Need advice on dash panel...

[kfraser]

Ordered all new gauges for the project boat and they have finally arrived. I was going to replace the plywood & veneer section that holds the gauges, with a piece of treated plywood covered with carbon fiber. But, been reading it's very hard to find good fiber with out flaws and it's pretty pricy. Any suggestions on covering the dash... Just idea fishing...

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

Sometimes, treated ply has a nice grain (should have a good side and a bad side), just give it a good coat of varnish or paint it.<br /><br /> Raw MDF <br /><br /> 2 x undercoats, 2 x topcoats, 1 x epoxy clearcoat

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

Stainless or aluminum plate over the old dash? just scribe your gauge holes and warning lights.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

Do a search for 'dash panel' and see what come up. There have been several lenghty discussions earlier this season with lots of feedback.

 

[LANCLJ]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

Try going to the companies that make dash coverings for cars. There is a wide variety of wood grains and carbon fibers to choose from.<br /><br /> Also, do a search for carbon fiber sheets. There are companies that sell sheets in various sizes, colors, and thickness to meet anyone's needs.<br /><br /> I did my dash panel in carbon fiber. Looks great.

 

[divo]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

I used a piece of solid surface countertop (staron). Its easy to work with, looks really good. I also made a glove compartment door and some smaller pieces that all match. And you can get pieces large enough for free. If you would like, I can take a picture of it and try to post it here.

 

[divo]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

Here are the pics. I still have a little to do, but 90% done. Hopefully this will work. never posted a pic before

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[CalicoKid]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

I did mine in carbon fiber last winter and it turned out nice I think. I bought the sheetstock from this place: Robot Combat. I had no trouble with the order and the composite is really nice. They have a few colors and configurations available but the stuff is a little expensive.<br /><br />

 

[divo]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

sorry...i didnt realize the pictures would be so big.

 

[kfraser]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

Calico...Looks awesome. Can't tell from the pic, is that the black. It looks somewhat grey. I think you just swayed me.. I checekd out the site you recommended. How quickly were they able to ship the carbon? I priced each of the three pieces I need to cover the guage panel, flip up hatch for the cuddy, and the glove box...$147.60<br />Not quite double of what I paid for the guages..but, you only live once, right.

 

[swimmin' for shore]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

kfraser, what kind of boat are you working on? I built my center console with 2x4's and 1/2" plywood. I cut out all of my gauge holes with hole cutters from Home Depot, and I'm glassing the console with epoxy and some light cloth. The cloth isn't holding it together, so I'm just using some light stuff for a smoother finish. When that much is finished, I'll sand her smooth and paint with a decent epoxy paint. There's no reason that this kind of fix couldn't last for years and years, and look great.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

It's the silver. They call it aluminized or something, it is a true carbon fiber composite with a top layer of aluminum powder coated glass weave. Apparently the aluminum sticks to glass better than to carbon. That layer is cosmetic anyway, underneath it is the same as the rest of their carbon fiber stock.<br /><br />I got the stuff US postal in about a week from the day I ordered and no surprises shipping wise. It comes in a bunch of different thicknesses, I can't remember what I have but it's not very thick at all but is very stiff so it would only work well over flat surfaces or maybe broad curves but not over tight bends.<br /><br />I told you it was expensive! Thanks for the compliment too.

 

[kfraser]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

Swimmin, The boat I'm redoing is a '75 Larson Commander 21'. The panel I'm replacing is actually surrounded by the dash. I've been hesitant to post any pictures until I can make a little more progress. So far, everyone that has seen a picture just kinda shakes their head in disbelief, chuckles quietly, and then asks me if I'm out of my freakin mind!!!

 

[swimmin' for shore]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

LOL. We aren't like that, K. We're all out of our minds, or we wouldn't be here. Misery loves company.

 

[one more cast]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

Don't be afraid to post pictures K. Nobody here really cares how nuts you are!

 

[kfraser]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

Ok...I can take it...<br /><br />I followed Tengal's project on Share-a-Project so I started one also...Just haven't publicized it too much...<br /><br /> 1975 Larson Commander 21'

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: Need advice on dash panel...

Looks like it will be a nice boat when it's done... Alot of work but I think well worth it...