Avionics, radios and panel electronics

[Hank Jarrett]

Starting a new thread for 41 and 41 Deluxe instrument panels along with any electronics like radios and battery/generator issues that were original to the "just prior to" WW-II era.

Hank

I will post some original panel photos as well as wind generator info and battery box information tonight.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

I would change thread title if this also includes panels. Makes the think its only an electronic thread. Here is pics of the original battery box, ash tray, and panel from 39125. Almost the last prewar built and maybe the prewar de Luxe.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

Yea, the title should be Panels, then the rest. Anyone know how to change the title? In the interim here is a photo of the panel buck someone in the tribe sent me that I used to make a few 41 Deluxe panels years ago. Whoever made it pleas chime in!!! I recently got an ORIGINAL 41 panel and after some minor straightening it fit perfectly over the buck, so it looks like it is very accurate! I hope to restore it and smooth out all the dings and splits as soon as it worms up enough here to get in to the sun room again. Also included are some photos of one of the panels I made on the buck. I learned how to do metal bumping by making these panels. It took just over a year to make three and one was so bad it went to the trash. I sent the best one to the person who sent me the buck (it came with a panel stuck to it when the release agent didn't work and the original panel glued itself to the buck). I also made a panel insert buck but it was MUCH easier to make and use!

Hank

For those with sharp eyes, yes, that is NOT the correct ROC. Not unless I get a STC for a RR Merlin engine!

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

This was supposed to be an original wood 41 floor board with an original battery box mounted on it. I have a whole collection of photos but when it was loaned to me by Carl I used it to make measurements to build a new replica battery box for my plane and new floor boards. I have the drawings and patterns if needed.
I changed slightly from the original floor board area under the SS heel plate to close up the hole more. The larger hole was easier to get the floor board in but there was a whole coffee can full of FOD under my floor boards that fell through the gaps at the edges and the holes. When the floor boards were put in I also made a front floor board for in front of the original floor boards so dropped items would NOT roll forward and down under the floor boards (I have to wonder if there was one originally since thee were already tabs to attach it!). If you do it you need to be VERY CAREFUL to seal up the gaps but DO NOT interfere with any of the controls! My IA liked it. He DID NOT like all of the trash that was under the floor boards and on top of the boot cowl bottom!

Hank

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

This was supposed to be an original wood 41 floor board with an original battery box mounted on it. I have a whole collection of photos but when it was loaned to me by Carl I used it to make measurements to build a new replica battery box for my plane and new floor boards. I have the drawings and patterns if needed.
I changed slightly from the original floor board area under the SS heel plate to close up the hole more. The larger hole was easier to get the floor board in but there was a whole coffee can full of FOD under my floor boards that fell through the gaps at the edges and the holes. When the floor boards were put in I also made a front floor board for in front of the original floor boards so dropped items would NOT roll forward and down under the floor boards (I have to wonder if there was one originally since thee were already tabs to attach it!). If you do it you need to be VERY CAREFUL to seal up the gaps but DO NOT interfere with any of the controls! My IA liked it. He DID NOT like all of the trash that was under the floor boards and on top of the boot cowl bottom!

Hank

yes the deLuxe only had the forward small floor board.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

Another deLuxe only part. Went under the controls and was originally one piece. I cut it into to add another position and did not use it in the end. Original equipment on my deLuxe

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

Mike,
Is this the piece you are talking about? This is from before I cast the new knobs so the ones in the picture are a real mixed bunch.

Hank

Note the lug for the optional stick control to the left of the sub panel in the first photo.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

Mike,
Is this the piece you are talking about? This is from before I cast the new knobs so the ones in the picture are a real mixed bunch.

Hank

Note the lug for the optional stick control to the left of the sub panel in the first photo.

yes, its an aluminum cover that goes over the steel bracket and was same color as the panel.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

Mike,
Any chance you could get some more photos or a tracing? That is not on my plane but I would like to make one.

Hank

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

Mike,
Any chance you could get some more photos or a tracing? That is not on my plane but I would like to make one.

Hank

very simple part. It is just big enough to cover the steel bracket with a 1/4" lip around the edges and a 90* fold on top long enough to tuck under the panel. It was straight across so you had to take the primer apart to install it which is one of the reasons why I cut it.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

I think it is one of those parts I will make, but wait to put it on until I have another reason to pull the lower panel controls out.......like maybe at the next recover! Wonder if you could make one with a slot up instead of a hole and if the knobs would cover the slot? Got to look at this.

Hank

[Peterroy]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

Guys,

Thanks for starting these new threads. I enjoy learning more about my '41 and how she's "supposed" to look.

Peter

[Peterroy]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

Guys,

Thanks for starting these new threads. I enjoy learning more about my '41 and how she's "supposed" to look.

Peter

[astjp2]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

Guys,

Thanks for starting these new threads. I enjoy learning more about my '41 and how she's "supposed" to look.

Peter

You will appreciate those non original hydraulic brakes once we get them installed!

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Avionics, radios and panel electronics

Looks like we need a new thread on brakes where we can post info on the cable brakes and all their problems and show how many have added more modern brakes. We need to take landing gear, tires and brakes to another thread.

Hank