Return-Path: Received: from [67.20.112.52] (account marv@lancaironline.net) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro WebUser 4.1.5) with HTTP id 2646200 for lml@lancaironline.net; Wed, 22 Oct 2003 00:18:46 -0400 From: "Marvin Kaye" Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Drilling the Lancair Fiberglass Panel To: lml X-Mailer: CommuniGate Pro WebUser Interface v.4.1.5 Date: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 00:18:46 -0400 Message-ID: In-Reply-To: <004d01c3984e$06e974e0$0100a8c0@Downstairs> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"; format="flowed" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Posted for "Robert Smiley" : Use the glass panel as a general pattern and shape. cut out large panel sections and mount aluminum plates to which you have cut the holes for the instruments etc. Reinforce the edges of the panels with extra bids and provide additional thickness around the ends and top for rigidity. Also provide a formed aluminum channel of .030 aluminum as a angle support from the left stack support at a 45 diagonally forward to the bottom front edge of the panel, Install an aluminum angle across the bottom of the front panel, pilot side. install a steel rod bent to conform with the dust cover and attach it to the top edge above the six pack and attach it to the header tank. I used light guage 1 inch aluminum angle stock. Worked great and the weight penalty was negligible but oh what a difference in strength and support in the panel. These structural supports together with the aluminum face plate will privide you with sufficient regidity to support the heavy guages, dials etc on the pilot side. You will have no problems as you spoke of in your posting since there is only a few cutouts. Bob Smiley N94RJ