Access holes for panel

Panel designs, construction methods, and pictures

Access holes for panel

Postby Darick » Mon Mar 14, 2016 3:48 pm

Has anybody cut access panels into the glare shield? Can it be done without compromising structural integrity? I've spent too many hours underneath instrument panels and I'm not getting younger.
Darick Gundy
Sonex #1646
N417DG
Taildragger, Aerovee, center stick, Prince P-Tip Prop
MGL E1, F2, V6 radio, Sandia Xponder, Reserve lift indicator (AOA), iFly 520
First flight! 10/21/2017
User avatar
Darick
 
Posts: 496
Joined: Mon Aug 05, 2013 9:39 pm
Location: PA

Re: Access holes for panel

Postby MichaelFarley56 » Mon Mar 14, 2016 6:51 pm

Great question Darick.

I can't offer an "official factory" answer but I can tell you that, if I were to do things over, I would certainly include an access hatch in the top of the glareshield. I think it would be easy to do, especially if you have an extra sheet of some 0.025" aluminum. I would cut out a square or rectangle from the glareshield and then cut a blank that's larger on all sides. Position it, drill some pilot holes, and then you have the locations to rivet some nutplates on the bottom of the glareshield.

It never hurts to get official factory approval, but I personally think this would be an excellent modification!
Mike Farley
Waiex #0056 - N569KM
Jabiru 3300A #1706
MGL Panel
MichaelFarley56
 
Posts: 1470
Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2011 11:38 pm
Location: Columbus, Ohio

Re: Access holes for panel

Postby DCASonex » Tue Mar 15, 2016 9:33 am

A large screen EFIS that is held in with just four screws makes a great access panel. Since I have a GRT unit that uses their original EIS unit as a sort of semi-blind interface between engine monitors and the EFIS, I have that dropped into the top of the glare shield behind the EFIS so it is easily accessible for setup, but not taking panel space. That can be pulled for access, but is nowhere near as good or convenient for that purpose as simply pulling the EFIS display.

David A. Sonex TD
DCASonex
 
Posts: 900
Joined: Mon Sep 12, 2011 8:04 pm
Location: Western NY USA

Re: Access holes for panel

Postby vwglenn » Tue Mar 15, 2016 10:38 am

I have a non-standard Panel. It has a large section above it which is attached by screws in the front and hinge on the sides and rear. I can have the cover off in about 5 minutes to reach behind the panel. It's been a fantastic mod and I'm glad my plane has it.

Image
Glenn
Sonex #600
N889AP
vwglenn
 
Posts: 416
Joined: Mon Sep 15, 2014 1:00 am
Location: 6A2 - South of ATL

Re: Access holes for panel

Postby phenry » Tue Mar 15, 2016 8:04 pm

Peter Henry
W#149
User avatar
phenry
 
Posts: 59
Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:29 pm
Location: Newborough Vic. Australia

Re: Access holes for panel

Postby Ercoupechris » Tue Mar 15, 2016 8:14 pm

Peter,
Do you know how I might reach Ben? I have been admiring his panel and glare shield for months and would love to learn how he accomplished that.

Thanks

Chris
Chris Schuldt
703-928-5199
BRM Aero Bristell NG-5
"B" model Conversion Waiex s/n 64 4th owner, kit from 2007
Edge Performance 915-ECi 120 HP EFI with Ring Mount
Rotax iRMT Service
Rotax iRMT Maintenance
Rotax iRMT Heavy Maintenance
Ercoupechris
 
Posts: 71
Joined: Sat Nov 07, 2015 12:02 am

Re: Access holes for panel

Postby phenry » Tue Mar 15, 2016 11:04 pm

Peter Henry
W#149
User avatar
phenry
 
Posts: 59
Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:29 pm
Location: Newborough Vic. Australia

Re: Access holes for panel

Postby Ercoupechris » Tue Mar 15, 2016 11:08 pm

I tried the email address shown and it comes back deliverable. Ill try the phone number
Chris Schuldt
703-928-5199
BRM Aero Bristell NG-5
"B" model Conversion Waiex s/n 64 4th owner, kit from 2007
Edge Performance 915-ECi 120 HP EFI with Ring Mount
Rotax iRMT Service
Rotax iRMT Maintenance
Rotax iRMT Heavy Maintenance
Ercoupechris
 
Posts: 71
Joined: Sat Nov 07, 2015 12:02 am

Re: Access holes for panel

Postby david.2.wilcox » Fri Mar 18, 2016 1:24 am

These access holes are easy to add...

Image
david.2.wilcox
 
Posts: 17
Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2013 11:38 pm
Location: Payson Arizona USA


Return to Panel

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests