Cowling panels interchangeable?

[spectre6573]

I have some cowling panels that have small cracks or other defects and was wondering if it’s possible to replace them with like year panels from another airplane. I understand that our airplanes are very much hand made. So I am wondering if anybody has done this with success?

Edited July 31, 2019 by spectre6573

[ArtVandelay]

Seems like simple sheet metal work like that should be easy and reasonably inexpensive, have you asked an AP how much it would cost?


Tom

[spectre6573]

10 minutes ago, ArtVandelay said:

Seems like simple sheet metal work like that should be easy and reasonably inexpensive, have you asked an AP how much it would cost?


Tom

Well on my plane the side panels have a complex shape and curve. I am curious if the hole pitch pattern would be the same from plane to plane. 

On flat panels I can see it as no problem with just creating a new panel. 

[Yetti]

I would think the framework for the cowl was built on a jig so the fasteners would be in a similar location plane to plane.  I would have to think a sheet of alum and a couple of hours could have you a new one.   Upgrade the duez fasteners to stainless.

[Yetti]

The variety of repairs and upgrades over the years may be a factor.   What fasteners do you have.

[MooneyMitch]

My experience.  I attempted to replace a panel with like model/year panel ( at least it was advertised as so) and no success. The curvature of the panel and fastener locations were slightly different.

You may be fortunate though and have success.

I do know that in our vintage models, that at any time during a model year run, Mooney would make changes as they saw fit, which may explain my situation.

 

Edited August 1, 2019 by MooneyMitch
Additional verbiage

[Sabremech]

1 hour ago, MooneyMitch said:

My experience.  I attempted to replace a panel with like model/year panel ( at least it was advertised as so) and no success. The curvature of the panel and fastener locations were slightly different.

You may be fortunate though and have success.

I do know that in our vintage models, that at any time during a model year run, Mooney would make changes as they saw fit, which explain my situation.

 

Yep, close but I haven’t found any that fit. The firewall fasteners fit but the rest around the cowling were off as much as half an inch in several locations.