Posted: 6/10/2026 12:49:46 AM EDT
[Last Edit: cda97][Edited]
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I've been working with the owner of a 1953 Cessna 180 since July 2024. I was tasked with installing a full Garmin G3X Touch avionics system with a GTN750 nav/com, GTX345R Remote transponder, GMA35C audio, Remote GTR20 radio and GMC500 auto pilot. The aircraft started out as a stripped fuselage due to corrosion, some skins were replaced along with the wing spar and the aft frame at the horizontal stabilizer. I started out as his "wiring guy" but since I'm an A&P mechanic I have helped him every step of the way to get his aircraft back to air worthiness standard. Today was the day to flight test the aircraft and it flew great, everything is new and couldn't be prouder of our accomplishment. |
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ditto on the photo request - summary The 1953 Cessna 180 is a four- or six-seat light utility aircraft known for its rugged design and versatility, produced from 1953 to 1981. It features an all-metal construction, a 225 hp engine, and is popular for bush flying and personal use. So first year production. I have been in a much smaller 110 for grins and giggles. |
The last thing a tyrant wants is their ideas to be judged on the battle field of truth and justice.
| Agree with everyone else; I'd love to see some pics. I've got a 1947 Piper PA-12 that's been undergoing a full resto/mod since January of 2024 that should finally be flying again in gar next 30 days or so... |
On the day shift at the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
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Started like this after finding corrosion Attached File Attached File New titanium gear going in Attached File Attached File Attached File |
This world would be a better place to live if it weren't for people!
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This world would be a better place to live if it weren't for people!
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I am not a pilot, although my dad was and I was in Civil Air Patrol as a kid, so I flew quite a bit in small planes back then. That is a sweet aircraft! I'm sure they're very robust and tested and reliable, but is there any redundancy in those displays? My first thought when I looked at that was, "what happens if you're cruising at night at 12,000 feet and that main display screen decides to crap out? It looks like you lose pretty much everything. My dad's 1968(?) Cessna 150 was analog everything, except for the brand new "King Lowrance" (that's what I remember him calling it) GPS system, which was state of the art in 1991. I just know how fickle the touch screen has been on every piece of consumer electronics I've ever owned. Every one has locked up or frozen at some point, requiring a reboot or re-install of some software, or a firmware update. Usually right in the middle of me using it for something important. The thought of that happening while I am relying on it for navigation in an airplane is unsettling. I'm sure that's because I've been out of it for so long, but I thought I would ask. |
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Originally Posted By Gunner226: I am not a pilot, although my dad was and I was in Civil Air Patrol as a kid, so I flew quite a bit in small planes back then. That is a sweet aircraft! I'm sure they're very robust and tested and reliable, but is there any redundancy in those displays? My first thought when I looked at that was, "what happens if you're cruising at night at 12,000 feet and that main display screen decides to crap out? It looks like you lose pretty much everything. My dad's 1968(?) Cessna 150 was analog everything, except for the brand new "King Lowrance" (that's what I remember him calling it) GPS system, which was state of the art in 1991. I just know how fickle the touch screen has been on every piece of consumer electronics I've ever owned. Every one has locked up or frozen at some point, requiring a reboot or re-install of some software, or a firmware update. Usually right in the middle of me using it for something important. The thought of that happening while I am relying on it for navigation in an airplane is unsettling. I'm sure that's because I've been out of it for so long, but I thought I would ask. The PFD and MFD are on different busses, the G5 has a back up battery. |
This world would be a better place to live if it weren't for people!
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This world would be a better place to live if it weren't for people!
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IO-470-50 P-Ponk 520 conversion Hartzell 3 bladed composite propeller Titanium landing gear Garmin G3X Touch avionics A big accomplishment to the owner for doing the paperwork, a lot of work just tied up in that. |
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That's a lot of tefzel wire. What strippers do you use? Any tips for where to get wire, terminals, and tools? I do a lot of hobby racecar work and would be interested in your techniques, tips, tools, suppliers, etc. Nice work on that thing. It looks like top not work all the way around. |
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Originally Posted By killingmachine123: That's a lot of tefzel wire. What strippers do you use? Any tips for where to get wire, terminals, and tools? I do a lot of hobby racecar work and would be interested in your techniques, tips, tools, suppliers, etc. Nice work on that thing. It looks like top not work all the way around. The airfield the aircraft is based at is right next to Aircraft Spruce at Falcon Field. I've been doing avionics for 30 years, lots of experience going into that project. I just use the tools of the trade, professional wire strippers, crimpers, etc. |
This world would be a better place to live if it weren't for people!
The ultimate aviation restomod!  The Bob Ross of avionics, you are  Other than the price point, that is the panel that literally every GA aircraft should have. Maybe add XM. Dual 750's if you've got the space. It's so incredibly sad that the G3X, which is more capable than the G600, is not approved for every aircraft the G600 is. And for all that is holy, Garmin, please create a version of the 750 with the form factor of a GDU700P already because it offends my sensibilities to mix display sizes  |
"Cogito, ergo armatum sum."
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Great looking work and a very nice looking C180. Many years ago I worked at a place in Burlington, WA pounding rivets. We had cabin and wing jigs and could literally build a Cessna around a data tag. A lot of our work came out of Alaska. |
Nobody is coming. It's up to you.
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Originally Posted By aa777888-2: The ultimate aviation restomod! The Bob Ross of avionics, you are Other than the price point, that is the panel that literally every GA aircraft should have. Maybe add XM. Dual 750's if you've got the space. It's so incredibly sad that the G3X, which is more capable than the G600, is not approved for every aircraft the G600 is. And for all that is holy, Garmin, please create a version of the 750 with the form factor of a GDU700P already because it offends my sensibilities to mix display sizes Literally every GA aircraft? I don’t have enough room in the panel of my Champ. Nor would I want it, there is everything I need right there. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By aa777888-2: Well, yeah, OK Curse you tiny airplane! But you know what I mean  Originally Posted By aa777888-2: Originally Posted By kfs35: Literally every GA aircraft? Curse you tiny airplane! But you know what I mean 😂😂 It is a sweet panel. |
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Originally Posted By cda97: The airfield the aircraft is based at is right next to Aircraft Spruce at Falcon Field. I've been doing avionics for 30 years, lots of experience going into that project. I just use the tools of the trade, professional wire strippers, crimpers, etc. Originally Posted By cda97: Originally Posted By killingmachine123: That's a lot of tefzel wire. What strippers do you use? Any tips for where to get wire, terminals, and tools? I do a lot of hobby racecar work and would be interested in your techniques, tips, tools, suppliers, etc. Nice work on that thing. It looks like top not work all the way around. The airfield the aircraft is based at is right next to Aircraft Spruce at Falcon Field. I've been doing avionics for 30 years, lots of experience going into that project. I just use the tools of the trade, professional wire strippers, crimpers, etc. |
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Originally Posted By bradbn4: ditto on the photo request - summary The 1953 Cessna 180 is a four- or six-seat light utility aircraft known for its rugged design and versatility, produced from 1953 to 1981. It features an all-metal construction, a 225 hp engine, and is popular for bush flying and personal use. So first year production. I have been in a much smaller 110 for grins and giggles. It is #63 built in 1953 |
This world would be a better place to live if it weren't for people!
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Originally Posted By kfs35: Literally every GA aircraft? I don’t have enough room in the panel of my Champ. Nor would I want it, there is everything I need right there. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/262156/IMG_2948_jpeg-3776949.JPG That C180 original panel was too small as well, it required a DER for the modification, can't remember the name right now but its a perfect fit. |
This world would be a better place to live if it weren't for people!
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Originally Posted By cda97: That C180 original panel was too small as well, it required a DER for the modification, can't remember the name right now but its a perfect fit. Looking at the photos again that's easy to miss. Very subtle! But, yeah, it all wouldn't fit without an extra inch above where the yoke tubes exist, would it? And that leather edge on the glare shield is the ultimate chef's kiss feature, too!  |
"Cogito, ergo armatum sum."
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Originally Posted By killingmachine123: That's a lot of tefzel wire. What strippers do you use? Any tips for where to get wire, terminals, and tools? I do a lot of hobby racecar work and would be interested in your techniques, tips, tools, suppliers, etc. Nice work on that thing. It looks like top not work all the way around. Aircraft Spruce is the answer you seek. They used to publish a dedicated racecar catalog. I used to live near the Falcon Field PTC location. There are a lot of handy parts for racecars in there. Also that is very nice wiring and work. |
RIP Jeff Reed. Tennessee Squire, Ga. Carry member, NRA,Non-puking 72 ounce drinker 2 of 6 Norcal call sign, Forgotten.
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Originally Posted By kfs35: Literally every GA aircraft? I don't have enough room in the panel of my Champ. Nor would I want it, there is everything I need right there. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/262156/IMG_2948_jpeg-3776949.JPG Originally Posted By kfs35: Originally Posted By aa777888-2: The ultimate aviation restomod! The Bob Ross of avionics, you are Other than the price point, that is the panel that literally every GA aircraft should have. Maybe add XM. Dual 750's if you've got the space. It's so incredibly sad that the G3X, which is more capable than the G600, is not approved for every aircraft the G600 is. And for all that is holy, Garmin, please create a version of the 750 with the form factor of a GDU700P already because it offends my sensibilities to mix display sizes Literally every GA aircraft? I don't have enough room in the panel of my Champ. Nor would I want it, there is everything I need right there. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/262156/IMG_2948_jpeg-3776949.JPG
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Mach
Nobody is coming to save us.
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Nobody is coming to save us.
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Originally Posted By Advance: I could read threads like this all day. Great work OP! Thanks man, spent many days grinding away at that aircraft to make it to what it is today. The owner set up a white board to help keep us organized and motivated, I told him that every day we show up will get us to the end. We're going to fly it to Oshkosh soon |
This world would be a better place to live if it weren't for people!
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This world would be a better place to live if it weren't for people!