Is there a company out there selling precut replacement panels for the left side of a PA-28? Is there a structural issue with replacing the old 'shotgun' layouts (and possibly an STC for a panel replacement)?
I have a 64 235 and have been looking for a while - the only one I have found is Avion research - [www.avion.com] - they are very nice but a bit more than I was looking to spend. I recently have found a place in southern California that makes replacement plastic for the panel. I've been warned by several that this is not an easy or cheap project and it can easily run into 5 figures.
I own a 1969 Cherokee 140 (PA-28 A) with a 160hp STC and a powerflow exhaust and new panels.
I had my panels redone last year - upper and lower, with ring lighting. The old, deformed plastic junk was replaced by beautiful powder coated aluminum panels, with etched labels. What a difference it makes. Everything is where it should be, and easy to see and use because of the ring lighting.
I get compliments from everyone who sees it. If you want to see photos, email me and I will send them to you.
Mine panel is a little nicer than some - Garmin 430, S-Tec System 50 Autopilot, PS Engineering PMA-7000 audio/marker panel, PS Engineering am/fm/cd player, GPSS roll steering computer, Garmin glideslope, King KX-155 Nav/Com (backup), Garmin GTX-327 digital transponder, and more.
I had a new panel built for my PA28-181 about two years ago. One of the guys at my field did it for me (he used to do design panels for a larger company).
I opted to replace the entire panel with a single, flat panel similar to the new Piper models. The results were fantastic. Overall, it cost me about $3K for the new panel, including installation and all new instrument lights.
Ben, I have been selling a new instrument panel installation for several years and over a dozen have been made. The packet contains a full size engineering drawing, complete detailed instructions, a sample FAA field approved 337 for the installation and a color photo of the completed installation. Contact me at dick@aircraftdoorseals.com and I will e-mail you a picture of the installation we last made on a 1963 180. The complete packet is $100.00 including mail.
Dick Russ
Project Engineer
ETA Corp.
405-755-2151
I have a 1967 PA-28-140 with flat aluminum panels painted black. These were installed by my A&P, Bill Wallace. It required a form 337 and a DER assessment (a letter attesting to structural integrity). You may see my panel at:
