Instrument Panel

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

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flyingredyeti
Posts: 108
Joined: Sat Jun 20, 2015 10:27 am

Re: Instrument Panel

Post by flyingredyeti »

It's no problem. I make it a point to do my research before I share any information, so I just feel silly for doing otherwise in this instance.

Anywhoo, I agree about the water cutting. I've been informed there's a place out in wasilla/palmer area that specializes in cutting street signs, and if the cad drawing is supplied, can cnc a panel for circa 100.00. That's an option I'm keeping in mind.

I just received the replacement panel from BAS airparts, and at first inspection it appears to be airworthy, and still original. I'll take it to the hangar later next week to check inspect it thoroughly, and hopefully install it. I'll let you know what the thickness measurement is, but I'm guessing is identical to your '55 model, as P/N 0513004-11 is listed for serial numbers 25373 & on. In fact, this particular panel is tagged "as removed" from a 172 built in 1956. A lucky find.

-Joshua
First time aircraft owner: '26C A gleaming Cessna 170B with 180 horsepower: the perfect mechanical bird.
hilltop170
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Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 6:05 pm

Re: Instrument Panel

Post by hilltop170 »

Joshua-
AeroTwin at Merrill Field will also CNC a new panel for you if you need one. They have all the dimensions needed, you just tell them where you want everything. No idea on cost but they were very reasonable when I had my upper panel power coated there.
Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
flyingredyeti
Posts: 108
Joined: Sat Jun 20, 2015 10:27 am

Re: Instrument Panel

Post by flyingredyeti »

Thanks Richard,

That's where I'm based, so I'll look into it. I'll see if there is much cost savings between a repair station and a non-aviation related shop, in this regard.

-Joshua
First time aircraft owner: '26C A gleaming Cessna 170B with 180 horsepower: the perfect mechanical bird.
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Blue4
Posts: 225
Joined: Wed Jun 03, 2009 4:58 am

Re: Instrument Panel

Post by Blue4 »

I am looking at a similar winter project. I'm happy to cut out my own "blank" from a tracing, but can the experts weigh in on the alloy and thickness? I'm guessing 2024T3 at .062".

Further, what are good sources for said aluminum? Wicks is the only outfit that comes to mind.

Thanks in advance; thanks always.
-Scott
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GAHorn
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Re: Instrument Panel

Post by GAHorn »

Blue4 wrote:I am looking at a similar winter project. I'm happy to cut out my own "blank" from a tracing, but can the experts weigh in on the alloy and thickness? I'm guessing 2024T3 at .062".

Further, what are good sources for said aluminum? Wicks is the only outfit that comes to mind.

Thanks in advance; thanks always.
-Scott
Spruce also sells aluminum. Softer than T3 might be easier. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/me/aluminum.html
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
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lowNslow
Posts: 1530
Joined: Mon Apr 22, 2002 4:20 pm

Re: Instrument Panel

Post by lowNslow »

The aluminum that Vans supplies for instrument panels is 2024-T3 with a thickness of .063".
This place is a lot cheaper than Spruce and will do custom sizes.

https://store.buymetal.com/aluminum/she ... 0.063.html
Karl
'53 170B N3158B SN:25400
ASW-20BL
flyingredyeti
Posts: 108
Joined: Sat Jun 20, 2015 10:27 am

Re: Instrument Panel

Post by flyingredyeti »

flyingredyeti wrote:
dstates wrote:
flyingredyeti wrote:I don't suppose anyone has a CAD file built for the floating panel, P/N 0513004-11? I would like to have a replacement for mine cut locally, but with the top center positions left uncut, in order to install a panel dock for my Garmin 396. I'd be willing to pay/give a donation for a copy of the file.

Thanks for your help!

-Joshua
Joshua,

I received this file from one of the folks on the Facebook Cessna 170 group. I cannot comment on its accuracy as I have not used it or checked it myself. You would need to do that.

Doug
Thanks, Doug! I'll check this out against a stock panel when I get the chance, and let you know how accurate it is. I appreciate your generosity.

-Joshua
Doug, I believe this is from an earlier model aircraft. As mine is a '54, B model, I was unable to compare it for accuracy. Thanks for your help!

-Joshua
First time aircraft owner: '26C A gleaming Cessna 170B with 180 horsepower: the perfect mechanical bird.
flyingredyeti
Posts: 108
Joined: Sat Jun 20, 2015 10:27 am

Re: Instrument Panel

Post by flyingredyeti »

cessna170bdriver wrote:Sorry Joshua, I didn’t intent to call you out; in fact I missed the fact that you have a later B-model. :oops:

At the time I built a new panel for mine (2010), I got the sheet from Aircraft Spruce and the smallest I could get was 2’x4’, enough for two panels, and sold the half I didn’t use to another forum member. I did my own hole cutting with drill bits and hole saws, the major difference from the old panel being 3-1/8” instrument holes where the AN gyros had been, and leaving the top center hole out entirely. Had I been placing large square holes, I would have given more consideration to getting it water jet or plasma cut.
Yep, you are correct; the caliper says it's 0.125" on my 170B model.
First time aircraft owner: '26C A gleaming Cessna 170B with 180 horsepower: the perfect mechanical bird.
flyingredyeti
Posts: 108
Joined: Sat Jun 20, 2015 10:27 am

Re: Instrument Panel

Post by flyingredyeti »

So, bit of a story: upon cleaning and inspecting the replacement panel, I discovered that while the surface pitting was light, the entire panel was exfoliating! So, I went to Reeve's here in Anchorage and picked up a 1'X4' sheet of 0.125" 2024 T3 at $18/sq.Ft. I then took the replacement panel which, albeit corroded was still in the factory configuration, out to an artist in Wasilla that specializes in CNC metal art of his own design. He quoted me 70.00 to duplicate the panel using my material.

However, his CNC machine uses a plasma torch. This was significant because I noticed his pieces required a fair amount of dressing once the cut is complete. So, I asked him to simply trace the pattern with his machine, for the same price, and I would take the material and CAD file elsewhere to be cut

I learned around that time that the outfit I work for has a CNC machine & specialist at our hangar in Wasilla, which I could use to cut my panel (forgot to ask if it uses laser or water jet). Unfortunately, the artist told me that his program utilized a proprietary file type, which might not be readable to other CAD programs. I consulted our guy out in Wasilla, asking if his program could read the file. Nope. The latter also uses a proprietary file type, but of a different program. However, he offered to simply trace the corroded panel I delivered, and then cut from the .0125" that I sent along as well. I've requested two templates: one that matches the stock panel for my serial number, and a second the replaces two of the top center instrument holes with a panel dock cutout. I'll make my decision on which to utilize one I decide where to best fit my D.G. & CDI, without interfering with my T-yoke.

Yeah, I could have gone to Aerotwin. They probably have a drawing of my panel on file already, and could handle the task pretty quickly. However, the primary driver for earning my A&P/IA certificates was to perform my own work-and this is close enough. Additionally, paying out the cost of stock aluminum and some leg work is somehow more satisfying that paying an extravagant, hourly rate for not just the technician, but for the machine as well.

As I said, I'm told the CAD file type is also proprietary, but once I have a copy of it, I will offer it up here, along with the program required, to any who may be able to use it. Hopefully that happens soon.
First time aircraft owner: '26C A gleaming Cessna 170B with 180 horsepower: the perfect mechanical bird.
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