Instrument Panel

[CHARLES DEBOER]

Does anyone have pictures of how they mounted the instrument panel?
I am trying to figure out where to weld tabs for mounting a panel.  I'll use just basic instruments CHT, EGT, OIL TEMP, ALTIMETER, HOBBS.  Would like to make it removable incase FAA wants to do a ramp check and weigh my plane.

[Sam Buchanan]

Does anyone have pictures of how they mounted the instrument panel?
I am trying to figure out where to weld tabs for mounting a panel.  I'll use just basic instruments CHT, EGT, OIL TEMP, ALTIMETER, HOBBS.  Would like to make it removable incase FAA wants to do a ramp check and weigh my plane.

You really think a FAA type who is hacked off at you enough to weigh your plane would actually buy into the instrument panel not being part of the plane???

Maybe if it is attached with velcro......and not hooked up to anything.....      

[CHARLES DEBOER]

You have a good point.  If he is hacked off at me I would have done something wrong. So, no not a chance but technically, I have been told that if an ultralight instrument panel is removable it doesn't have to be included in the total weight of the airplane.  It does seem like a lot of extra effort and a stretch of imagination.  Just trying to see what others have done and get some ideas from those who have  gone before me.

Just to get conversation going, VELCRO SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD IDEA.

[Bob S.]

Velcro?? Sounds good if you are using a bunch of Belite gauges..... but then why are you worrying? 

I take the attitude that the FAA has MUCH more important things to go after than a poor UL flyer! Where IS Flight MH370??

[CHARLES DEBOER]

Bob, not worried.  I was just trying to get ideas on welding tabs onto the fuselage and added a DUMB comment about removable panel.
I NEED PICTURES FOR LOCATION OF TABS AND IDEAS FOR AN INSTRUMENT PANEL.

[Bob S.]

Original Panel not what I ended up with...

[Bob S.]

Going out to fly in the morning....will take some pics....

[CHARLES DEBOER]

I tried to follow your link to the old instrument panel but it wouldn't work.  I know the weather has been bad.  Have you been up flying?  Any new pictures yet?

[Steve]

Does anyone have pictures of how they mounted the instrument panel?
I am trying to figure out where to weld tabs for mounting a panel.  I'll use just basic instruments CHT, EGT, OIL TEMP, ALTIMETER, HOBBS.  Would like to make it removable incase FAA wants to do a ramp check and weigh my plane.

Check here: http://www.angoraaffaire.com/leu/id60.htm

Later I cut out the volt meter in the center and mounted the Grand Rapids instrument - what a joy...

The panel held in place with 4 Adel style tube clamps...

[Dan_]

I tried to follow your link to the old instrument panel but it wouldn't work.  I know the weather has been bad.  Have you been up flying?  Any new pictures yet?

 Bob's link will work if you are a member at the old yahoo group and are signed in on yahoo...

Attached...

[Bob S.]

My latest panel....

[Bob S.]

It's a bit far away...can't reach the altimeter when buckled in... so have to zero before buckling seat harness...

and have to choose left or right for EGT before flight too... Only one CHT....

[Tom H]

Nice, Bob.  Looks like each addition was a well-thought-out impulse.
Maybe some room for optimization?

[Sam Buchanan]

Nice, Bob.  Looks like each addition was a well-thought-out impulse.
Maybe some room for optimization?

;D

[Bob S.]

Yes, before too long, I may ditch it all for only a volt meter due to the cracks forming around the mount to the windscreen... The Volt meter I have is digital, small and light...OH, and the oil pressure gauge... CHT & EGT are good for setup but without any way of adjusting the carbs, after once set, why worry? AND maybe the tach/hour meter (it is small and very light)...although one knows by the throttle response whether you are going fast enough to climb, cruise or come down to land... I have a Hall wind speed indicator out on the strut, so why do I need the airspeed gauge? As long as I stay off the tops of the trees and below the cloud bottoms, who needs an altimeter?? I don't usually fly as low as Dr. Spencer (not that many river bottoms to fly thru) nor as high as some others I have seen.... but I don't want to tangle with the PP Certificated planes in my neighborhood...