On 2/12/2018 10:22 AM, Luis Claudio via KRnet wrote:
I am torturing myself with the decision to build the instrument panel out of aluminum or do a layup of glass and foam Luis R Claudio
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I built my first panel with 1/4" ply and didn't like the way it turned out. The instruments were recessed, difficult to drill holes for instruments accurately, and things like that.
I made my second panel ( https://www.dropbox.com/s/1vajeb0u48h0aio/IMG_8717.JPG?dl=0 ) using left over KR cloth, 12 layers, mostly scrap left from wing, with one good layer on the front for appearance. Carbon fiber might look nice or just lay it up on a smooth surface and paint it black. I used a piece of 1/2 round trim from the lumber yard to stiffen the bottom back side with two 1/4" aluminum tubes from the hobby store from the bottom back to the firewall box to stiffen. Just smash the end of the tube flat and bend 90 degrees to mount. I made 5 shock mount locations using approximately 1 1/4" square blocks epoxied to the bottom side of the glare shield. I drilled a hole in the block, then enlarged the hole from each side using a cheap tapered rasp type bit. I installed rubber corks from each side and cut them down so only about 3/16" extended beyond the hole, front and back. I removed the corks and drilled a center hole to accept the mounting bolt. The panel mounts against the rubber cork on the front and I used a "wood washer" against the cork on the back side. Presto !!! I have a shock mounted instrument panel.
One advantage I found with glass is that before painting I could back light the panel with instrument in place and precisely drill the mount holes. 12 layers works for me with stiffeners but to do again I might go 14 or so layers. If properly rigged the panel could be hinged on the bottom and fold down with the removal of just a few bolts. I didn't take it that far but it would be nice.
Larry Flesner _______________________________________________ Search the KRnet Archives at https://www.mail-archive.com/krnet@list.krnet.org/. Please see LIST RULES and KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html. see http://list.krnet.org/mailman/listinfo/krnet_list.krnet.org to change options. To UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to krnet-le...@list.krnet.org
