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Facts About
the Center Console
- Mounts easily in a
finished or unfinished RV6(a), RV7(a), RV9(a).
- Replaces your existing
tunnel cover.
- Several options available
to meet your needs and personal taste.
- Can be removed with only
a few screws so you can still lie across your seats to get under
your panel.
- Includes an inspection
hole on the side to access your throttle Quadrant and fuel valve (if
included).
- Switches can be easily
added to the console for easy access during flight.
- 200 cubic inches of
storage space under the arm rest.
- Storage dimensions are
approximately 10” x 10” x 2”.
- Console can still be used
even if you are still using the panel mounted “plunger”
style engine control cables.
- Several console options
are currently available:
·
Just the console/armrest with no cutout for the
Throttle Quadrant.
·
The console with a 2 or 3 lever Quadrant.
·
The fuel valve can be either Van’s standard
valve with a handle extension, or the Andair type.
- If you choose to use the
fuel valve option, you can either use your original valve supplied
by Van’s in the kit with an extension kit, or choose to
upgrade to the Andair locking selector valve.
- This console adds a very
nice finishing touch to your pride and joy. It is nice to look at
and makes the cabin more comfortable in my opinion.
RV6(a)
Considerations
- RV6’s will not be
able to use the console if they are using the manual flap
lever. You would have to
upgrade to electric flaps.
Future
Products
- I will be
coming out with a simple armrest similar to what you would find in a
captains chair in a van. I also have a simple center console that is
only as long as the armrest itself coming soon.
Upholstery
The upholstery is done by Flight Line
Interiors. There are several choices of fabric or high quality vinyl that
can be used. I can get samples to
you, or I can put you in touch with Abby at Flight Line. You can also go
to my Upholstery
samples link (CLICK HERE) to see some
of what is available. The photo on the web site shows the console in my
RV7A. It is not complete in this picture because the hinged compartment
cover of the console is not yet upholstered. This will actually look just like the
side armrests when finished, and will open to gain access to your storage
compartment. I had also not
mounted the throttle friction lock, nor had I mounted the cables. The fabric on the forward side had not
been completely attached yet either.
Just in case you noticed those things in the photo, I thought I'd
bring them up.
The dimensions are as follows: 3" wide x 11" high at the
arm rest x 8" above the spar at the throttle Quad. (not including
the throttle lever itself) X 31" long (which is the distance from
the flap motor housing to the forward lip at the bottom of the
panel. This will fit right in with
no modification to your fuselage. One thing to note is that the forward
top of the console (above the fuel valve) is 1 1/2" below the bottom
of a standard vans panel. My panel in the photos is a custom panel to
allow for my desired instrument layout. The 1 1/2 inch’s will allow
for a spacer that will be able to house the traditional plunger style
engine/prop controls or additional switches. I will provide these spacers with the
consoles on request.
FAQ’s
Recently some questions have come up
regarding stick throw (left to right movement of the control stick), and
weather or not the console would interfere. I recently visited a fellow builder who
has his wings and all control rods attached on his RV7A. We did some measuring to see what the
stick throw actually is and found the following results. The stick, when
measured at a height level with the left and right armrests, will deflect
right, 15.5” to 15.75” from the left side of the cockpit wall
to the center of the stick, without any legs in the way. With no console involved, if you try to
move the stick the full 15 plus inches to the right, you will find that
your leg will be pushed to the right as well. Keep in mind that my
findings from this point on
will be relative depending on the size of your legs as compared to
mine. Just for reference, my leg
size is about 23” around at the point where the stick will make
contact when moving the stick directly to the right. In the pictures
below. The picture labeled “deflection 1” shows how far the
stick will move when just leaning up against my leg. The picture labeled “deflection
2” shows that the 15.75” can be achieved with a little
pressure applied, with the console involved in the equation. I have asked the opinion of some other
builders on this issue and they feel that this much left to right
deflection will rarely be used. But if it is needed, as you can see by
the pictures, it is available.
One person has said to me that they
think that they would feel too confined with this console here.
I have an Olds Alero car with a
floor shifter. I feel like I am sitting in that when I am in here. My
hands and arms are right where they need to be and I also feel more
secure, in control & one with the plane with the console beside me.
Kind of like a little fighter. My opinion, take it for what it’s
worth. Also Notice in the pictures below, that your leg will fit
comfortably under the inclined portion of the console.
Another question that has been
raised is, can the stick become caught-up by the console? Mine does not, and I have even cut off
some of my stick, and it still can not get under the forward lip of the
console. You will of course want
to check this on your own plane before your first take off with the new
console.
*
Please note that in the photos below,
the console access cover is not upholstered. In your finished console, it will be
upholstered just like you see on the side armrests. It also opens to gain
access to the storage compartment in the console.
*
Click on the photos to
enlarge.
*
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Deflection 1
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Deflection 2
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Switch /
Trim Mounting Options
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Below are some
drawings of the console options available.
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Model RV79C2VA
RV7 or RV9 Console
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Model RV6C2VA
RV6 Console
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Ordering
Information
To
order, first select the model from the list below. Second, contact me via
Email or Phone to ask any questions and/or place your order.
I can be reached
via E-Mail at bkfillman@sbcglobal.net
Please note that if
you order the fuel valve option, the valve stays in its original location.
The extension simply moves the selection lever up to console height. It
is not recommended that you move your fuel lines up into the
console.
Any of the following consoles can have a fuel extension valve
added to the order, or you may order a extension or non extension fuel
valve separate. I do sell just
the fuel valve without the consoles as well. See chart at bottom for
details:
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Part Number
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Description
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Price
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RV7C2VA_TQ2_KIT_UU
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Center Console
Kit (you assemble) including
a 2 Lever Throttle Quadrant (not including the fuel valve or
upholstery).
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$325.00
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RV7C2VA_TQ2_KIT_FU
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Center Console
Kit (you assemble) including
a 2 Lever Throttle Quadrant and Pre-Cut and Sewn Upholstery of your choice.
(not including the fuel valve)
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$390.00
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RV7C2VA_TQ3_KIT_UU
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Center Console
Kit (you assemble) including
a 3 Lever Throttle Quadrant (not including the fuel valve or
upholstery).
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$345.00
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RV7C2VA_TQ3_KIT_FU
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Center Console
Kit (you assemble) including
a 3 Lever Throttle Quadrant and Pre-Cut and Sewn Upholstery of your
choice. (not including the fuel valve)
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$410.00
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RV6C2VA_TQ2-UU_ OR
RV79C2VA_TQ2-UU_
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Un-upholstered console
with a 2 lever Quadrant. (not including the fuel selector). You will
need to make an extension kit for the original fuel valve that comes in
the kit from Van’s if you choose not to use the Andair valve.
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$500.00
Not Currently
Available – You may order a kit version
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RV6C2VA_TQ2-FU_ OR
RV79C2VA_TQ2-FU_
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Fully
upholstered console with a 2 lever Quadrant. (not including the fuel
selector). You will need to make an extension kit for the original fuel
valve that comes in the kit from Van’s if you choose not to use
the Andair valve.
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$565.00
Not Currently
Available – You may order a kit version
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RV6C2VA_TQ3-UU_ OR
RV79C2VA_TQ3-UU_
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Un-upholstered
console with a 3 lever Quadrant. (not including the fuel selector). You
will need to make an extension kit for the original fuel valve that
comes in the kit from Van’s if you choose not to use the Andair
valve.
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$520.00
Not Currently
Available – You may order a kit version
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RV6C2VA_TQ3-FU_ OR
RV79C2VA_TQ3-FU_
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Fully upholstered
console with a 3 lever Quadrant. (not including the fuel selector). You
will need to make an extension kit for the original fuel valve that
comes in the kit from Van’s if you choose not to use the Andair
valve.
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$585.00
Not Currently
Available – You may order a kit version
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RV6C2VA_TQ0-UU_ OR
RV79C2VA_TQ0-UU_
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Un-upholstered
console. (Does not include a Throttle quadrant or quadrant cut-out in
the console)
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$375.00
Not Currently
Available – You may order a kit version
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RV6C2VA_TQ0-FU_ OR
RV79C2VA_TQ0-FU_
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Fully
upholstered console. (Does not include a Throttle quadrant or quadrant
cut-out in the console)
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$440.00
Not Currently
Available – You may order a kit version
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EFS20x3-M
Other Styles Available upon request
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Andair 180
Degree dual “lift & turn” EXTENSION
fuel valve labeled “Left / Off / Right”. Comes with Silver
anodized & countersunk face plate, & 12” cut to size
extension. Fuel valve comes with
3 male AN-6 Flare type fittings for
the two tanks and fuel feed ports.
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$410.00
Other Styles Available upon request
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FS20x3-M
Other Styles Available upon request
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Andair 180
Degree dual “lift & turn” fuel valve labeled “Left / Off
/ Right”. Comes with Silver anodized & countersunk face
plate. Fuel valve comes with 3
male AN-6 Flare type fittings for
the two tanks and fuel feed ports.
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$310.00
Other Styles
Available upon request
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Note: The Andair
valve with the extension is just over $400 for both pieces. Yes, they are expensive, but try accidentally
shutting off your fuel in flight. It’s worth the extra $400 to
me!!!
I do
sell Andair valves and throttle quadrants separately without the
console as well.
If you
would like an Andair valve and/or extension configuration that is not
on the above list, please contact me for a quote.
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