Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

[JohnnyS]

I'm upgrading my boat's gauges. They are mounted into a panel thats about 12" wide X 14" high & about 1/8" thick - wood grain hard plastic (I think/laminate). The panel is then held in place in the console by 6 SS screws all under a clear plastic splash gaurd. <br /><br />The gauges are easy to find. However I'm looking to replace the panel also - BUT I can not seem to find any material with which to do this. It does not have to be an exact replica. I'm willing to cut out the holes and trim it to fit. Color is not really an issue either. I'm not attached to the wood grain look.<br /><br />Any ideas on where I can find suitable panel material.<br /><br />Thanks Johnny

 

[Bondo]

Re: Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

It's a Big world out here......<br />What do You WANT it to look like ????<br /><br />You could use a piece of .125 aluminum, it cuts easy,+ can be painted any color you want.....<br /><br />You could use sheet Plastic, of many kinds, in many colors....<br /><br />You Could use Laun, though i don't think i would...<br /><br />You could just sand out the panel you have,+ Paint it...<br /><br />Decide what you Want it to Look like, Then we'll help you find the materials..

 

[roscoe]

Re: Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

I needed a large control panel to mount swiches and controls on. Stumbled across one at Walmart one day. It was a large plastic kitchen cutting board. They had black, grey, and white 3 years ago.

 

[Valv]

Re: Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

Johnny S, what does it look like ?<br /><br />Do you have a picture ?

 

[JohnnyS]

Re: Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

Good ideas.<br /><br />I didn't think about going 'metal' - maybe even Stainless. This boat gets used in salt water - corrosion is a worry. Although I'm very picky about washing it after every use.<br /><br />My initial thought, was to give it that 'composite' grey look that you see in some custom car panels. But those are all pre-formed for specific car models and not just a plat piece of material I could cut out (at least I haven't found it (yet).<br /><br />Thanks Johnny

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

I would take a look at Starboard, 1/4" thick, comes in many colors. USBoat has it or if you have a plactic distributor in your area, go there. It can be worked with standard woodworking tools and is UV stabilized. Great stuff.

 

[Valv]

Re: Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

Johnny S, that's why I wanted you to send a picture, I have many, many starboard panels, and if I know what it looks like you can get them cheap.

 

[JohnnyS]

Re: Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

Having trouble with cam. Kids killed it I think.<br /><br />Panel is 1/8" thick wood grain laminate. <br /><br />Physically, there is nothing wrong. I just thought that while I'm replacing some gauges and wiring, that I'd update the panel.<br /><br />Thanks for the info. Johnny

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

Since the panel itself is OK, how about just covering it with contact paper?

 

[arks]

Re: Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

I took an aluminum panel and had it powdercoated white for 25 bucks. Put the new gauges, switches, and circuit breakers in. Looks fabulous and is holding up great. E-mail me and I'll send a picture.

 

[Valv]

Re: Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

I also have this one.<br />No gauges or switches, just panel with cut-out holes.<br /><br />Dimensions approx 31" wide x 23" long.<br /><br />Make me an offer if interested.<br /><br /> http://www.kvesurplus.com/dashwood1.jpg

 

[JohnnyS]

Re: Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

Thanks for the ideas!<br /><br />I wound up putting a layer of Formica over the 'old' one and re-cutting out the holes. It looks great.<br /><br />John

 

[magster65]

Re: Help - replacement Panel for Gauge cluster

The dash in my Searay was faded so I removed the 'face' and cemented a textured (not too reflective) countertop laminate on it and the switch panels. From there I just dropped a router in and around the holes and perimeter and then reassembled it. I got the laminate from a scrap bin at the local cabinet shop. Time = 3 hours. Cost of project = $7. for glue. Looked like a million bucks, lots of comments on it.