One-Piece Avionics Cover

[Pictreed]

Has anyone replaced the 3 piece avionics cover on the 60's planes with a 1 piece? That center strip had something round mounted in it at some point and I'd like to get rid of it to reduce the chances of leaking.

[47U]

43 minutes ago, Pictreed said:

Has anyone replaced the 3 piece avionics cover on the 60's planes with a 1 piece? That center strip had something round mounted in it at some point and I'd like to get rid of it to reduce the chances of leaking.

Yes, someone did replace the 3-piece panel with a single sheet.  Don’t remember who.  It looked great, although compound curves in aluminum would have me turning out some scrap on at least the first attempt, maybe two attempts.

As an alternative, just replace the center section (with the antenna hole in it) with a new piece of aluminum (mine is that way).  Sure, the single piece will be less likely to leak, but there’s many posts on how to successfully seal up the avionics panel.  And, if you keep it as a 3-piece, if you need to access only one side you can do that without removing the whole panel.

 

[Pictreed]

True, I access the pilot side a lot more. 

[Pictreed]

Also need to search other methods of sealing it.  I’ve used the caulk that comes in a tape form that they use to seal openings on RVs.  It’s a grey putty.  I’ve also used a round kinking type material in the channel. 

[C.J.]

7 hours ago, Pictreed said:

Also need to search other methods of sealing it.  

I used MD Rubber Window Seal that was recommended by @0TreeLemur and @Hector . It works well but measure & cut precisely because a package of two 8.5-foot strips is just enough to do the job - there's very little excess.