Van's Air Force
Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.
Interior questions RV-7 / 9
- Thread starter Thierry A
- Start date
Classic Aero in mine. The side panels are alu with the leather or other fabric glued to them (been a while since I installed, but there are multiple pieces, but easy to install.
on the seats, there are options. My seats have an integrated seatbacks replacing the stock ones, but you can do just foam inserts too.
All of that said, I really love my interior.
Like many things RV- lots of different options out there.
on the seats, there are options. My seats have an integrated seatbacks replacing the stock ones, but you can do just foam inserts too.
All of that said, I really love my interior.
Like many things RV- lots of different options out there.
I would recommend against a permanent or semi-permanent method of attaching the side panels - I've had mine back out of the plane several times for maintenance of other items. The side panels typically sit on top of the carpet, which has to come up to pull the seat pans, if you need to access that area.
Aviator seats? How do you like those, what material did you choose
blaplante
Well Known Member
Van's doesn't specify. So whatever you, or your upholstery supplier want to do.
hardboard,
aluminum,
plywood,
carbon fiber sheet (???)
Whatever.
I used corrugated plastic sheet (often used for signs). Fire proof or retardant? NO. But I used it where my elbows are. If I've got a fire there I've got big problems before the fire lights off that plastic.
If you can build an RV you can make some side panels.
planenutz
Well Known Member
I used a plastic product you can purchase from upholstery shops for my RV-6. It's fire resistant (it doesn't burn very well) and stiff, yet easy to cut. Its about 1/8th" thick so its a little heavy but I cut lightning holes in it to get the weight down. I was able to mold it with a heat gun too, which was handy. Attachment is via velcro and in the other aircraft I've seen it used in, it's held up very well so far (10 years+)
Our 1972 Bolkow has very thin plywood backing - about 3/32" thick. Its lasted 50 years without issues and its going to do another 50 years I'm sure.
I cut and trimmed all the panels myself then took them to the upholstery shop for him to work his magic. You have to remember to leave sufficient room along the edges for the fabric to fold around but its not rocket science.
Remember you don't need to lay carpet or fabric under the entire area beneath your seats as that's just a weight you don't need - you can cut three strips that lay in the gaps either side and center, then velcro the seat base squabs to the aluminium.
Our 1972 Bolkow has very thin plywood backing - about 3/32" thick. Its lasted 50 years without issues and its going to do another 50 years I'm sure.
I cut and trimmed all the panels myself then took them to the upholstery shop for him to work his magic. You have to remember to leave sufficient room along the edges for the fabric to fold around but its not rocket science.
Remember you don't need to lay carpet or fabric under the entire area beneath your seats as that's just a weight you don't need - you can cut three strips that lay in the gaps either side and center, then velcro the seat base squabs to the aluminium.
I rolled my own side panels using the corrugated plastic sign material usually available throughout my neighborhood during election season. Easily cut and fit to shape. Glue (3M 77 spray adhesive) the cloth of your choice to it. Use small velcro patches to attach the panels to the fuselage.
