I have a 62 E model C180. The panel is a step design. Left side sticks out about 1/2" due to the rubber shock mounts, and the right side is flush mounted right tight. Is it possible to make a one piece panel that is level all the way across?
Heres some pictures to illustrate what I'm trying to say.



So does the left side need to be shock mounted so far out? Is there anyway I can change this?
Thanks in advance.
David

I'm working on the same thing on a '58. We have a '63 with a nice aftermarket multi-piece panel but I want the '58 to be even. I removed everything from the panel and it's even all the way across, so I'm going to have an aluminum piece cut out in the dimensions I want and then either coated or anodized and lasered with all the relevant markings. I don't plan on cutting or modifying the underlying structure at all so the larger panel pieces I'm considering will have to go in the middle.

...whenever I get around to it...

Are you worried about the left side of the panel not being shock mounted? On my plane that seems to be the only reason for the step.

I've removed the shock mounted panel sections on two airplanes, and never looked back.

It would totally feasible to do what you're thinking of. Not cheap or easy, but it can certainly be done.

MTV

Ok. Thanks MTV.
David

The reason they are built like that is to protect your spendy instruments from damage and premature wear.
That being said, who knows how much it really helps
.It stands to reason it must do some good,
There are plenty of aircraft out there without shock mounts that have been flying many years.

You can totally to a flat panel. Just remove the shock mounts. Mine is a 66 so I did a left and right for the center stack, but just as easy could have done one piece right across.

It can be done and its not that hard or expensive at least as far as airplane stuff goes. I did my '57 and can laser cut you a panel to your specs if interested. I still shock mounted mine but got rid of the left and right sections in place of an upper instrument panel and a lower switch/breaker panel. You could incorporate these into a single panel but there is a slight bend (at least in the older 180s) in the substructure that might be tricky to work around.

A1Skinner wrote:Are you worried about the left side of the panel not being shock mounted? On my plane that seems to be the only reason for the step.

Ever been flying along watching your instruments shake while trying to shake your head at the same frequency so you can get the dials in focus? If not you will by the time you are my age. Loose the rubber shock mounts, your eyes will appreciate it and your gauges won't care.

Do you need to get a field approval for the flat panels?

Are you guys saying you don't need to have the shock mounts? My Mooney panel has some saggy ones and I was thinking about how I am going to replace them. But Why would you want them before, and not now. I would imagine the stress would be pretty high on the instruments

Cessna Abandon the shock mount idea later on, so has every one else I think.

At some point in the past, supposedly there were instruments that could be damaged if the panel was not mounted with vibration isolators. There was probably one instance where a damaged instrument was found at a crash site and people died, and lawyers went sniffing for $$$, and the damaged instrument was the deemed the probable cause by some investigating agency, then shock mounts became the reactive solution. They are definitely not necessary with today's instruments.

Drawing the panel you want in CAD and having it lazer or waterjet cut is the best way to go.

Mooney has to have them according to LASAR. Which it's 7 of them for $6.20 so i'll take em. Especially if it keeps my instruments alive longer. I mean i could only imagine without the shock mounts how much vibration they would take. No bueno!

As in noted, I've removed shock mounted panel sections from two airplanes, both of which had gyro horizons in that panel section. I flew one of those 1600 hours and never changed the gyro. Other was over 600 when I sold it.

I doubt I'd worry much about vibration. There are a lot more things that'll kill your gyros than a little vibration.

Finally, if you have your engine/prop dynamically balanced, your instruments will thank you, as will the whole airframe, and your passengers. That does a better job than shock mounts in any case.

MTV