PA32 Instrument Lights
Hi all,
Recently purchased a PA32-300 and trying to correct an issue with the instrument lights. The instrument cover was in rough shape, it disintegrated when I removed it. I have a replacement cover from knots2u but I’m having a hard time removing the light assembly from the old panel. Any advice on how to swap this over? Or should I be looking at a different solution?
Thanks!
Comments
Hi and thanks for writing. Can you post a pic or two of your panel?
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
Aviation Director, Piper Owner Society Forum Moderator and Pipers Author.
Need help? Let me know!
Thanks for the response. Photo of the whole panel and what’s left of the panel cover.
Ah, now it's more clear what you're asking. Two questions.
Do the post lights provide your entire instrument illumination, or do you also have bulbs flush-mounted (53 series bayonets) in the panel? My PA34 has only flush mounts, and no post lights, although I've seen them both ways.
Is that a BMW SUV? : - )
Bob
I believe all illumination is provided by the post lights.
Good eye on the BMW SUV!
So are you migrating the post lights over to the new cover, or are you re-lamping the engine gauges down below the six pack?
We have an X3 & X5, and both are full of airplane parts...LOL
OK, in my Seneca some years ago I replaced the plastic overlay and had the same problem. The post lights wouldn't come out. In my opinion, the post lights are yesterdays round instrument technology. Here's what I installed in my Seneca; much better!
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/nulite.php
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
Aviation Director, Piper Owner Society Forum Moderator and Pipers Author.
Need help? Let me know!
Agh, I figured that was probably the case. I agree the post lights are a lousy setup anyways. I saw those you posted on aircraft spruce. Sounds like they claim as long as you don’t rewire to the main bus you can install these yourself without an A&P. Does that sound right?
Trying to migrate the old posts to a new cover. Doesn’t sound like that’s going to work unfortunately.
Yes! :)
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
Aviation Director, Piper Owner Society Forum Moderator and Pipers Author.
Need help? Let me know!
+1 for the NuLites. You'll be happy you did it.
Just curious, is anybody using the red Nulite for instruments, or sticking with white?
And for the white LED Nulites, does anybody know the color temperature? Based on photos, it appears in the 5000 kelvin range. Am definitely not bashful about asking the manufacturer and just figured to ask here first.