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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
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