Upgrading older C-180 instrument panels

[cabinflyer]

I know some of you lucky ones have many airplanes. I am looking at some older C-180's ('53-'56). There was a change of the 1953-56 panels in 57. Then another upgrade came in 1959 which allowed for some center stacked radios.

The question is can I turn a 1956 instrument panel into a 1958 or 1959? Or is there companies that sell blanks like Atlee Dodge. My only constraint is I do want to keep the older style yoke.

Thanks!

Steve

 

[Jim Mizer]

Well, first of all, by no means do I consider my self an expert, but I have slept with a girl that has slept with one!
Since all the 180 were on the same Type Certificate number, there is no reason why a system of one model can't be replace by a system of another model, and for paper work all it takes is a log book entry.
So if you remove the instrument panel of a 1956 there is no reason why you couldn't replace it with a panel from a 1959, the kicker is you must do it exactly how it was done in the 1959, no changing things as you go.
I won't be surprised if the experts yell bull shit on this, but it will least make for an interesting thread. Jim

 

[bob turner]

I have had no trouble rearranging instruments and radios. The earlier 180 will need a different cotrol column yoke to fit center stack radios. If you get that approved as above, making new aluminum panels for instruments can fall under the minor repair category if you want it to badly enough. That's just opinion - I never owned an aircraft that I didn't re-do the instruments to suit me.

 

[180Marty]

Read through this thread. There are a couple of attachments by JXK and jonstark showing what can be done without changing the control column.
http://www.skywagons.org/forum/show...Main=7632&Words=&topic=1&Search=true#Post7632

 

[tdh]

Check out these sites: AVION.COM AND AEROENHANCEMENTS.COM

 

[mike mcs repair]

partial new panel picture from that project in my photos here...

i think approval wise i just listed all my panel stuff on a 337 for Field approval... but this was 6 or so years ago when they were stamping things that don't need field approval anymore.....

FYI..... I do have an extra new style column(no pulleys, joints or cables), powder coated black and oiled left over from a project ( bought this one used first with no pulleys and cables then found another one with everything, so ended up buying it too..)

 

[S2D]

The question is can I turn a 1956 instrument panel into a 1958 or 1959? My only constraint is I do want to keep the older style yoke.
Steve

Steve
there used to be a picture of a gorgeous panel , just like you are describing, somewhere on the internet.I think it was on taildraggers.com , but I can't find it now. You are limited to how many radios you can put in the center stack and still keep the original yoke system.

 

[Darrel Starr]

A few years ago, I helped a friend make a new panel for his 1956 182. We have an AutoCad 2002 file of it which you are welcome to if it will help. Once you have the file, someone familiar with AutoCad can rearrange the plan -- the main thing is to get the outline and mounting holes correct. We had this one laser cut from .090 2024 T3
Darrel

 

[180Marty]

Darrel Starr wrote

A few years ago, I helped a friend make a new panel for his 1956 182

That would sure look good in my plane.

 

[Darrel Starr]

Anyone who would like the AutoCad 2002 file, just send me an email to: darrelstarr@aol.com and I will attach it to a return email.

 

[Darrel Starr]

I came across this photo of the C182 panel before it was installed.

 

[Crash]

I didn't build this panel but enjoy flying behind it. It's made out of .050 2024 T3 and is shock mounted.

Crash[/img]

 

[d dyre]

180 Panel

Cabinflyer:

Since you are in MN if you have some panel questions you could check with Tom here at Park Rapids Avionics. He does laser cut panels by the dozen under his Repair Station License. He's done a lot of 185's but I don't know about older ones. It wouldn't be as cheap as some, but I'm sure he could get you a blank.

Dan

 

[WWhunter]

I will second Dan's suggestion of going to Tom in Park Rapids. I don't think you will find a nicer guy to work with. Very friendly and willing to listen to what you want.
Keith

 

[superchamp]

Keith, is that the guy you use to annual the "superchamp"? And of all those champ photos scout posted the other day, you definitely had the prom queen of the bunch. What was I thinking when I let you fly it away?

 

[WWhunter]

Russ,

No, he's not the guy that did the annual...Tom is strictly the Avionics shop (Owner). He did radio work for me on my 172. Very fair and honest guy.

Must have missed the post the other day of posted photos. Yes, she is a beauty....your uncle did a great job rebuilding her.

What were you thinking???? I guess you were thinking I needed it more than you did! LOL!! Actually I'm very grateful that you talked me into looking at and buying it after I had my heart set on a Super Cub. I don't regret it one bit. Saved myself a bucket load of money and it burns less fuel than a SC. Only wish I wouldn't have added more battle scars to it.