I modified the panel crosstie to give me more usable space on the lower edge of the panel. The plans say to allow 1 5/16 from the bottom, but when I measured mine it was almost 1 1/2" of lost panel due to the crosstie. Those dimensions would cause a real problem for the instruments that I've planned. So, I trimmed the crosstie, and reinforced it with 1/2" square aluminum that I had left over from when I switched to round tubing on the canopy frame. With the new crosstie, I now only lose 3/4" on the bottom of the panel, and my instruments will fit fine.
