Well my 1980 Skylane might not be exactly old by airplane standards, but its
panel is really showing its age. It has the original factory installed
avionics package, (Cessna ARC radios...).

I've been planning a major panel upgrade/replacement since I got the plane
two years ago. The current plan is a GNS480 GPS/NAV/COM, an SL30 for COM2,
and an S-TEC System 30 AP. I'll keep the old transponder. Then replace the
plastic covered panel with a new power coated metal panel as similiar as
possible to the newer Skylane panels. This would include moving the avionics
stack to the right to arrange the standard 6-pack centered on left seat
yoke. If I had any money left I was going to put electric AI and HI over the
right seat yoke (back-up for vac failure).

Well of course now the "new" Skylanes all come with G1000 glass panels and
I'm left wondering if I shouldn't try and get something similiar instead. So
here is what I've learned so far:

Garmin G1000 - only in new planes they won't sell it for an after market
install.
Avidyne FlightMax - In a bunch of new planes (Cirrus etc), but I can't find
anything saying there might be an STC to put it into a Skylane.
Chelton FlightLogic EFIS - Yes, there is an STC, but it will likely cost as
much as my entire plane is worth to have one installed.
Meggitt/S-Tec MAGIC - There was a mention in an S-Tec newsletter dated April
2001 that they were going to get an STC for the Skylane, but I can't find
any later mention about it.
Blue Mountain, Dynon & Chelton all have great low cost EFIS systems as long
as your aircraft is an Expermental.

So does anyone know of a good solution to get a glass panel in an old plane
and keep it certified without spending as much as the plane is worth?

-Brenor