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  #11  
Old 05-20-2020, 10:22 PM
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Pilot135pd Pilot135pd is offline
 
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Location: Vaca Moo Airport - TA37 in East TEXAS
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Originally Posted by PaulvS View Post
There was a recent post on here, sorry can't seem to find it now, but someone redid his panel using the metal from a road sign. Don't know where or how he got the road sign though...
That's a great idea and I have a whole mess of new signs I bought at a city auction, thanks !!
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  #12  
Old 05-21-2020, 02:59 AM
74-07 74-07 is offline
 
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Location: Greenville, SC
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I just ordered one and had Bill at Up North Aviation design and cut it for me. I was surprised in talking to Vans to learn that there are actually two different panels for the 8. Earlier airplane panels are slightly different than the later planes. Just be certain you're ordering the correct one. Vans used my kit serial number just to be sure I was getting the correct panel.

Last edited by 74-07 : 05-21-2020 at 03:17 AM.
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  #13  
Old 05-21-2020, 09:15 AM
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Pilot135pd Pilot135pd is offline
 
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Originally Posted by 74-07 View Post
I just ordered one and had Bill at Up North Aviation design and cut it for me. I was surprised in talking to Vans to learn that there are actually two different panels for the 8. Earlier airplane panels are slightly different than the later planes. Just be certain you're ordering the correct one. Vans used my kit serial number just to be sure I was getting the correct panel.
Good catch, yet another reason to call to place an order instead of using their website.
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  #14  
Old 05-21-2020, 09:22 AM
terrye terrye is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Default Use of commercial aluminum in panel

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Originally Posted by sjjonesnz View Post
Hi all, I'm looking to take the opportunity of tidying up some things on my panel when I do upgrade my transponder for ADSB (replacing my GTX327 with a GTX335)

0.063" 2024T3 alclad isn't cheap so I'm considering using a more readily available and so better priced commercial grade, say 5005.

Thoughts?
I agree with fl-mike, 6061-T6 would be my second choice after 2024-T3. It's nearly as strong and machines/cuts well.

My experience with 5XXX alloys is that they are very "gummy" to cut or machine as well as being less strong. Whichever you choose, get a small sample and drill some holes, use a hole saw, file, etc. and make sure you're satisfied before buying an complete panel blank.
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  #15  
Old 05-21-2020, 10:39 AM
krwalsh krwalsh is offline
 
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Location: San Francisco, CA
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Default 7000 Series

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Originally Posted by Pilot135pd View Post
That's a great idea and I have a whole mess of new signs I bought at a city auction, thanks !!
Beware that most road signs are made from 7000 series aluminum, specifically 7075. You will not be able to bend it without cracking it unless it is annealed to -0 temper. Wonderfully strong stuff, but not easy to work with.
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  #16  
Old 05-21-2020, 11:12 AM
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Pilot135pd Pilot135pd is offline
 
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Originally Posted by krwalsh View Post
Beware that most road signs are made from 7000 series aluminum, specifically 7075. You will not be able to bend it without cracking it unless it is annealed to -0 temper. Wonderfully strong stuff, but not easy to work with.
Why would I need to bend it? Seems like mine is just a flat surface. I did notice a small bend on the bottom, I suppose to give it rigidity, but that wouldn't seem to be an issue with the sign since it's very rigid already. Then again I'm not a builder so there might be something I'm missing.
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  #17  
Old 05-21-2020, 11:22 AM
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Ironflight Ironflight is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pilot135pd View Post
Why would I need to bend it? Seems like mine is just a flat surface. I did notice a small bend on the bottom, I suppose to give it rigidity, but that wouldn't seem to be an issue with the sign since it's very rigid already. Then again I'm not a builder so there might be something I'm missing.
If you have a stock panel, then there is a 90 degree bent lip on the bottom - that?s a pretty significant bend! It?s there to make the panel stiff. If you don't - then Someone has already been in the custom business on your bird....
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  #18  
Old 05-21-2020, 11:24 AM
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DeeCee 57 DeeCee 57 is offline
 
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don?t know about other models, but remember something stating the panel on the -4 as structural...
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  #19  
Old 05-21-2020, 11:25 AM
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Pilot135pd Pilot135pd is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironflight View Post
If you have a stock panel, then there is a 90 degree bent lip on the bottom - that’s a pretty significant bend! It’s there to make the panel stiff. If you don't - then Someone has already been in the custom business on your bird....
Yes, I mentioned the bend and stiffness so good to know we're on the same page and I'm learning here.
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  #20  
Old 05-21-2020, 11:26 AM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironflight View Post
If you have a stock panel, then there is a 90 degree bent lip on the bottom - that?s a pretty significant bend! It?s there to make the panel stiff. If you don't - then Someone has already been in the custom business on your bird....
You can always rivet a piece of 3/4 X 3/4 X .063 angle to the bottom.
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