Just completed this panel in my 57 C180. I believe this is the maximum amount of avionics that can be stuffed into the panel of an older “T” yoke airplane. This configuration provides 1/4” vertical clearance for the yoke T bar below the transponder. The audio panel is short enough to clear the yoke. The 530 tray is almost touching the boot cowl and the panel is mounted on four fixed rigid studs. The original rubber mounts were removed. With today’s avionics there is no longer a need to replace the T with a U. (I left the KX 155 in the lower left sub panel along with cbs for the G5s.)

I've often wondered if the panel coule be replaced with one that's shaped more like the later panels to create more real estate.

I have seen in a forum someone cut the upright portion of the behind the panel yoke T, coming up out of the floor board (I don't think everyone knows what we mean by yoke T) take a section out shortening the upright portion of the yoke T tube, drill holes around the tube like in 43.13 for splicing and for rosette welds, and then sliding in the right sized outside diameter piece of 4130 tube into the inside of the T's upright 4130 Tube and heli arc weld it at the holes and split line.

He was then able to put in a standard modern flat panel with the yoke shafts coming out of the panel at the same height as later Cessna's with late model yokes.

There’s always the expensive option...

http://www.avion.com/

Rusty: That is an excellent layout. I've spent a great amount time sitting and looking at my panel in order to come up with what I hope will serve me with my "keeper" airplane.
I did my panel and avionics some 30 years ago, and it has served me well. Now I need a GPS, and will probably go ahead with a Garmin autopilot.
I hope you won't mind if we imitate you. The most reliable radio I have is the KX-175B, so that will be my #2.
Can we see a full picture of your 180?
Regards,

Tom

Tom, copy away if you think it’s usable. Here’s the 180 getting ready for CIES sender/jpi calibration. (The hangar door is open for safety and I have two big fans running with everything grounded)

Tom, a friend just had this GNX 375 installed in his 180 and absolutely loves it. It seems as if the Garmin autopilot along with G5s would be the perfect compliment. I’m keeping my S-Tec 30 cause I’m old and out of money!

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/577174

Here is another take on an older 180 with the T yoke. I wanted to retain the look of the panel, while also makng it a modern IFR platform. Its a 1962 D model.

My 58 182, does that qualify?

Scott: That is a serious looking panel; thanks for sharing.
Rusty: Beautiful 180. I especially appreciate the unmolested, classical wings, without the STOL stuff. I had to do mine to Horton because the leading edges were beat up from years of ranch work, and the short strips. (I've come to the conclusion that all that fancy stuff just lets you get into deeper doo-doo unit its too late).
I think the GNX 375 is brilliant, and will certainly consider it in the upgrade. I've been looking for a "drug runner" aux fuel tank, 18 gal, that sits in the baggage area, to get better IFR reserves.
Best,

Tom

Option for what? Does Avion have approval to modify the control hardware Behind the panel?

Note that Avion is extremely difficult to rely on for timely delivery...

Paul

Avion had... I guess they still do have... An STC to replace the T yoke with a Y yoke. New panel is part of it from memory. I think the glare shield might be part of the STC . I purchased just the glare shield a few years back and had it installed as a mod. Have heard the comments re slow service etc, but I found them more than helpful, and prompt delivery to NZ.

Option for what? Does Avion have approval to modify the control hardware Behind the panel?

Note that Avion is extremely difficult to rely on for timely delivery...

Paul

I wish I had extended my panel to the right side. The 57 was a poor design. I didn’t think the modification was straightforward since it involved removal of structural components. I’m “trying” to keep things legal.