Show us your panel!

[sebc150]

Originally Posted by Thermos

I wanted a clean, uncluttered panel and also to retain the canopy hinge release handle so Com 2 (GTR-20) and transponder (GTX-45R) went under the panel. Electrical protection is all fuses except for the alternator field breaker; I mounted two fuse blocks on the right panel support rib.

I'm really happy with how it turned out!

Was scrolling through this thread and wow- what a nice panel.
And; maybe the picture is a bit blurry to tell but, to me it looks like you are doing 149TAS on 6.5gph? wow

[smokyray]

With all the OSH hubbub ongoing, small items of interest seemingly get lost in the shuffle. I missed this year due to relocating which would have been my 30th attendance. However, a great news story for me this week was the current owner of my first RV build DC “Killer” a former F18 driver shared a pic of “The Bandits” new panel. In a word, WOW! A big change from the Fly Market “very well loved” gauges previously installed back in 95’! He says an AP is in the works too!
Thanks to DC for sharing!
V/R
Smokey

[Skykingbob]

That's a nice clean looking panel Smokey! Sometimes a little facelift goes a long way!

[jull_under]

Hello.
Does anyone have a pic or know how the F-403 bulkhead attaches to the rest of the angle bracket.
Essentially, I'm trying to figure out if I can do a panel upgrade with a new F-403 WITHOUT removing F-421 (forward turtledeck).


Thanks.
Mat

[Roadjunkie1]

Originally Posted by jull_under

Hello.
Does anyone have a pic or know how the F-403 bulkhead attaches to the rest of the angle bracket. Essentially, I'm trying to figure out if I can do a panel upgrade with a new F-403 WITHOUT removing F-421 (forward turtledeck). Thanks. Mat

I think what you are asking is if the panel can be replaced with the F-421 in place to maintain position for the new panel. The F-403 attaches to a manufactured (by the builder) curved angle (not sure what F- number and my plans are not handy) with rivets at the angle points (see the photograph). The panel would have to be drilled off and the new panel blank riveted to the angle. Leaving F-421 in place would make riveting difficult as you would need to buck those rivets. Once you have the old panel off, you could match the new panel blank with the old one to get an approximation as to where the rivet holes are located. Or use a few old hole positions for reference, then drill the new blank from forward to aft.

Does this help?

Smokey: what did your F-18 friend do to update his panel?

[Bobstern]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/j2SrV1fxdRqeL5Eh7

[Bobstern]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/j2SrV1fxdRqeL5Eh7

[jull_under]

Thanks RoadJunkie1. That pic was quite helpful.

[smokyray]

Well, my RV4 (Bandit) tail kit arrived at my Misawa AB base house 34 years ago this week. Its current (former F18) veteran owner “Killer” has made quite a few improvements to the old girl.
Here’s an inflight pic, autopilot on staring at glass!
Mui Bueno Bandito!



V/R
Smokey

[olyolson]

I previously posted a before and after panel picture but the photo links got deleted when my account got screwed up. If you don’t mind shopping around for used gear you can save quite a bundle. Took about 2-3 years of looking, researching, saving up cash and the panel wasn’t done all at once. The thing that really set off the instruments nicely is the carbon fiber wrap I used on the panel. I think it was 3M 1080 but can’t remember as it was quite a while ago and I don’t own the plane any more. Loved the -4 and IMO it flies better than the -8 I own now. Just couldn’t stand the tilt canopy and roasting in the hot Missouri summer even with a bracket to keep the canopy propped open.

Be frugal and patient and you can get a nice panel with a little work