Filling Dash Holes

[spargs]

Hi guys,

I was just wanting to know whether anyone could give me any advice on filling of dash holes like the ones i need to patch. Check out this site for a photo of what I am working with....

Thanks Nick

 

[Mark42]

Re: Filling Dash Holes

Nick,

One of my favorite ways of making replacement repair pannels is to cut them from a piece of 1/4" clear plexyglass that is large enough to cover the damaged area. Then design the new gauge layout on the plexyglass. Cut the holes for steering, gauges, switches, etc in both the plexy and old dash.

After sanding the plexy edges smooth and being sure everything is OK, paint the back side of the plexy the color you want.
- Black, white, silver (aluminum) or gold work well.
- Sand/clean up the old dash of any burrs, etc that might scratch the painted surface of the new dash.
- Mount the plexy with some thin gasket material acting as spacer and protection between the back and the old dash. This will prevent any vibrations, etc from causing scratching off of the paint.
- Use a marine sealant around the edges like Boat Life to prevent water leaking down into the wiring/electronics.
- Works well, is easy to do, holds up well to weather.

The painted backside always looks rich set below 1/4" clear plastic, and is protected from scratches and wear. Plus, depending on how you design in, you have a one piece dash that can be removed with all gauges and wiring in place. Makes for easy maintenance.

In my boat, I almost went this route, but changed my mind and just mounted the gauges in the dash. I realized that if I came up with a nice gauge plan, I could hide all the existing holes with new gauges. So I did.

This pic shows one gauge hole cut that took out an old switch hole. And you can see another old switch hole above it that will be taken out with the second gauge hole.

Holes in holes....

Looking much better. And left space for one more gauge to far right.

I have since mounted one last gauge (water pressure) to the far right so it makes a V shape with the 2" gauges that complement the V shape on the left made with the two large and one small gauge.

So, there are a lot of choices out there. Maybe a combo of techniques. How about left and right dash pannels?

Oh, oh, oh! I almost forgot. Make sure you know what size steering wheel and steering helm you will be using, because a rack system will take up a lot of space and may not allow you to mount stuff where you want to. I have a rotary system so it all fits within the diameter of the wheel.

Another option is to use "pod" mounted gauges like hot rods. With your narrow dash, a big 3" tach and speedo on pods mounted on top of the dash might work well, and just put the smaller water pressure, volts, etc in the dash. I'm sure you can find the gauge mounts in a hot rod catalog. Just a thought.

 

[andy6374]

Re: Filling Dash Holes

Do you have a router?

Get a piece of wood as thick as the dash and rabbeting bit for the router. Now rabbet cut the hole in the dash. Take your piece of wood and cut it to the diameter of the hole you just rabbet cut.Then rabbet cut the new piece of wood...and poof it will slide into place evenly and won't need to be fastened or fitted tightly. Use a tiny bit of thickened resin.

 

[BLU LUNCH]

Re: Filling Dash Holes

Look what I did with Starboard It's a easy fix and looks nice......

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: Filling Dash Holes

Good ideas so far. Looks good guys!

You could also use a piece of 1/4" aluminum plate in the same way as Mark42's idea. Cut your holes then have the piece painted or powdercoated (anoidised?) and mount to existing dash. Just a thought. Good luck!

 

[spargs]

Re: Filling Dash Holes

Thanks very much guys,

I think i will end up plugging the holes with timber or spare bits of glass and then filling the gaps with polyester putty. I just would prefer not to install a panel ontop to cover.

As I said though, thanks again, much appreciated and all great ideas!

Cheers

Nick

 

[Mark42]

Re: Filling Dash Holes

Blulunch - nice work with the starboard. Looks factory!

 

[BLU LUNCH]

Re: Filling Dash Holes

Thanks, I was happy with it the 32 year old console had more holes than swiss cheese....