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  #1  
Old 12-11-2013, 04:01 PM
FORANE's Avatar
FORANE FORANE is offline
 
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Location: East TN
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Default Can I bend this?

So, it appears the pro pilot has too much length or roundth or possibly both.
Below is a pic of the pro pilot where I attempted to insert it into the panel. Note the lateral yaw.

https://plus.google.com/photos/10521...86173617196888

Below is a pic of the panel where I wanted to install the pro pilot. Note the black line I marked where the rear corner of the pro pilot contacts the bracket.

https://plus.google.com/photos/10521...86173617196888

So, can I bend this to give some extra room for the pro pilot? I am guessing it is structural.
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  #2  
Old 12-11-2013, 04:25 PM
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Greg Arehart Greg Arehart is offline
 
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What are you trying to bend? I wouldn't think bending the panel would be workable. You can maybe modify the support bracket (could be difficult since it looks to be installed pretty permanently). Given the length of the pro pilot and the observed yaw, looks like you need a half-inch or so of space. I would be hesitant to bend the bracket that much. I might consider cutting out the portion to yield space for the pro pilot, and scabbing a piece of Al angle onto the bracket (to the left in the photo) to restore the strength. Details of how to do that would require a bit closer look.

Any chance you could swap it for the instrument above and get clearance that way without modifying the bracket?

My two cents.

Greg
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  #3  
Old 12-11-2013, 04:32 PM
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FORANE FORANE is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg Arehart View Post
What are you trying to bend? I wouldn't think bending the panel would be workable. You can maybe modify the support bracket (could be difficult since it looks to be installed pretty permanently). Given the length of the pro pilot and the observed yaw, looks like you need a half-inch or so of space. I would be hesitant to bend the bracket that much. I might consider cutting out the portion to yield space for the pro pilot, and scabbing a piece of Al angle onto the bracket (to the left in the photo) to restore the strength. Details of how to do that would require a bit closer look.

Any chance you could swap it for the instrument above and get clearance that way without modifying the bracket?

My two cents.

Greg
Hey Greg

I was not sure my pics were viewable as I am a novice at this sort of thing.
I am considering the feasibility of bending the support bracket.

I believe the airspeed indicator would fit lower left and allow for pro pilot install in place of the airspeed indicator with no modifications. Don't believe I would be happy with that orientation of instruments though.
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  #4  
Old 12-11-2013, 06:18 PM
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rvbuilder2002 rvbuilder2002 is offline
 
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I would not recommend you do anything to that portion of the fuselage. It should be thought of as a structural member of the fwd fuselage.
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  #5  
Old 12-12-2013, 03:41 AM
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FORANE FORANE is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002 View Post
I would not recommend you do anything to that portion of the fuselage. It should be thought of as a structural member of the fwd fuselage.
ok, Looked like it was to me.
Thanks for the post.

Has anyone else encountered this clearance issue behind the panel and how was it addressed? Perhaps Gregs idea of scabbing onto the part to increase its strength?
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  #6  
Old 12-16-2013, 04:42 AM
mullokintyre mullokintyre is offline
 
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Location: TATURA, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
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It would appear that you don't need to crib a lot of space, so how about making a square faceplate with a hole in it that is the same diameter as the existing hole. The faceplate might be the same thickness as the panel material, or even a little thicker.
Then make the existing hole a little large to the right side i.e offset it to the right so it looks a little more oval.
Place the unit in the new faceplate and see how it fits. The faceplate brings the unit forward by the thickness of plate giving you extra room.
Offsetting the original hole to the right will give you additional clearance.
You could also enlarge the hole vertically if that might help to position the unit. If you still need room, you could have the faceplate include the keyswitch and primer so as to allow further wiggle room.
The new faceplate will hide the strange shape of the hole behind it, and no one will ever know. You could get really clever and make it out of black plastic and have it engraved so it looks like it was meant to be there!

Good Luck, Mick
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  #7  
Old 12-16-2013, 08:17 AM
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I'm pretty sure that the plans for installing the optional Van's Map Box have you cutting a chunk of that bracket for clearance. Call Van's and get their opinion.
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