'66 M20E panel overlay (???)

[HRM]

Hi guys,

The panel on my new M20E has an aging overlay that appears to be made of thin plastic with a wood grain pattern (see image) in three sections. Has anyone any experience with this? What is under the plastic? Is it just used to hold the post lights? 

TIA,

Harley

[Ned Gravel]

Harley:

 

Same thing on mine with different texture.  My overlay is now only on the right (co-pilot) side and it is black plastic.  The left panel is a more recent six-pack panel (with overlay removed) and the right side still probably original.  See the pictures. 

I would take the plastic off the right side too, but the aluminum it covers is not good enough to be exposed.

[Immelman]

Quote: edgargravel

Harley:

 

Same thing on mine with different texture.  My overlay is now only on the right (co-pilot) side and it is black plastic.  The left panel is a more recent six-pack panel (with overlay removed) and the right side still probably original.  See the pictures. 

I would take the plastic off the right side too, but the aluminum it covers is not good enough to be exposed.

[HRM]

Quote: Immelman

I have the same setup on my 66E -- the pilot's side panel was re-done with the lasar standard layout (very nice), but the ride side has the plastic overlay. Its positively ratty. I'd toss it right now and just spray paint the aluminum underneath flat black.. but the trouble is the little post lights are integrated into that plastic overlay.

A way to economically re-do this would be great. One thing that occured is that perhaps, some day, the right side panel could just be removed and a new one made/laser cut with holes for all of the various CBs along with engine instruments. Would cost some money but definitely look more proper.

[FlyDave]

Quote: HRM

Thanks guys, this explains it all. The plastic overlay is just that--there is a smooth, clean, black aluminum panel hiding under there, but the cost to reveal it is loss of the post lights. Damn!

[HRM]

Quote: FlyDave

HRM,

I installed Nu-Lite's ( http://www.nulite.net ) in my Cherokee and I love them!! When I buy a Mooney I'll definately install them if it doesn't have them.

I installed a potentiometer as well and can turn them down low enough for perfect night time illumination over the darkest terrain or bright enought to read sectionals by. They are GREAT and I highly recommend them to anyone.

Congrats on your purchase - I hope to follow you soon!!

[MooneyMitch]

Here's a thought on how one might solve the right side overlay issue.

I removed the old plastic overlay.  I fabricated a new overlay panel from aluminum and painted it.  The new panel was thick enough to be non-flexible, yet thin enough so that I could use the existing cap nuts to secure the panel to the existing studs.  I installed Nu-Lites for the tach and MP instruments [plus all the left side instruments as well].  The transponder has internal lighting.  I use the existing overheard lighting tubes for the cluster illumination.   The new panel is visible in my photo gallery.

[ray]

On my mooney the person I bought from had made a new panel and I like it much more than the old style

that was in the plane it seem to have more room. I would have done it a little different but I will move things

around as I upgrade equip. You can see the panel on my photo page.

[bgpilot1]

I've got the same issue with my M20F.  Aluminum left side, old plastic right side with the post lights inop.  Nulites are installed underneath so I am in the process of evaluating options to create a matching aluminum right side.  So far, my intentions are to create a cadd drawing from measurements taken from the plastic overlay and send the drawing to The Avionics Shop in Tacoma Narrows where they will machine fabricate an aluminum overlay to match the specs.  I anticipate a cost of around $400 - estimate.  I'll update the group once my research and work is complete.  Let me know if there are any questions.

Barry

[Ned Gravel]

Yup.  No post lights in my right side.  Nulites all round except for the Tach and MP gauge.  Not enough room to fit the nulite rings in.

 

[Carl S]

I also have nulite rings. They are great and I like them a whole lot more than post lights. 

[MooneyMitch]

Quote: bgpilot1

I've got the same issue with my M20F.  Aluminum left side, old plastic right side with the post lights inop.  Nulites are installed underneath so I am in the process of evaluating options to create a matching aluminum right side.  So far, my intentions are to create a cadd drawing from measurements taken from the plastic overlay and send the drawing to The Avionics Shop in Tacoma Narrows where they will machine fabricate an aluminum overlay to match the specs.  I anticipate a cost of around $400 - estimate.  I'll update the group once my research and work is complete.  Let me know if there are any questions.

Barry

[Carl S]

Quote: Mitch

 With all due respect to Barry, as an option, if you are handy with a hack saw, a drafting compass, a drill press with a hole saw and a file, you can fabricate the panel yourself. 

[MooneyMitch]

Oh yes Carl, the punch would be the preferrable tool, but that wasn't available to me.  With a good new hole saw, the press and good solid clamping, the holes came out really nice.  A little edge filing and it turned out super.  I say, put that $400 in the fuel tank if you can!!

[Mooney65E]

HRM,

I'm curently machining a pilot side panel for a guy in Iowa similar to the one pictured on our website (www.HendricksMfg.com). Let me know if you'd be interested in a new panel to clean up that old shotgun layout. We put one in our 65E and it turned one of the worst panels into one of the best!

[flight2000]

Wow, I have your site bookmarked and am going to contact you once my 67E gets out of the paint shop at the end of the month. 

How hard is it to change out the old panel?

Thanks,

Brian

[Mooney65E]

Quote: flight2000

Wow, I have your site bookmarked and am going to contact you once my 67E gets out of the paint shop at the end of the month. 

How hard is it to change out the old panel?

Thanks,

Brian