'52 & Older 170 8-hole Instrument Panel

[N2523D]

I have seen a few pictures of '52 & older 170 panels with an 8-hole instrument panel (two instruments stacked one-on-top of another in the middle). Does anyone on here have that on their plane or know of someone who makes that 8-hole panel? I really want to get that set-up in my 170.

[bagarre]

Its not a stock setup but can be done. The original had the compass in the center.
They have to be short instruments so they don't hit the controls.
You can do the same with yours simply by cutting two new holes.
Finding two bezels will be the most fun. It took me a while to dig up just one.

[LBPilot82]

I had the panel made custom by a local fabricator (near FUL which is close to you) using the same material. You do need to be careful which instruments go where as control T clearance can be a problem with the lower center instrument. My compass was mounted on top of the panel so moving it was not required. I did however have to wrap the "new" VOR with MU-Metal as it caused terrible interference with the compass.

IMG_1469 resize.JPG

[KS170A]

Shock mount p/n 0412484 has five 3 1/2" holes and three 2 5/8" holes in the configuration illustrated in LBPilot82's photo. There is probably enough "meat" on the panel that one could size the holes up to 3.5" all around.

8-Hole.pdf

[hilltop170]

I have seen a few pictures of '52 & older 170 panels with an 8-hole instrument panel (two instruments stacked one-on-top of another in the middle). Does anyone on here have that on their plane or know of someone who makes that 8-hole panel? I really want to get that set-up in my 170.

Richard-

Try this, http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... ment+panel, lots of good info.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

My first 170 had the configuration desired here. I suspect this panel started life as a stock '52 B model panel. With the cover on unless you knew better, you couldn't tell how it was done.You could see that the panel was cut out at the corner to allow for the knob of the altimeter placed in the lower position.

N9149APanel.jpg

But with the cover off you count see that sub panel was actually missing the entire lower left and the lower right leg.

Screen Shot 2013-02-09 at 8.45.53 AM.png

Someone used waxed lacing to tie the upper corners of the instrument to the instrument panel. It never gave me trouble but it is not how I would do it. If I was doing it I'd add aluminum legs to the panel to attach the instrument.

[N2523D]

THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT INFORMATION EVERYONE!!!

LBPilot82, who at fullerton did your work? I would like to get in touch with them. I really like the look of your panel and that is exactly what I am looking for.

[bagarre]

FYI, You could have a local shop do that for you.
All you need is to provide them with the right type and thickness aluminum and yous as a template.
Anyone with a band saw and drill press can make that for you.

[hilltop170]

FYI, You could have a local shop do that for you.
All you need is to provide them with the right type and thickness aluminum and yous as a template.
Anyone with a band saw and drill press can make that for you.

I agree with David, anyone, including you can build the upper panel. I built my upper inst panel in 1978 out of 1/8" aluminum, cut out with a jig saw and instrument holes cut with a hole saw. Lay out the pattern carefully and cut slowly. Lay out screw hole locations or use a hole pattern template available from aircraft supply houses. Take your time and do a good job and it will look good. Then when finished either take it to a powder coater, powder coat it yourself, or paint with wrinkle finish or however you choose.

This picture has been posted before but it shows you can make a good looking panel if you take your time.

image.jpg