Help requested - Rectangular Panel and Moritz Filler Plates Needed

[FlyingScot]

Greetings All - 

Might anyone know of a good source for the following? I can find plenty of sources for the round ones, but none for...

...this rectangular-ish filler plate:

which is 3" along the long dimension,

and also... and this one is a wild shot...

A filler (two fillers?) for the Moritz Cluster on the top of the panel (being replaced with a JPI900)...

I remember seeing someone in the past who has machined a nice filler for these, but I couldn't find it - Thanks in advance for any help.

All the Best - Bob

 

[EricJ]

If it's being done at a shop they can likely fabricate one, or a flush patch, to fill the holes.

[carusoam]

Knowing what the hole is called…. Would really help…. It is somebody’s standard….

1/2 ATI hole…. 
 

This link will get you closer…

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/inpages/holeplugs.php

PP thoughts only, not a mechanic…

Best regards,

-a-

[MIm20c]

I would use a single piece of 0.100 aluminum to cover the Moritz holes utilizing the outer 4 screws. Have the shop bevel the edges, powder coat to match, and reuse the screws (shortened).  Without a doubt I would mount the JPI (landscape orientation) using the lower right 3 1/8 hole and extending over the ATI opening (which I would remake to be flush or at least powder coat to match).

[FlyingScot]

9 hours ago, carusoam said:

Knowing what the hole is called…. Would really help…. It is somebody’s standard….

1/2 ATI hole…. 
 

This link will get you closer…

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/inpages/holeplugs.php

PP thoughts only, not a mechanic…

Best regards,

-a-

Very helpful - thank you! You know, I looked on spruce, but this never appeared in the search - I didn't think to use "hole plugs" though 

[FlyingScot]

3 hours ago, MIm20c said:

I would use a single piece of 0.100 aluminum to cover the Moritz holes utilizing the outer 4 screws. Have the shop bevel the edges, powder coat to match, and reuse the screws (shortened).  Without a doubt I would mount the JPI (landscape orientation) using the lower right 3 1/8 hole and extending over the ATI opening (which I would remake to be flush or at least powder coat to match).

 

Thanks - I saw someone who had machined a flush plug for these, and I was planning to do the same if I had to. I haven't removed the Moritz gauges, so I don't know how the screws are captured on the backside - ie if I can safely remove the screws without dropping a (conductive) nut somewhere randomly into the panel, or if there are studs in the panel that are fixed in place (do you know, by chance?) which makes it easy/safe to simply back the screws off w/o taking the dash apart.

Thanks - Bob

 

[PT20J]

15 minutes ago, FlyingScot said:

Very helpful - thank you! You know, I looked on spruce, but this never appeared in the search - I didn't think to use "hole plugs" though 

Next time you order from Spruce, have them include a free catalog. Sometimes it is easier to find things the old fashioned way.

[Andy95W]

1 hour ago, FlyingScot said:

 - I didn't think to use "hole plugs" though 

Be careful doing a Google search... 

[MIm20c]

1 hour ago, FlyingScot said:

 

Thanks - I saw someone who had machined a flush plug for these, and I was planning to do the same if I had to. I haven't removed the Moritz gauges, so I don't know how the screws are captured on the backside - ie if I can safely remove the screws without dropping a (conductive) nut somewhere randomly into the panel, or if there are studs in the panel that are fixed in place (do you know, by chance?) which makes it easy/safe to simply back the screws off w/o taking the dash apart.

Thanks - Bob

 

You won’t be able to easily flush mount the plate because the the screw mounts (fixed in place) will still show and it will not be aesthetically pleasing.  It’ll look fine with a one piece thin sheet with beveled edges. The most important thing is to really match the powder coat…both color and texture. 
 

Just unscrew one of the Moritz boxes, you’ll see what I’m trying to describe. If you wanted to drill out the nut plates and flush rivet the panel that would look nice but you would need to remove the panel and refinish it IMO. I have my old panel at the hangar or in my basement if you need a picture of it. We used a temporary surface mount fill panel cut around a vertically mounted JPI 900 before overhauling the entire panel. 

Edited April 19, 2022 by MIm20c

[FlyingScot]

3 hours ago, mike261 said:

instrument panel filler plate.pdf 820.67 kB · 8 downloads

That's it! Fantastic - Thank you - 

[FlyingScot]

3 hours ago, PT20J said:

Next time you order from Spruce, have them include a free catalog. Sometimes it is easier to find things the old fashioned way.

Too true - 

[FlyingScot]

2 hours ago, MIm20c said:

You won’t be able to easily flush mount the plate because the the screw mounts (fixed in place) will still show and it will not be aesthetically pleasing.  It’ll look fine with a one piece thin sheet with beveled edges. The most important thing is to really match the powder coat…both color and texture. 
 

Just unscrew one of the Moritz boxes, you’ll see what I’m trying to describe. If you wanted to drill out the nut plates and flush rivet the panel that would look nice but you would need to remove the panel and refinish it IMO. I have my old panel at the hangar or in my basement if you need a picture of it. We used a temporary surface mount fill panel cut around a vertically mounted JPI 900 before overhauling the entire panel. 

This is a good solution - I'm trying to prolong the inevitable full panel redo - 

[Aerodon]

If you can measure accurately, I can easily cut a filler plate for you.  For a really good long term solution I cut one panel to fit behind your instrument panel and another piece to fit exactly in the hole.  Then flush river the two together and paint.  Drawing and cutting at the same time allows the rivet holes to match and be on a precise layout.

Not all the 1/2 ATI holes are exactly the same.  The KAS297 and KI572 look the same but are different. One of those aircraft spruce [plastic covers should work.

But bite the bullet and do a full panel redo - this is my latest creation for a 252.  This will be a template for final test fitting and tweaking the design.  I'm thinking of dumping the annunciator panel and using some of the fancy square Eaton annunciators.  The EDM900 annunciator will give  a red or amber 'check engine' light that will draw your attention to the EDM900 for Hi/Lo volts, Low fuel, etc.  Still need gear up, gear unsafe, alt air,   I can do without 'starter engaged'.  

 

Aerodon

 

 

[carusoam]

Aerodon = sheet metal artist! 

Lots of small details from the surface down to the flush mounts doing the work behind the panel….

Lots of great ideas.

Best regards,

-a-