Upgraded panel for N5911Q

[Chris from PA]

Here are a couple of pics of my new panel. I’ve watched this space for years and have been inspired by all of your pics and comments. I hope my experience provides some inspiration to others. 

This upgrade is the second phase in what I envision will be a 3 phase project. When I purchased 11Q (1965 C model) 8 years ago it had a “shotgun” panel on the left side and typical engine instruments on the right. Phase 1 was to completely redo the left side into a traditional “6 pack” layout. At that time I put in a Sandia Quattro ADI. Phase 2 brings us to where we are today. Equipment installed:

GI 275

GFC 500 (2 axis) 

PMA 8000 (previously installed)

GNS 530W (previously installed)

GTR 225

GTX 330ES (previously installed)

JPI EDM 900

GSB 15 

Phase 3 (TBD) replaces the vacuum driven DG (and removal of the vacuum pump) with another GI 275 and installs an upgraded navigator. 

I was planning to install a Dynon system but the lack of an autopilot, or even a clear path to one for the short bodies, sent me in another direction.  Once I decided to go with Garmin I went all in. I considered a G3X Touch but the price and the desire to retain some of the “vintage” look drove me towards this solution.  I kept the original yokes for this same reason.  Finally, what you really want to know; Phase 2 was 58 AMUs and took about 4 weeks. Done at a well run shop on the East Coast. 

[Pinecone]

Nice.

Any reason you did not add a second 275 and have an HSI?

A G3X Touch would have been nice, as you could control the transponder and second nav/com from it.  But yes, the incremental cost is fairly high, so I understand that decision.

For the future, if you replace the GNS with a GTN, you can control the transponder from it.

FYI, not criticizing, just musing.

[PilotX]

Looks good. Agree that second 275 is a must but avionics are expensive, ask me how I know.

[Utah20Gflyer]

I did very similar upgrades but did the HSI first and then the ADI as phase 2.   The HSI does not disappoint.   
 

My phase 3 is the autopilot and will complete my upgrades unless my older audio panel goes kaput.  

[Chris from PA]

5 hours ago, Pinecone said:

Nice.

Any reason you did not add a second 275 and have an HSI?

A G3X Touch would have been nice, as you could control the transponder and second nav/com from it.  But yes, the incremental cost is fairly high, so I understand that decision.

For the future, if you replace the GNS with a GTN, you can control the transponder from it.

FYI, not criticizing, just musing.

No worries, I appreciate the input. It was simply a matter of cost.  Everything else I put in was a “must do” during this phase.  The HSI will certainly be a nice addition when I’m ready to do it. 

[Pinecone]

I understand that.

If you haven't flown an HSI, you will be amazed.