1/48 Academy F-4B/N Phantom II "Gray Ghost"

So, the RIO's weapon steering joystick on the right of the console....I know it folds out of the way when not in use, but I've also read that the way Academy did it was wrong.  Can anyone tell me the right way? 

Yup, almost made that mistake.  I mean, no casual observer would probably actually see it, let alone know it wasn't supposed to be there, however, I would....Anyhow, I just took some old sprue and shaved it down to the correct size and filled the holes for it, and then sanded it flush with the floor.

Also, I've learned to never trust the painting instructions for the instrument panels and instead go off pictures I find on the internet.  However, I can't for the life of me find a decent picture of the back seat instrument panel for a B/N version.

That is usually the case when building any F-4 since the parts are there for different variants. Instruction sheets for the most part have mistakes in assembly, markings and paint schemes so it's best to check other sources.

A note during assembly, if you look at the instructions in my first post, it instructs you to place part K8 into the rear cockpit.  This is incorrect for Navy/USMC aircraft as that is the base for the RIO's joystick for flight control, it is correct, however, for Air Force Phantoms. 

I have built several of these and they go together beutifully. The fuselage seams are on the sides along panel lines so no more sanding that ugly top seam.

As to your question, I sometimes and more often do not follow the sequence on the build sheet for making things easier for painting and prevnt broken parts. I leave the gears for almost the end for tat very same reason. I suggest getting resin seats for yours cause even though the pit is VERY nice, the seats are lacking a lot of details specially the belts.

Give em a shout here or PM if you got questions about your build.