Panel and Extreme Windshield

This morning I set about fabricating a way to secure the radio stack to the frame. When the center stack has all its components mounted, there is quite a bit of weight there that needs to be secured. So, I fashioned a couple of brackets that tie the end of each rack together with the others. This makes all three components essentially one unit when bolted together and will make it easier to tie into the framework. I still need to figure out how to tie them to the frame but at least I have the three units tied together.

This evening I began to work on the Extreme Windshield Install. I had the templates supplied in electronic form with the kit printed at the local print shop over the weekend. One was for the windshield itself, and the second was for the curve of the top of the firewall. So, with these in hand, the first order of business tonight was to cutout a Lexan firewall to use as a template. This allows me to see whats going on and to cut the proper arc for the top of the firewall. This was recommended by several others on the net and I thought it was a great idea.

Once this is completed I can use it to transfer the arc to the titanium firewall. Once the firewall was cut I match drilled it to the titanium firewall and then mounted it on the fuselage using the rotisserie and clecos. I then taped the drawing of the arc to the inside of the Lexan in the correct position. More tomorrow...

Panel and Sticks

I measured and drilled for the throttle quadrant this evening. Got it mounted up. I'll drill the holes for the throttle and any other items I want to mount there later.

I also cut my control sticks to length, drilled new mounting holes and mounted them temporarily. They now clear the instrument panel. I haven't decided how I want to finish them, polished or painted? I've got time to decide...

More Panel Work

After removing all of the electronic components from the panel, I measured and trimmed the flanges on the sides today. After trimming, I reinstalled a G3X unit to verify there was enough room for it. It fit perfectly, just where I had planned it to go. I installed several other parts to confirm fit. I did have two issues. First, the 12v socket on the right side of the panel made contact with the truss bar not allowing it to be fully installed. It will require me to trim the plug housing on the back which will mean I can't use the intended plug and instead will just use spade connectors. No biggie. The other tight fit was the ELT panel. It just required a little filing to get it to clear properly. All the rest of the components fit just fine.

After confirming that everything fit correctly and adjusting the panel to be level, I installed a spacer under the center stack to raise it up a 1/4" (used some seat track nylon material zip tied to the truss). I then measured and drilled the sides with a #40 drill bit and cleco'd the panel in its final position. I have to wait on an order of hardware before I can finish the installation. I'm happy with the install so far.

I also began the process of mounting my throttle quadant in the center of the bottom of the panel. Got the holes drilled into the bracket and will match drill them tomorrow in the panel itself.

Panel Goodness...

Been distracted by wild fires in the area over the past several weeks. Had to evacuate once for a couple of days, fortunately we didn't have any damage but it came close. The heat here isn't helping 100 - 110. Makes it pretty uncomfortable in the shop.

Anyway, I received all of the remaining electronics for the panel this past week. Spent a day inventorying and recording serial numbers. Today I installed the rails in the panel and then installed all the goodies. I wanted to check fit and determine the amount of trimming needed on the panel mounting flanges. Looks like my measurements were spot on. I'll be cutting/trimming and fitting the panel this week and then off to powder coating.

So, I have (2) G3X 10" screens, the center stack has a GMC 507 Auto Pilot on the bottom, next a GNX 375 IFR navvigator, next a GTR 200 Comm Radio, topped by an GMA 245 Audio Panel. I have another Comm Radio remote mounted behind the baggage area.

Wiring all this begins in a week or so, after I get the panel mounted.