M20J Center Stack

[Jayhawk_aviator]

Removing the avionics for an upgrade.  I was surprised to see that the avionics racks were attached only using double-flush rivets.  They have to be that way for the removable assembly to be installed and remove.  

• Have others seen the same thing?
• Anyone know the specific material type Mooney used?  Normally I would say 2024 T3 or 6061 T6, but given the tight 90 deg bend at the edges, it makes me wonder if its 5052.
• Anyone come up with a better solution while still retaining the modular nature of the panel (I like that)?  With the current config, the "structure" holding the racks results in basically a small 0.050" strip attaching to the front sides of the rack with rivets.

Thanks.

[KSMooniac]

I suspect any aluminum would work fine, even 5052.  It doesn't need to be high strength for a non-structural application like this, so I'd choose something that is easier to bend if you're trying to duplicate it.