what brand of panels will fit a real overhead frame?

[Gallie]

Hi all,

My current 737 overhead panels (lights and no smoking panels only) wont fit the switch holes of the original 737 overhead frame.

What brand of panels will fit the switch holes of the original frame?

I could adjust the current holes on the frame to fit my panels, but i am affraid i wont be able to propperly fasten some switches. This is a last resort...

I am looking for a way to just replace the lights and no smoking panels without replacing the other overhead panels. unless there is no other option.

I dont want to use the original panels because of the 5v bulbs vs 12v led on the rest of the overhead panels.

Any suggestion is welcome.

thanks,

Mike

[jackpilot]

Those 2 specific panels arrangement differed over the years. All depends on your frame series (from the early models to the NG).

OEM panels , if you can find them, are your best bet.
Feeding them 5V is not really an issue IMHO.
Jack

[Aerosim Solutions]

You could replace the original Dzus rails with timber ribs then anything will fit! Cheers Gwyn

[jackpilot]

Gwyn
I think his problem is the metal backer which is part of the frame itself . That frame  is certainly an older model (200-300-500...) and the buttons and switches arrangement differed over time. New repro panels going on top are based on the NG and do not match all the cutouts.
Hence, finding the proper OEM panels or overlaying blank plates on the old ones and redrilling/cutting out proper holes for buttons , switches, annunciators.
Jack

[Gallie]

Jack, thats exactly what i mean.
Its actually a challenge rather than a problem.

My frame is from a 400 i think. it has the exact same switch layout as most NG's. apart from the rain repellant switches.

The replica panel i use is from a top notch company in europe.

I think my best option is overlaying a new blankpanel. Aluminum has been ordered, not sure what thickness to use for this. I think i will start with 1mm.

Mike

[jackpilot]

1 mm is a max for backers.
Should fit well.