Brief Description: Center Console Cutting and Paint
I have gone back and forth regarding the transponder location on the console, and at the end of the day I decided to place it at the top of the panel closer to the instrument pod in order to keep your hand away from the switches that are going to be located on the horizontal portion of the console. I can image accidentally hitting a critical switch on the panel while trying to quickly dial in a transponder code. Hopefully, this will turn out to be a good decision, but only time and real-life experience will tell.
It took forever to cut in the transponder location due to the odd shape and angles, and I also needed to modify the nut plates on the sides to accommodate the width of the box. It will be okay, but I will need to use very small screws at these two locations, so care will need to be taken whenever reassembling the sides of the console. There are no clearance issues with the gauges.
The paint came out great and matches the panel perfectly. Even though the labeled panel for the switches will cover a large portion of the lower section of the console top, I thought it would look great to have the transponder and gauges surrounded by the same panel material finish as the pod. The sides of the console will be red and black, so this should be a cool look.
The switch and indicator light labels are being made for me at a local trophy shop. I should have them back next week. They will be black with silver lines and letters.
