Instrument panel modification can vary from minor changes to complete replacement. In all cases, careful thought and planning must be conducted before any work begins. You are unlikely to find the same problems in any two like aircraft. Before investing any money into a proposed modification, pull the glare shield as well as some of the instruments and take a close look behind the panel. You may find unexpected problems. Acceptable fit is often a game of tenths of an inch, so "eyeballing" the fit is a game fraught with potential problems. Any new equipment installations must be free of unforeseen revelations, such as obstructions from fuselage structure variations, plumbing and harnesses. Obviously, there can't be any interference with primary air-frame structure before you can consider cutting into the panel and if there is, extensive engineering design changes may be needed or another location required. Sure, this planning may take up a lot of time, but in the long run, it will be well worth it.
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