Brief Description: Fabrication & installation of fuel gauge panel
I decided to take a page fromn Danny King's design book on "Beautiful Doll". Danny added a sloped auxiliary panel just below the throttle quadrant and immediately forward of the fuel tank selector valve. This allows the two fuel gauges to be located next to the selector valve and frees up some space in the main panel. I think it's a great idea and makes fuel management idiot proof (the selector valve always points at the fuel gauge).
Danny made a one piece replacement for the mid-cabon covers that included the integral auxiliary panel. I chose to make the aux panel separately and attach it with screws and nutplates. I began by making a pattern from cereal box cardboard. It was then flattened out and traced on a piece of .032 aluminum. The aluminum was cut and then bent to form the flanges and the side of the panel. I was careful to cut the metal very slightly oversize and then trimmed it to fit. Finally, the new panel was match drilled to the fuselage structure and nutplates installed.
As soon as I get the fuel gauges from Vans I will cut the mounting holes and get them installed. I should be able to cut the holes with a fly-cutter.
I am now trying to decide whether to move the fuel valve a little forward closer to the new panel. I think it would look better but am not sure it's worth the trouble.
