While not an all out transformation like many of the talented folks on here, I wanted to start documenting some updates to my stock 185F. This plane is a '75 model with a little over 2000 hours on it. It has amazingly made it 41 years with only two STC's. It has an aftermarket fuel drain and 8.50's.
One of the reasons I bought this one is that after two other 180's, with various levels of mods, I felt like the best plane for me was a late model wing with a big motor. Factory extended baggage, 1490 useful load, etc. Like any good airplane nut though, I've found some things that need to be updated and yes....modifications. I live in Houston and have had the plane for a little over a year. In that year I've had a chance to fly it just over 100 hours, with two trips to Idaho. It performed great as is, but like I said it could be better. So, first up was doing something about the panel. Pretty much everything worked but the newest thing in the plane wad a loran from the 80's.
Basic plan; pull out all the Nixon-era radio navigation plus the loran, ADF and indicators. Get rid of all the wires and antennas. Patch the holes. Install a single new Garmin com, an air gizmos mount for my 796, add PTT switches, plug all the panel empty space, add an intercom for all seats. Also planned to retain one com antenna to plug into for my hand held back up. Pics to come shortly.
For those interested, mid term plan in the next few months is to upgrade/update more things on the airframe. Sort of general list:
--update the stock McCauley wheels and brakes
--go through the stock tail wheel... Maybe upgrade to the baby BW fork.
--firewall battery
--flat baggage floor
--interior (Big Time!)
--upgrade the stock 86" two blade
Bill
Panel as of a few weeks ago:
Rip out:
Stuff on the ground:
New Stuff heading in:
