Keeping overhead console removable

[tomhanaway]

My two piece overhead console runs from baggage bulkhead all the way to the front (air conditioning flow). The rear 1/2 is permanently fiberglassed in.

I'd like to keep the front 1/2 removable for future access. The front 1/2 is already covered with headliner and has a 2" +/- lip on each side for mounting. Currently have overhead light and gps wiring running inside tunnel. I'd like to avoid an access panel as being able to remove the whole front half will look cleaner.

Is there a recommended way to attach? Velcro? Sheet metal screws?
My concern with the sheet metal screws is that they would start to loosen after several install/removals.
My ideal would be some sort of hard nut floxxed into the canopy top (not all the way through) but I'm not sure about drilling more holes in canopy.

I'm leaning towards some click bond posts which would be the least invasive.

Appreciate any thoughts or comments.

Thanks,
Tom Hanaway
Boynton Beach, FL

 

[n700jl]

Tom,

I was thinking of doing a removable panel also. I am planning on using a potted insert. They use these inserts in the airline industry all of the time. Once the glue sets up they are very strong.http://www.xprize.org/lunar/teams/astrobotic/blog/threaded-inserts

I have not figured out which one I am using yet since I am not sure of the thickness and what size screw to use. I hope this helps!

 

[rvamateur]

overhead console attach

I had some help with this but we epoxied on several carbon fiber attach points/brackets...........and riveted nut plates into those so the overhead actually screws into those attach points rather than the cabin top itself.

 

[daviid]

maybe take a length of sheet metal and make a "Z" bracket the length. or take thin piece of aluminum box stock cut 1 edge off so you have a C.

then match drill the console to the bracket for Dzus fasteners

then glass it or rivit it to the ceiling

 

[David Shelton]

Click Bond

Click Bond makes a variety of threaded fasteneres that are specifically designed for bonding into composite sandwich.

The GA Distributer is The Fight Shop: http://www.theflightshop.com/

However, they have a small variety. If they don't have what you need, call the Click Bond and they will help you: http://www.clickbond.com/

Another option are EZ-Point blind nuts from Aircraft Spruce: http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/hapages/ezpoint.php

-David