67 M20F Panel Spacing Question

[Bryan G]

I have a finished design with Superior Aircraft and I just received my acrylic template. I know all panels aren’t created equally but…without pulling my panel apart:

Does anyone know how much space is needed above the yoke for the panel? I currently have an 8 pack offset slightly, but it will soon be a 6 pack with a newly cut panel and the current design has the GI-275 stack centered on the yoke. 
 

And about how much space is required above the instruments, I will have to check for fitment to make sure the airspeed indicator will have clearance but if anyone knows that would be great.

[Bryan G]

Old pilot side pic for reference:

[47U]

2 hours ago, Bryan G said:

Does anyone know how much space is needed above the yoke for the panel?

SInce you’ve already cut the panel in plexiglass, mount it in the airplane and try each instrument to make sure it has the required clearance.  The GI-275 is 6.44” deep, which is pretty reasonable, and will probably fit.  But, you won’t know for sure until you try.  The 67’ F likely came form the factory with a shotgun panel, yes?  So it’s already been modified to the standard layout… you might get some perspective by looking at the DG and seeing how close it is to the yoke shaft.  Remember that the yoke shaft has a some verticle movement behind the panel.  (Sorry to be Captain Obvious.)

2 hours ago, Bryan G said:

And about how much space is required above the instruments

The airspeed indicator is likely ok. And the sub structure behind the panel can be trimmed a little bit if need be since there’s no panel support bracket in that area.

Again, since you’ve gone through the trouble to cut the new panel in plexiglass, I’d put it in and check before I cut it in metal.  My own DIY project produced two metal panels, no mock-up on the airplane.  I had slightly modified the LASAR 9-hole panel.  You guessed it, the first one was scrap.  Don’t be me.

[Rmfriday]

What year is your F ?

would you want to sell the old 8 pack panel?

 

[carusoam]

Send your camera behind the panel…

Watch the vertical motion of the yoke…

Some panels add about a quarter of an inch between round can instruments… where the eight pack is centered over the yoke….

Keep your eye down the length of the yoke as it goes full forward and full aft….

The longer the instruments… the tougher the challenge…

 

The technical six pack sounds like a great idea…

Hopefully, that center instrument is the shortest…

Kind of just proved why the instruments in Mooneys aren’t centered over the yoke….

Mooney proved that mounting instruments off center won’t cause any discomfort…at all…  

PP thoughts only, not a mechanic…

Best regards,

-a-

[DCarlton]

For what it's worth, I've drawn a half dozen different layouts for my '67 F just to try to come up with something I like with similar concerns.  I'm no expert, but I like a little space between the instruments to be able to see between them and to be able to get your hands up in there and grab them if needed.  You can always take your seat out, lay up under the panel and look.  Not too difficult to see the clearances.  

[Bryan G]

Thanks all, I was able to take a good look Sunday and there is plenty of clearance both above and below. The current DG is actually above the yoke shaft already, and there is plenty of space through the entire control movement.

[Bryan G]

4 hours ago, Rmfriday said:

What year is your F ?

would you want to sell the old 8 pack panel?

 

Sure, it won’t be until November. 1967 M20F. I’ll update you when the old one comes out. You could just pay me for shipping if you want it.

Edited August 30, 2022 by Bryan G

[carusoam]

1 minute ago, Bryan G said:

Sure, it won’t be until November. 1967 M20F. I’ll update you when the old one comes out. You could just pay me for shipping if you want it.

Signs of an awesome MSer….

Go Bryan!

Best regards,

-a-

 

[Rmfriday]

Awesome! thanks!

I am more then willing to pay you something for the panel. I have a 66 C that still has the shotgun panel and am on the fence if this is a forever (or almost forever) plane and should get all the upgrades or if it is a few year plane and I move on to a mid-body? 

A relatively simple panel layout will help me stay content for a time being!

Thanks again and good luck, we all look forward to seeing the pictures!