Another tool to consider looking at is Google Sketchup.

http://sketchup.google.com/

I have found it very easy and powerful to use, especially for a task
like this that requires the creation of some new shapes like a box to
represent your clearNav. It takes a little practice and following of
tutorials (online videos make it nice) to understand how to create
precise models, but you can do really detailed and accurate 3D
renderings.

This doesn't solve your issue of getting an LS-8 panel starting point,
but you may find it easier than Autocad if you aren't using Autocad on
a regular basis.



On Jan 31, 12:07*pm, Martin Gregorie
wrote:
On Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:28:47 -0800, jcarlyle wrote:
Thanks for the detailed approach, Martin. I use AutoCAD once every
couple of years, and it's not an easy program to use in such an
intermittent mode (especially when you're self taught).

I know the problem well (and not just with CAD packages).

The problem right now is your 4th step 'make a photo of the panel'. The
glider is not accessible, and I don't have a new blank panel available.
Thus I'm stuck for a few months, if I can't locate a R14 dwg of the
panel outline.

I didn't realise that - sorry.

Maybe somebody with an LS8 that's not put away for the northern winter *
could be prevailed on to apply masking tape, measure, photograph and peel
off the tape? It seems to me its the sort of job that takes almost more
time to describe than do.

--
martin@ * | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
org * * * |