Mooney panel orig

 

A typical pre-1969 panel - this one is a 1968 M20F. As you can see, instruments and radios are scattered all over the panel (No, the airplane is not in flight. Evanston, Wyoming is at 7163’ MSL).

 

 

There are two styles for the copilot's panel. The standard style, using the original engine and fuel six-pack gages, is depicted in the picture below on the left and in detail on this page. The alternate style, using custom gages, is depicted below on the right. For that detail page, click here.

 

 Mooney panel copilotMooney panel copilot alternate

                                            Copilot's Standard Panel                                                Copilot's Alternative Panel

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The next three photos show the new layout. Notice that with no plastic covers, the new instrument panels can be powder-coated (or painted) to match the interior of the aircraft.

For this particular upgrade, the existing King transponder was retained. New are a KMA 24 audio panel, a Garmin GNC 250 X.L GPS/ COM radio and a KX155 nav/com with a KI209 glide slope/localizer nav head. The equipment exchange and new panel lightened this airplane by about 26 pounds.

KNR Instrument Panel for pre1969 Mooneys KNR pilot instrument panel for pre1969 MooneysKNR copilot instrument panel for pre1969 Mooney

KNR, Inc. sells the complete upgrade kit with FAA PMA parts, which includes both cut-out instrument panels and a radio rack topper (see below), installation manual, most of the hardware and the FAA STC approval. This procedure does require an IA mechanic to return the airplane to service. There is some airplane structural modification - the old copilot's panel must be cut out. The new panels will need some minor filing for fit.  After fitting, you will have to apply paint or powder coating ($60 to $90) and airplane placards ($75). We can do baked powder coating and placards at those prices plus shipping. The panel upgrade kit costs $2,195.00. For a turnkey retrofit with STC approval, the cost (excluding avionics) is about $4,500 - job complete, at the KNR maintenance facility in Evanston, Wyoming (KEVW).

Mooney panel blank

 

There are several things to consider when upgrading. Here is a list.

 

For more detail about this panel upgrade, use this link to an archived ShopTalk article, from 2004 MAPA magazine.

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