tcal780

I purchased a used 106A.

Thanks for the suggestions Don. I am planning to use the maxdim duo (or two single max dimmers). I prefer to not mix incandescent and LED, so I'm not sure what to do with the throttle quadrant lights. This is (was) a vertical panel but the existing brackets and vertical rack rails are not suitable for reuse. I'll will need a new plan for those. This will be a two piece panel with the breakers all on the far right. Tcal

I finished 95% of the old panel cleanup. The remaining wiring seen in the photo will stay. A couple questions for the group: First, panel mounting. Are there "standard" mounting brackets and avionics rails available for a new panel like this or will I need to have them fabricated? The avionics guy said vibration isolators are not needed anymore, citing Garmin avionics often don't work well with them. Is this the case? Second, some advice on lighting. I am considering a combination of LED bezel ring lights for the 5 round instruments and an LED strip light on the underside of the glareshield for an overall flood. I'd also like to have the toggle switches or switch labels illuminated. The original throttle quadrant/flap labels and compass are also illuminated with incandescent bulbs. Can these be converted to LED? Ideally, I would like the avionics and the instrument ring lights to be on one dimmer and the remaining flood/panel lights to be on a second. What would you recommend? Thanks!

My son and I just started the journey of updating the panel on my 1970 C! I'm super excited to do this with him as he has been working for the last 18 months at my local airport as an apprentice to gain his A&P cert. We're both going to learn a lot. His boss, the local IA, has agreed to oversee, and sign off on the project. Going in: Dual G5's GNC255A GMA345 GI106A (backup-only for Nav2) JPI900 Cies fuel senders Aera 760 Going Out: Vac system Century HSI Intercom Original Engine gauges KI214 KX175B The KX165, the STEC30 and the GNX375 will stay. The pics will give you all an idea of where the panel was, where it's at, and where it's headed. This is the progress we made just this past weekend. Best, Tcal

Thanks Greg! I just reached out to them.

Hi All, Curently in the process of a panel upgrade and would like to have the original airspeed indicator serviced. It functions normally; pitot/static is current, but the glass has become a little cloudy. Any recommendations on a shop that would service this? I'm in PA. Thanks, Tcal

Hi All, I'm hoping to get a head start planning for my panel layout. Sure, I could pull the current panel and trace it out, but I need to get in my fair share of planning (overthinking). If anyone has a CAD drawing of the panel for a 1970C they could share, I would appreciate it. I'm probably going with a 2 piece, but I'm not sure. TIA

See if your IA will replace it with a Curtis quick drain valve. IMO it's far better than the original since you can sump it.

I've also just pulled the trigger on the same upgrades to my C model. EDM900, G5's, GNC255A, and a GI106A(nav2 backup). I already have an existing GNX375 and STEC30. It started with just planning to do the EDM900, owner assisting the install. After finding a deal on a used EDM900, I thought, "While I'm at it, let's see about dumping the vac system... and the tired old KI214, Century HSI, and the KX165 with a missing digit... " next thing you know, I'm full-on, "throw the whole panel out." All that's left, is a plan (or none) for Com2/Nav2 and my KMA24. I could just leave those in place. The struggle is real.

I bought my 70C last year. It checked all the boxes for my mission (IFR, complex, "4 seater," autopilot) I earned my Instrument rating in it and am now working on commercial. Took it on a few trips and plan to fly to OSH this year. Despite the higher cost of ownership than a Cherokee, I dont regret it one bit. I only wish parts weren't so scarce. Total, I've probably spent/allocated $40k in the first year of ownership, that includes fuel (approx 150 hours + maintenace reserve), hangar, insurance, pre-buy, 2 annuals. This community is the right place to gather intel. Invaluable. Best of luck in your search. Tcal

Thanks, I found it. Yes, The PDF filenames need to be swapped on those docs. The adjustment process looks pretty straightforward and 80MPH is actually the upper limit.

Thanks for the info. MBDiagMan, I was unable to get that SM from the link you provided (the one that covers my 70C).

Hello all, Just got my 70C back from annual and the gear won't go up below 70KTS. I know there's an airspeed switch that won't allow it to retract without input from pitot, but as long as I'm positive rate, I want to be able to bring em up if I need to. Is this an adjustable parameter or does this switch need to be replaced? If replacement is needed, what are my chances of keeping my 1st born? Best, tcal

My 70C is also registered to an LLC, and insured by Avemco. They had the best deal for me, a year ago, when I purchased the bird. Then, I had 80hrs TT, 0 complex, nor an instrument rating. Since May of this year, I've earned my instrument ticket and logged 130 hrs in the Mooney. Avemco gave me a discount at 75hrs in type and another with the IFR cert. Based in Eastern PA, it has a hull value of $80k, it's hangared, and I pay around $2900/yr. I'm told to expect another discount when I reach 175 hrs in type. Maybe in the spring, after I get my Commercial, I'll shop around again.

Thanks for the feedback. I definitely have the engine monitor prioritized for next upgrade. Ill double check I didn't miss a top off somewhere in there.