GUIDOS RV7
I'm New Here
Has anyone made an aluminium box section centre arm rest for a Vans RV7, which has a hinged lid that also allows access to some storage space between the seats?
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Centre Arm Rest for the RV7
- Thread starter GUIDOS RV7
- Start date
I built one from a long-discontinued kit.
Build Log Entry: Center Console Built…uh…
I actually don't think I'll be using it, though, so it may be up for sale (along with the throttle quadrant).
GUIDOS RV7
I'm New Here
Hi. That looks a looks a lot larger than I would like, plus I live in the UK, but thanks for sharing.I built one from a long-discontinued kit.
Build Log Entry: Center Console Built…uh…
I actually don't think I'll be using it, though, so it may be up for sale (along with the throttle quadrant).
I plan to have a simple box with lid just between the seats equal height to the outboard arm rests, with a hinged lid for storage.
I wanted the same thing when I was building, but I abandoned the thought after several people recommended against it. Hip room is at a premium in an RV-7, and anything down the middle really cuts into that space. There was another guy from the UK that built a nice console in his 7, but to use his words, he was "a skinny bloke". I don't remember his name, but the plane was a dark blue paint scheme...maybe a Royal Navy scheme. I just don't recall exactly, but maybe you can find it somewhere.
More important is under-panel access when you have to do maintenance. You'll end up going in from the side and turning upside down more than once for maintenance and inspections. Unless you have a small frame, you simply can't fit your shoulders through the space with something running down the middle of the cockpit. If the console is easily removable, then you can decide if it's worth the trouble. I personally find that pockets sewn into the side panels (forward of the instrument panel) or pockets in the back of the seats can hold the things a center console would hold.
More important is under-panel access when you have to do maintenance. You'll end up going in from the side and turning upside down more than once for maintenance and inspections. Unless you have a small frame, you simply can't fit your shoulders through the space with something running down the middle of the cockpit. If the console is easily removable, then you can decide if it's worth the trouble. I personally find that pockets sewn into the side panels (forward of the instrument panel) or pockets in the back of the seats can hold the things a center console would hold.
Another approach with the side pockets is to put a couple of soft bags in front of the spar at each seat position, the top can be held down using the floor screws on the top of the spar. Sit behind your legs and are easy to reach for checklists, sunglasses, phone etc. I cut a couple from a Home Depot work belt.
Figs
Figs
My 6 has a centre console with a quadrant. It’s comfy for me, but I’m definitely in the “skinny bloke” category. Anyone much heavier than me in the passenger seat is a problem because the console means they can’t move their left leg away from the stick without being up against the engine controls.
I plan to remove it soon and fit an under panel mounted quadrant.
My advice is don’t fit a console!
I plan to remove it soon and fit an under panel mounted quadrant.
My advice is don’t fit a console!
this is what I have in my plane:
its very plug and play. I covered it in some foam and leather I got to match the rest of my interior.
That's just about what I'd like to do with KELLI GIRL. Which aftermarket console did you use?
jroland
Member
Likely a modification from https://www.aircraftextras.com/E-Zout.htm
hmmmm... how do you stretch, how do you pee!?! Shifting around and stretching out is a huge advantage with a side by side. Keep things away from your knees and hips as much as you can.
Perhaps, but I'd like rph142 to please verify which kit he used.
This bears repeating. Whatever you do be sure it is removable, as getting under the panel generally requires more clear space than one would expect.
^^ THIS ^^
That looks like an Aerosport console: https://www.aerosportproducts.com/product/rv-7-rv-9-asymmetrical-slider-instrument-panel/
Correct, its the aircraft extras console.
Thank you, good Sir.
Just an idea.
There are a few screws on the forward angled side of the flap motor brace used to hold the covers on either side. I have seen screws made with a shoulder. Fabricate an arm rest storage box with ears that clip-on two of the screws and the box rests on the tunnel. Easy to remove.
Just an idea.
I may try making something someday.
There are a few screws on the forward angled side of the flap motor brace used to hold the covers on either side. I have seen screws made with a shoulder. Fabricate an arm rest storage box with ears that clip-on two of the screws and the box rests on the tunnel. Easy to remove.
Just an idea.
I may try making something someday.
GUIDOS RV7
I'm New Here
... what did you make in the end for a centre arm rest?
