The total energy probe was broken years when being moved by the previous owner. Variometers are a critical component to any glider, but the technology has improved significantly since the invention of the analog variometer, thermos and total energy probe system. The total energy probe had been epoxied into the the fuselage, which made easy removal impossible. I had also been contemplating updadting the instruments with some modern avionics since i will be a powered aircraft. I used a holesaw to drill out the broken TE probe leaving a 1" diameter hole that will need filling later. The forward canopy was removed by taking out more than 20 countersunk screws and lock nuts. I then removed the instrument panel and all the instruments. I intend to fabricate a new and smaller instrument panel that will also hold the battery.
