RV-7 Center Console

[Flyin4Fun]

I would like to have a center console in my -7.

I am looking for either a set of plans to build from or a place to purchase a finished one.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks,

[Flyguytki]

You have a couple of options. Aircraftextras.com sells a pre cut pre drilled kit that will no between the seats and will hold a quadrant as well as a fuel selector. Looks great but reduces the seat width significantly.

Second is not so much of a center console but more for the throttle. This is the one I put in my 7 and loved it. Bonehead composites.com (VAF advertiser) sells a quadrant stack and a center tunnel all made of carbon fiber that looks fantastic and functions even better. He sells carbon floors, cup holders oxygen and extinguisher mounts as well. Very nice products.

Hope this helps.

-david

[RV7Ron]

I'm building my own...check out my site for pics. I'll tell you this, I really love the way its came out, no regrets at all...but it really is a lot of work building one from scratch. So your idea of plans or a finished product is definitely reasonable, if you can find one you like. Mine interfaces with quite a lot...its like a nerve center with the fuel selector fuel lines and throttle quadrant cables.

[Norman CYYJ]

Think it over very carefully if you really want a centre console. It will make the cabin even more confining and not near as comfortable. On a long cross country this may cause you more discomfort and make the trip more tiring.

[RV7Ron]

Originally Posted by Norman CYYJ

Think it over very carefully if you really want a centre console. It will make the cabin even more confining and not near as comfortable. On a long cross country this may cause you more discomfort and make the trip more tiring.

Norman does have a good point. I am not a big guy...5'9" 183 lbs, and if I were much bigger I'd agree to think carefully about it. Its quite amazing how small these cockpits are to be honest. Although, you make the call...its your plane, plenty of guys out there love their center consoles.

At my size, I actually think mine is going to be quite comfortable. The center console gives me a place to rest not only an elbow, but also my right leg. Lastly, I did cardboard mockups to get a feel for just how cozy a center console would make the cockpit before committing to the design. For anyone building their own, keep it as narrow as practical and easy to remove.

[N941WR]

While not a center console, after 500 hours with a DJM center throttle quadrant, I can't recommend it enough!

It give me a place to rest my hand when doing formation work or just flying and doesn't take up the room a center console does.

Some day I may swap out my FP Catto for a CS prop and when I do that, I will make bracket below the two lever quadrant to hold a vernier prop controller. That should keep it out of the way when maneuvering yet, keep it close at hand.

Here is a picture of the DJM Throttle with my old panel.

[stevemcgirr]

I purchased the center console from aircraft extras, but I found it to be too wide. My thigh became the aileron stop when I tried to get full aileron deflection. I removed it and used it as a template for a custom carbon fiber version that was much narrower. It was a lot of work to get the throttle, mixture and prop cables to not interfere with the fuel selector shaft, but I like the new version a lot:

[stevemcgirr]

I plan to swap out the gold colored AN bolts for black to improve the look

[Rock]

Steve, that is a very nice looking console!

Rock!

[L.Adamson]

Originally Posted by N941WR

Some day I may swap out my FP Catto for a CS prop and when I do that, I will make bracket below the two lever quadrant to hold a vernier prop controller. That should keep it out of the way when maneuvering yet, keep it close at hand.

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