Expensive days cleaning
 

Hi All,

Sadly on cleaning my Archer the other day I steadied my hand on the upper door sill and my fingers went through the overhead console. The plastic is extremely thin and very brittle so I am now looking to replace it.

The part I need is No: 76496-12 which is the mounting for the dome light, speaker and night light including the rear/front air vent.

Piper are quoting a total cost of over £1000 which for a piece of very cheap plastic seems totally over the top. There are replica parts available in the States that are cheaper but before ordering them I would just like to know if anyone has knowledge of either a source in UK/Europe or any used item that might be recycled. I can get it painted to match so as long as it's sound.

Any help appreciated.

I know a friendly light aircraft recycler who generally will sell you serviceable bits for around a third of the new price. I'll dig out his details and PM you.

G

Thanks. Much appreciated.

BoeingBoy

Sell the Archer and buy a Permit aircraft.

Aircraft Parts Search Provided by Dodson International Parts, Over 3000 Aircraft Parted-Out with over Five Million In-Stock Parts! Turbine Aircraft Support, Aircraft Salvage Parts, New Surplus, Overhauled and Exchange Parts, As-Removed Airplane and H

seems they have one "as removed" and with fed ex will be here before the weekend - good luck

Google Paul Nalson, he will probably be able to help

Thanks for your replies.

I have spoken to Paul Nalson in the hope of using a Dakota roof set. Fingers crossed.

Whilst there are three companies offering replica parts from the States ordering is complicated due to it now appearing apparent that whoever replaced the console last time ordered the wrong parts, so I will either have to repeat the mistake or replace the whole set.

Either way an expensive days cleaning!!

These guys are pretty good IMHE

Piper PA28-181 Interior Parts Catalog Page 5 - PlanePlastics.com

Hi BB,

If you think that your panel is expensive just don't think about landing at Luton Airport - the thread is just above this one.

The Plane Plastics parts are generally much thicker and sturdier than factory plastic. That said, they generally require more trial and fitting than factory parts. Not complicated, just requires time and patience. I've used both factory and PP replacement plastic cabin parts on my C172. The Cessna factory parts fit with minimum trimming/fitting. The PP parts required perhaps an hour of trimming, sanding/filing etc, but will not turn to eggshell in 20 years either. Plane Plastics has some "how to" videos on their web site which give you an idea. Many were done by a good friend of mine.

Thanks Vector,

I was worried that any of the replica parts bought from the States would be the eggshell consistency that I have in the roof now, although I was told by one UK parts supplier that the quality has improved over recent years. I am waiting for Plane Plastics to get back to me.

The problem I now seem to have is that the part that's there already is not the one that Piper list for my serial number. It would appear that whoever replaced the factory one last time ordered the part set that puts the vent knob in the rear duct rather than the console. It's not a major problem but it means either repeating the mistake or buying a whole roof set, front to back.

I am waiting on Paul Nalson getting back to me and then I will go with Plane Plastics if needs be.

If anyone knows of a lonely and unloved Warrier, Archer, Arrow or Dakota lurking at the back of a hangar do let me know.