B737 Blanking Plates - Cover That Unsightly Gap
/OEM blanking plates complete with DZUS fasteners recently removed from a scrapped 737 - the dirt and dust is still on them! Note three differing sizes - 1" 2" and 4"
No matter what style of simulator you are using or have constructed, you will most likely have a center pedestal installed. The pedestal will be either a two-bay or three-bay type and be a genuine aviation part incorporating DZUS fastener rails, or a reproduction unit manufactured from wood, metal or plastic.
The two-bay pedestals, once allotted the standard Boeing avionics suite, usually have no space remaining for additional avionics; however, the three-bay pedestals have substantially more 'real estate' and often gaps are remaining that are not filled with avionics. Most enthusiasts either leave this space open which looks very unsightly, or manufacture their own plate to cover the gap.
OEM Blanking Plates
Why not use the real part….
Boeing produces several blanking plates in varying sizes to be used to cover any 'gaps' not used in the center pedestal, forward and aft overhead panel, or Main Instrument Panel (MIP). These plates are machine-grade light weight steel (or aluminum), are painted Boeing grey, and incorporate the required number of DZUS fasteners for attachment to DZUS rails. The plates come in a variety of sizes with 1 inch, 2 inch, and 4 inch being the norm.
These plates are inexpensive and usually retail between $5.00 - $20.00 USD, and not only fulfill the task of covering an unsightly gap, but are easy to install, come pre-cut, are painted the right colour, and usually have DZUS fasteners attached to them.
If not using real DZUS rails and your pedestal in made from wood or plastic, then it’s relatively easy to remove the fasteners and replace them with reproduction screw-type DZUS available from GLB Products.
Most aircraft wrecking yards carry these plates, as airlines regularly purchase them. Failing this E-Bay often has blanking plates for sale.
