Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

[Grits]

Hello Everyone!

Does any one have any suggestions for a new instrument panel for my Key West 1900. The existing panel is 11"x11", has a crack and is faded.

I would like to replace the panel, gauges, and add some switches. What would ya'll recommend for material and finish. I thought about polished stainless but I am afraid it would be blinding. I have to ability to, paint, blast, polish, etc. What would be your first choice?

Thanks,

Grits

 

[K-MAC]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

Hey Grits , I've used a few different ways to do this. One : I used a pc of alum plate 1/8 in thick made all the cutouts sanded every thing and had it powdcoated to the color I wanted , Looks great you can make any bends you want. Just make sure you don't polish the metal the powder will not stick. 2nd I used a pc of white UHMW Plastic (Ultra High Molecular Weight) same as what is used for cutting boards this material is easy to shape with general wood tools. You could use fiberglass to make a truly custom pc , I've only done this a few times ones your done they always look great just takes alot of time to build but the shape designs are end less.Just about anything can be used as long as it will stand up to the elements . Good Luck

 

[arks]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

I updated the panel on my old Wellcraft. The original panel was alumunum so I just cut the new holes and took it to my powdercoater. After installing the new switches, circuit breakers, bezels and gauges I took the assembly to a local sign shop for labelling. He had some great ideas and created a nice blue 3D logo, not to mention the new Wellcraft decal.
I was really pleased with how it turned out.

 

[Grits]

Re: Ideas for Instrument Panel-Material and Finish

Re: Ideas for Instrument Panel-Material and Finish

Thanks K-Mac

Your suggestion using 1/8" AL is what I have been thinking about. Instead of powder coat, I was thinking about a 2K urethane such as Imron. My boat color is off white. I was thinking about a light grey. I am a little bit color blind. Things that look fine to me often look hideous to everyone else.

Also, would ya'll recommend a good brand for gauges. I want speed, tach, trim, fuel, volts, and tilt-trim. I was also thinking about water pressure if it is not too big a hassle.

Thanks

Grits

 

[nycat]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

hi grits, you can also apply vanier sheets of your choice of color over the existing aluminum panel. just a thought

 

[Grits]

Re: Ideas for Instrument Panel-Material and Finish

Re: Ideas for Instrument Panel-Material and Finish

What brand of gauges are good but will not put you in the poor house?

Grits

 

[Grits]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

Arks

That really looks good. Do you prefer powder coat over Imron?

Grits

 

[oops!]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

silver tip sent me this one.......enjoy


http://www.greatlakesskipper.com/subcategories.cfm?CatID=57

 

[arks]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

That really looks good. Do you prefer powder coat over Imron?
Grits

Thanks, Grits.
I think either process would give similar results but I happened to know someone who was in the powdercoating business, and it was easy to just let them do it.

Just remember: the quality of any paint job- dry or wet- starts with a properly prepared surface. All the powdercoating shops have a 3 to 5 stage cleaning system that's very effective.

 

[Grits]

Re: Ideas for Instrument Panel-Material and Finish

Re: Ideas for Instrument Panel-Material and Finish

Arks

I understand. Painting is easier for me. I have a blast cabinet and paint booth. We have people that powder coat here but color is sometimes a problem. Most of the people I have used, for powder coating, specialize in larger items.

Grits

 

[oops!]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

check that link grits.......it might save ya a world of time and money

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

Check a local plastics supply house, they'll have a huge selection of colors, looks and types of metal, plastic and carbon fiber look panels for a good price.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

Agreed here's a blank i took from TAP plastic's $30.00 and a little cutting.......

And done

 

[Grits]

Re: Ideas for Instrument Panel-Material and Finish

Re: Ideas for Instrument Panel-Material and Finish

NYCAT

What kind of veneer did you have in mind?

Grits

 

[nycat]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

this guy in my marina owns a 37 ft Uniflite boat, and he did his whole dashboard in wooden veneer. I'm not sure where to purchse from, but its the kind that the back peels off to reveal glue. It comes in different patterns and designs. if I get more info on the product, I'll pass it along.

 

[Grits]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

Thanks,

I will post an image of what I have to work with. The panel is only 11"x11".

Thanks,

Grits

 

[TriadSteeler]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

I am in the process of doing this as well. I called a company called wood dash experts and they sell those veneer panels (18" X 24") for $75.00 and extra if you want the 3m adhesive on the back.

They have them in many styles and colors. I'm still on the fence as to what I'm going to do. My one reservation with this material is how well it will hold up in a marine environment.

 

[Grits]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

Hello Everyone

Below is an image of what I want to replace. It is 11"x11".

Thank you,

Grits

 

[jtexas]

Re: Ideas for Insturment Panel-Material and Finish

Here's how mine came out:

Just installed it couple months ago, haven't taken pics of it in the boat.

I used an old stereo component cabinet (not sure what kind of metal), cut out the shape & switch/label cut-outs with dremel/reinforced cutting wheel & tuned up the finish with dremel/grinding stone.

Laid out the whole thing using microsoft word "shapes" objects, printed out & glued to backside for cutting out. Printed the labels white-on-black with a laser jet, two layers epoxied between two layers of plexiglass.

LEDs for indicators and backlighting from www.besthongkong.com

The backside, showing how the backlighting is arranged: