Getting the labels and switches just right was the path to seeing that the panel color was too dark. I loved the hammered bronze look, but you have to look 2x to read the label, and that won't work. And a poorly fitted notch for the altimeter adjustment could look better, so let's get it done. I removed the panel and instruments (30 minutes?) and used a flox / G-Flex epoxy mix to fill the mis-cut. See the circled area below. Once it cures I'll carefully file the notch for the adjustment knob, and then move ahead with the repaint.
FYI, I'm going with a light grey / dark silver. That goes well with the painted interior and with the labels.
Now in April 2023 I'm recutting the panel. I want a more standard layout, and that means
- engine and aux alternator switches separate from lights and accessories
- lights & accessory switches in the normal location along the top edge, moving engine and aux alternator switches to left edge
- built in red night lighting along top edge (probably a piece of right angle riveted to top edge)
- bottom edge extended full length, with the leg hole cut outs folded back for a longer shelf
- fuse blocks moved to the longer shelf
- round guages in a column to the right of the radio stack
- refinement in the switch alignment - using a blueprint sized print of instruments on a standard Cozy panel
- 6061 alloy! The 2024 was hell to bend and this should be much easier.
I'll change the paint scheme one more time - a flat buff might work well.