New metal instrument panel
 

Can anyone recommend a shop to build a new metal instrument panel for my 1973 P337G?

I can't recommend someone to do it, but make sure whoever does it knows that parts of the existing panel (underneath all the plastic crap) are structural. You can't just hack out the whole panel and replace it. This is only true on P models as far as I know.

FYI.

Kevin

if you only want to improve the looks, and the lighting, go to Aero enhancements
I have the carbon fiber panel, with the blue edge lighting, and it looks really good.
I also have the glareshield lights. No more post lights



http://www.aeroenhancements.com/imag...os/2_small.jpg

i have one; however it stands off the orginal panel about 3/4" and uses the post ligths along with the tape lighting on the backside of the sheet metal, i think any sheet metal shop could build it (i would not be supprised if that's how mine was done. kieven has a picture of my panel maybe it will show up, i don't have the pic anymore. sorry do not know who would make them, except yourself or mechanic

You could always do it yourself?

A long while ago I did a panel replacement on a Navion G.

A plastics manufacturer with a CNC router took my design, programmed and cut it. They did a trial in clear plastic for me which allowed some required re-design/re-think.

The final panel was within a couple of thou and fit great.

It was a lot of work, done along with a re-wire. The design part took the longest and a shop doing it start to finish might be the best route, certainly with sign-off etc.

That's my two cents worth.

Dave

re metal panel
 

On the '73 the metal panel is connected to the side wall supports with rivets.. It is a chore to remove and you will need a engineer to sign the new panel off (structural).

It really consists of TWO panels with a radio stack. The Cessna panel requires the instruments be mounted from the front as opposed to having them mounted from the rear on the new panels.

I developed an ACAD drawing of the panel that could be adopted for your use. You need to determine the instrument layout and modify the CAD drawing. You then can hand over the ACAD drawing to any NC shop and they will machine a new pane for you based on the drawing. You then will need to "nibble or cut out the instrument hole on the old panel so they can be recessed to meet the new panel depth. The new panel will then sit about a 1/8 th to 1/4 inch off from the old panel. This way no major surgery is required.

The best bang for the buck is the as Larry mentioned and it resolves the lighting issue whereas you will still need the post lights if you go for the metal panel.

I can assume your layout is not the original layout...

Bob