Avionics Upgrade

[Super Chicken]

Good Day and thanks for allowing me to Join the discussion.

I'm in the process of making sweeping upgrades to my 172M to includes a new engine and complete new panel the result of which has been a much bigger project than expected. We are installing a PMA 8000G Audio Panel, GNC355, GNC215 and the HDX 1000 with the D30. ATC (AKA the warden) nixed the auto pilot for the time being so that will be a future addition.

We had Approach Fast Stack out of Park Rapids MN make up the wiring harness for the radio stack (outstanding work). WE are adding a digital flap indicator which we may need some input on getting it communicating with the HDX. SixPack Aero supplied a new Structural panel as the 10" glass does not fit in the existing panel without a DER and substantial structural modifications. While I'm extremely disappointed in the avionics installers I talked with at Air Venture and to some extent Dynon for not communicating this issue up front I am eternally grateful for the help and ongoing advise from SixPack Aero.

 

[tcbc8222]

Air Plains sells a package too. I did my upgrade in 2022 and used Air Plains.

 

[Super Chicken]

Did you buy a new "Structural Panel" for your instruments or are you talking about a interior panel that the instruments simply mount on? The only company with an STC for the Structural Panel to my knowledge is Sixpack Aero. I'm not a spokesman for them nor do I get any special treatment. This is simply a buyer beware if your putting in a 10" glass panel.

I know that Six Pack sells it through a couple Sporties and maybe some other distributors. I went direct. You have to completely remove the full Structural Panel and replace it. it gets riveted into the fuselage from the outside and you have to remove and replace a large part of the glare shield (dash) which also requires to you remove the windscreen to make that happen.

I was told by a couple installers at Air Venture prior to buying the 10" glass HDX1100 that it was a simple install. I would only need to remove 3/8" of an inch of metal up in the left corner of the "Stationary Panel" and it was a simple log book entry. This is an absolute lie at least for my 1974 M. After removing the old avionics and receiving the (HDX1100), all you had to do was place it on yoke support bracket to see that there is no way it will fit without removing the entire top member of the structural cross member. Even then its questionable if it would slide under the glair shield (dash).

I've seen photos of work where the shop simply cut away the top cross member of the "structural panel" and leave the glare shield intact compromising the structural integrity of the aircraft or they get a DER to sign off on it. In either case good luck making changes in the future.

I would be interested in knowing what you got from Air Plains