful sustained body position ever devised) and through the giant holes for the EFIS screens, so no real room for complaint.

The space between firewall and sub-panel on my build contains the FW ground block forest-of-tabs, the Dynon engine monitor module, the MAP sensor, SDS CPi2 controller boards and a harness connecting some left and right side avionics. Not much anticipated need to reach back there for routine stuff. The pilot side of the sub panel is easy access through the instrument holes except for the basket-of-snakes cabling coming out of the Advanced Control Module with some over-generous (IMO) service loop excess. The cables themselves really fend off any attempt to get to the Dsub retaining thumbscrews!

The most difficult access in the whole panel is typically trying to work behind the AeroSport 310 center stack with the carbon fiber tunnel covers installed. These side covers also house the alternate intake air and the parking brake Bowden cables, which I had the fortunate foresight to make separately removable from the panels.

Takes a contortionist with two wrists on each arm to hook up the GPS navigator tray connections.

lr172 · #9 07-10-2020, 07:54 AM

I was able to get everything aft of the sub-panel and saw no need for an access panel. Plane looks much cleaner without it IMO. I just can't think of any reason that I would need it. I might think differently if I put a bunch of equipment up there, but with carefull planning, that shouldn't be necessary. My center stack avionics trays were done in such a way that they slide forward with the panel (have a service loop in the wiring), so also no need to get into that area for them either.

after owning a 6 for several years, I wanted a plane that would be dry when flying through rain.

Larry

9GT · #10 07-10-2020, 08:19 AM

There is a lot of room IP forward in the RV-10. I found it fairly easy to get to things behind the panel through the glass panel openings. Not so much on my RV-9A so I am still contemplating whether or not to install them. I do not like the idea of looking at them.