73G Panel Modification

[Rick Erwin]

Originally Posted by hayesjaj

I'm working up a plan for my 337G (1973) panel and am looking for options. Option one is to retain the entire structure and make new overlays (carbon fiber etc) over the top.

The alternate is to use the "nibble" method to modify the original metal panel to allow for a new CNC panel to be installed over the top of it with all instruments mounted conventionally (from the rear). This is done to preserve the structure of the panel. Does anyone have pictures of how this was done on your panels?

Either way I'm likely going to add 2x MVP-50s so the RHS will need some modification either way.

Attached is my panel's present state.

I am finishing the install of two MVP-50Ps in my FT337GP.

Here are a couple things to consider:

If the structure behind your co-pilot's panel is like mine, there is a structural brace behind the panel. Its about where your previous fuel flow gauges were and it slopes upward from aft to forward. After taking that brace into consideration, I had about 1/8" vertical extra to play with to get the two MVP-50P's in the stack. Part of that 1/8" went to separate the two boxes behind the panel by about 1/16".

Also, allow space on the pilot's panel in front of you to place the 2-master warning and 2-master caution annunciator lights.

Additionally, the prop sync will be lost as it will not interface with the MVP-50Ps.

I used plexiglass sheets to do test cuts on. Then I mounted the plexiglass panel, and the instruments, to test the location of all the holes. After 4 iterations I got it the way I wanted, then cut the final panel.

Be sure to spend all the time necessary to research all the options for the MVP-50P. It's a very capable system and has a lot of options that you may, or may not, want to take advantage of.

Full panel during install

[hayesjaj]

Thanks Rick that is a great help! Do you have any pictures of the cuts to the original panel available prior to installing the cnc'd cover? Also, looks like ours is almost identical. Would you mind sharing the CAD for the panel?

I would be interested in the options you picked for the MVP 50 as well.

[Rick Erwin]

Originally Posted by hayesjaj

Thanks Rick that is a great help! Do you have any pictures of the cuts to the original panel available prior to installing the cnc'd cover? Also, looks like ours is almost identical. Would you mind sharing the CAD for the panel?

I would be interested in the options you picked for the MVP 50 as well.

Glad to help.

Just to be clear, my new copilot's panel is a clean sheet re-do, not an overlaid cover. Another thing to be sure of is the allowability of a panel material other than the original material. My original panel was made from a .050 sheet of 2024 T3, so that's what I went back with. My IA at one point made a comment the panel was "structural" which led me to believe that there might be specific requirements for the composition for the panel's material. You should check that out if you're thinking of changing material for your new panel's construction.

Here's a picture of the old panel prior to removal:
Old panel, installed

This is the picture of the old panel:
Old panel, removed

This is what was behind my old panel, after its removal: Note the brace I was talking about directly above the "FWD PASS AUX AIR" switch. Note as well, where my IA located the forward engine's EDC and sensors against the sidewall.
Behind old panel

I don't have the CNC file. I worked with a great guy locally who has all the equipment, and expertise, to do the layout, testing and cutting. If the frame of your copilot's panel is the same as mine (or at least close to mine), there might not be too much adjustment for him to layout and cut yours also. There, of course, would be some shiping back and forth until you got it the way you want it. He also, made all new placards and labels for the interior and made a new "Red Ball" for the handle of the emergency gear pump shaft, as mine appeared to have been broken into several pieces and glued back together several times. All of it looks great! We are working on new labels for the circuit breaker panel now. I'll put a photo below of this work in progress, but you'll be able to see the direction we're headed. His pricing has been very reasonable. I can get you in touch with him if you like, PM me and we can set a time to chat about his work, his contact info and all the options for you to consider in configuring your systems.

Work in progress on circuit breaker panel

Rick

[california Sky]

Redoing our panel in 58C.

Looking to get as much input from others experiences as possible.

After about 5 tries we are almost there with the adjustments needed to get it just right.

Going with EI instruments as a primary replacement on the pilot side.

Will post pics in the morning

[hayesjaj]

Originally Posted by california Sky

Redoing our panel in 58C.

Looking to get as much input from others experiences as possible.

After about 5 tries we are almost there with the adjustments needed to get it just right.

Going with EI instruments as a primary replacement on the pilot side.

Will post pics in the morning

Are you doing the CGR-30P? If so, we should talk (and I would love to fly up from San Diego and see the project!). In addition to my 337 project, my brother/parents have a 337D and want to put a CGR-30P combo into it. Unfortunately, EI hasn't done an STC for us. Are you using a DER? Any chance you could share his info with me? I think I prefer the round gauges over the square (and significant panel mods required) for the mvp-50p.

[california Sky]

Did quite a bit of research and the EI product is well respected.

We are based at the old Norton air base would love to show you what we have done so far.

Still trying to upload pics maybe I can post a link to google drive of our progress.

Last iteration of the panel cut should be done next couple days.

Went with dual Aspens, kept the 400 autopilot which was sent out to Bevan for inspection / 8130.

Our plan is to have the 3 displays from EI on the pilot side where nav indicators used to live.

Feel free to contact us.

213-308-7077

Will keep updates going here for others to read.

Thanks