So I bought this 170A to fly around in until my bearhawk is done. Overall it's not a bad little 2 seat rig, it's got a STOL kit and VG's and for the most part it does what I want it to do.

One thing I don't like is the oil pressure gauge reads high, and the oil temp gauge reads low. After looking at oil steam gauges, I decided I would like to try going down the EI route. So I picked up the EI OPT-1 (http://buy-ei.com/portfolio/opt-1/) and now I am looking at how to fit in the panel.

I wasn't paying super close attention at the time, and didn't notice my 170 didn't use a standard 2.25 hole for the oil pressure and temp. So the way I see it, I have a few options:



1. I could dremel out the flange and drill some holes and mount the OPT-1 where the existing oil pressure is and block out the oil temp. This takes cutting, grinding on the existing panel, but it seems a few 170 peeps have done that.

2. I could install the OPT-1 where the compass is and move to a top of dash or top of windshield compass. No cutting.

3. I could move the HOBBS meter up and over to the right and put the EI where the HOBBS is. Less cutting.

4. I could cut an entirely new panel and just retain the switch stack in the middle. It would take a lot more time, and I would probably end up re-wiring, but certainly doable. Might even raise the resale if I make it super nice. Possibly end up with less weight.

5. I could move the transponder up under the radio (it's not working, but I plan to replace it since used ones are so cheap now) then make a plate to mount it on and put it under the radio stack.

6. ?????

Looking for feedback from those that have been down this road.

Thanks,
schu

I moved my compass when I needed more panel real estate...wasn't too bad a job.

Unless you're going to pull the panel apart anyway, I'd start by figuring out which option involves the least disassembly and removal of instruments. If your jockey box is easily removable, the two holes above it would be good options. It's common to have to remove multiple instruments just so you can get your hands in there and install the one you want. The further you get towards the top of the panel, the worse it gets.

You might think about shit-canning that Hobbs meter and mounting the new gauge in that hole.
I always figured the Hobbs meter was invented by an FBO guy who was trying to run up the billable time on his rental airplanes.
They're useful on heavy equipment without other means of keeping track of the operating time, but in an airplane with a recording tach IMHO they're just useless redundancy.

Are you sure about the holes where the stock oil temp & pressure gauges go?
Seems like I've seen standard 2-1/4" gauges mounted there on 170's.
I owned a piano-key-panel 170 for many years but don't recall exactly how those holes were done.
I know the stock OP & OT gauges mount differently than most gauges, but I think maybe the hole in the actual panel (under the panel overlay) is a 2-1/4". Just might need the four screw holes drilled.

I vote for a high mounted vertical card compass.

Loved mine. Put it up in middle of windscreen- stable +- 1 or 2 degrees all the way around.

Chris C

I personally like the guages closer to me, so I can see them better. I'd try to replace one of the old guages with then new one. Lower left by the radio stack is out of place as it seperates the engine guages, and most planes have the engine guages on the center/right.

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