Circuit breaker sub-panel
There's a story....
While I was building I was watching a friend (Hi! Ted) with a flying -6 slider change his panel several times (upgrade, dissatisfied, etc.) so I decided to make a provision in case I might want to make a change in the future. That provision was to incorporate C/Bs, engine/prop controls, start button, flap switch, heat control, and headset plugs into a recessed sub-panel. That sub-panel and all its associated wiring was attached to the bottom of the standard Vans panel with six screws.
The story.....
I completed and installed my fully functioning panel and sub-panel. Unfortunately the panel included Blue Mountain Avionics EFIS systems; they went out of business shortly after my panel was complete. While I was crying in my beer another friend (seems I have two) gave me some good advice, "If you don't like it now you won't like it later, make the hard call." I did, and scrapped the original panel. I really hadn't planned on replacing the panel before it flew; win some, loss some. Although there was significant work and cost it would have been much, much worse without the sub-panel mod.
FYI, The sub-panel material is 2" aluminum angle available at the "aeronautical" isle of Home Depot. The 2? setback is just right to protect the headset plugs, C/Bs, and controls when getting in and I think it looks neat.
I had the panel and the sub-panel water jet cut by a small company in SE Michigan. I provided them the dimensional data, including all the mounting holes, and they provided me a perfect part for little cost (both times). I left .005/.010 on a side/diameter for cleanup; they hold .005 on location. The water jet cut has kind of a frosted surface and requires a light cleanup or run a drill through the holes.
Rather than cluttering this site, if anyone wants more info or pics let me know and I will send them via PM.
Building is great, flying is better.