I recently bought an RV-8 and want to update the panel. After deciding what I wanted to do, I found it would be better to cut a new panel than try to make the old one work. I got a quote from a local avionics shop and almost cancelled the upgrade. After talking to an A&P friend, we've decided to do it ourselves. The first step was to decide exactly what layout I wanted. The next step was to get a panel and get it cut. I found here on VAF reference to Bill at Up North Aviation and dropped him an email about my project. He has been a joy to deal with, from helping me acquire a panel blank to making good suggestions about the layout to doing a great job of cutting the panel and getting it to me many states away. If the rest of the project goes as well as dealing with Bill went, I got no problems (fat chance, huh?) I just wanted to share a good experience.
.......JB
.......JB