Dual STI build log

[bbs428]

I bought a good 37 deg. flaring tool on amazon that ended up as junk.
Finally got my $$ back but it took 2 months.

I ended up ordering this tool, the one I should have bought. A bit more expensive
but works great and has excellent reviews.

Aircraft spruce - https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...clickkey=14853
flare tool.jpg

[Shadowrider]

Sweet! I will order it.

What a about the solid rivets? What did you do? Any links?

[bbs428]

Here's the way I did it -

Haven't used any solid rivets yet so I can't say. I think I used a CCC-32 or CCC-42 cherry rivet on my panel.
With the right counter-sync it's a snap. Used a little filler and sanded smooth.

I'm not sure if I'm wrapping my panel in vinyl or painting/engraving. The cherry rivets are so far off to the top
and side edges, I doubt it will interfere with either plan. When I add the 90 deg stiffeners to the middle of the panel
for my com and auto-pilot control heads, I'll use the same process.
I did add the nut-plates to make removal easier along the bottom edge.

My plan is to lay the panel face down and wire it up. Then install the panel. Someone else on the forum did it this way.
It was simple and effective. There should be plenty of slack to lay the panel back down to troubleshoot or to remove
and replace any avionics. I was going to do a hinge but thought it might be a source of vibration noise and honestly,
it was easier this way. The K.I.S.S principle.

Anyways, here's a few pic's on what I got so far. Good luck with your panel!!

Flush rivet.jpg instrument panel rivet2.jpginstrument panel rivet1.jpginstrument panel rivet.jpg

[jiott]

Listening to you guys talk about the Garmin G3X system and installation, I am blown away by the apparent complexity compared to when I installed my Dynon Skyview system which has the exact same functions. I am probably biased and am oversimplifying the Dynon system and due to unfamiliarity am over complicating the Garmin system. However, it still seems to me that my Dynon Skyview with engine sensors, remote mode S transponder, EFIS w/WAAS GPS, ADS-B in and out, and required antennas had fewer parts and pieces, was somewhat cheaper and was a breeze to install compared to the Garmin. Admittedly I haven't done a rigorous comparison, but its just a strong feeling I get as I listen to your contortions to get everything figured out. Go ahead, shoot me down, I am saying all this good naturedly.

[Shadowrider]

All I can say is hindsight is 20/20. The GSU25, GMU11, GTP59 are already installed in the wing so no reason to look back now!

[Shadowrider]

Actually if the salesman just did a little research and new what they where talking about, would make it much easier!

[Shadowrider]

Thanks everyone for your replies, I think I we are set on the avionics. Hoping to get them ordered shortly!

[jiott]

The valve on that link is 5/8" My heater lines are 1/2". I couldn't find a 1/2" version, but I may not have spent enough time. Greg, do you or anyone know of a 1/2" valve of that type?