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50 Year Panel Upgrade Completed

dcrogers11
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dcrogers11 Rising Star

dcrogers11

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After 4 months, the panel upgrade has been completed in my '64 C replacing some 50 year old tech.  All engine gauges gone and replaced with the EDM 900.  I didn't go as far as an Aspen, but sent off all instruments for reconditioning along with installing a rebuilt HSI I had.  The stack from the top down includes PCI 8000 audio panel, 430W, GTR 225, and STEC 55X A/P.  To the right of stack is an Airgizmo with a Garmin 795 (can crossfill from 430) and the GTX 327 transponder. Not shown is the GL39 for ADSB and is hard wired in.  

 

I installed the LASAR 201 windscreen during the process, and replaced all the door and baggage door seals.  I've got the LASAR cowl enclosure still in the box and will get that done soon.  

 

I delivered the plane to San Antonio today for Hector at Aero Comfort to work his magic and finish the project.  

 

So far, I'm a kid in a toy store with all the new to goodies to play with.  I've not had a working A/P in over 20 years so I'm flying now with a stupid grin on my face the entire time I'm in the air.  Since the STEC 55X will almost fly the plane and land it, I'll probably do a lot less hand flying.  

 

Yes, I'll be the first to admit that this was way too much of an investment for a 50 year old plane, but I plan to keep her for the remainder of my flying years, which I hope to be a few more decades and there's something fulfilling about breathing new life into an old bird.  

 

In hindsight, I should have gone the Aspen route but I had the rebuilt HSI in the box and I just ran out of dinero.  Maybe I'll look into it on the next 50 year rebuild.  

 

Regards,

Don

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dcrogers11 Rising Star

dcrogers11

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That looks great!! I bet it's nice climbing into the seat behind that new panel and enjoying all the upgrades after flying on the old one for a while!

 

Thanks, and yes it doesn't compare to what I had.  When the leather interior is in, I'll be in hog heaven for sure.  Here's some before pictures.

Don

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xcrmckenna Veteran

xcrmckenna

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Great looking pannel!!!!!!!!!!! I see you replaced your yokes as well. Would really like to know where you got them and wrapped, very classy. Also love your avitar pic, hope at that speed you don't have problems with shock cooling when you throtle back....;)

Marauder Grand Master

Marauder

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Don -- excellent! I'm so proud to be associated with people like you who take pride in restoring these old birds to their former glory (and beyond). It is hard to explain to others why those of us who have made the investments, do it.

Perhaps it is like walking through a nursing home and looking at those old faces and realizing you can make them young again. They have so much to offer. Well done Don!

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adrian Enthusiast

adrian

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Lovely! 

 

The Aspen can always be added later if you want it.  I'm very envious of your autopilot!  It is, of course, a crazy investment to make on such an old airplane.  But when I can afford to, I will be following you! :)

dcrogers11 Rising Star

dcrogers11

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Awesome panel. I love the fact that you have that 795 on the right. That's really a nice touch. Is it readable over there?

 

The 795 is easy to read at that angle. The one issue I've had is that the touch screen can be touchy in bumpy air.  It is be easy to fat finger entries and have to backspace when typing letters in to a waypoint.  

Don

dcrogers11 Rising Star

dcrogers11

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Great looking pannel!!!!!!!!!!! I see you replaced your yokes as well. Would really like to know where you got them and wrapped, very classy. Also love your avitar pic, hope at that speed you don't have problems with shock cooling when you throtle back.... ;)

 

The yokes were bought cheap on Ebay originally.  The plastic coating was cracked and peeling but I was going to strip them anyway.  The key is to inspect them for metal fatigue cracks where they slide on the shaft and bolt on.  Plus, I wanted the yoke that had the clock on the pilot side since I was doing away the clock in the panel and still needed it for IFR requirements.  I sent them to Aero Comfort for the leather wrapping.  They made the pilot side yoke to where the center piece can be removed and the clock and bezel installed.  They also add a layer of foam under the leather and really makes a difference in the feel.  

Don

  • Like 2
Oscar Avalle Grand Master

Oscar Avalle

Posted
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After 4 months, the panel upgrade has been completed in my '64 C replacing some 50 year old tech.  All engine gauges gone and replaced with the EDM 900.  I didn't go as far as an Aspen, but sent off all instruments for reconditioning along with installing a rebuilt HSI I had.  The stack from the top down includes PCI 8000 audio panel, 430W, GTR 225, and STEC 55X A/P.  To the right of stack is an Airgizmo with a Garmin 795 (can crossfill from 430) and the GTX 327 transponder. Not shown is the GL39 for ADSB and is hard wired in.  

 

I installed the LASAR 201 windscreen during the process, and replaced all the door and baggage door seals.  I've got the LASAR cowl enclosure still in the box and will get that done soon.  

 

I delivered the plane to San Antonio today for Hector at Aero Comfort to work his magic and finish the project.  

 

So far, I'm a kid in a toy store with all the new to goodies to play with.  I've not had a working A/P in over 20 years so I'm flying now with a stupid grin on my face the entire time I'm in the air.  Since the STEC 55X will almost fly the plane and land it, I'll probably do a lot less hand flying.  

 

Yes, I'll be the first to admit that this was way too much of an investment for a 50 year old plane, but I plan to keep her for the remainder of my flying years, which I hope to be a few more decades and there's something fulfilling about breathing new life into an old bird.  

 

In hindsight, I should have gone the Aspen route but I had the rebuilt HSI in the box and I just ran out of dinero.  Maybe I'll look into it on the next 50 year rebuild.  

 

Regards,

Don

Really a nice panel work. I agree totally with you. Sometimes what we do to our birds does not make any sense at all, but then we have to fly them... si what the heck... 

Did you get the FD and altitude alert too with you STEC 55x?

 

Congratulations!

 

Oscar

dcrogers11 Rising Star

dcrogers11

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Not to hijack my own thread, but I still have most of the items removed for sale in the Trading Post/avionics section dated July 24th.  Make an offer.

 

Regards,

Don

dcrogers11 Rising Star

dcrogers11

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Not sure how else you could arrange the instruments with the EDM900 incorporated on the left side.  The STC from JPI stated that it couldn't be any further from pilot centerline than 22" and I really like it where it is.   

gsxrpilot Grand Master

gsxrpilot

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Posted

The panel in my 50 year old C is certainly getting left behind.  Wow, very impressive.  I might have to fly down to San Antonio and have a close up look at what you've done.  Where are you based?  I wonder if I might catch up with you sometime and pick your brain about this amazing upgrade.

 

Congrats, it looks great.

dcrogers11 Rising Star

dcrogers11

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I'm based in Pecan Plantation SW of Ft. Worth where there are two airparks in our subdivision.  I'm in The Landings (66TE) airpark.  The plane will be in SAT for the next week at AHR's hangar near Landmark Aviation where the upholstery will be installed by Aero Comfort.  I commute in the Mooney to Pleasanton (PEZ) where it stays for 2/3rds of the year.  I'd be happy to meet up sometime and go over the details.  My number is 817.559.3950.

Don

  • 3 weeks later...

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