Refurbishing Control Panels

[JonathanEngr]

My pontoon is in terrific shape overall, and after doing a motor swap and pontoon cleaning, it's like a brand new boat. Now comes the interior...

First and foremost is the control panel. My pontoon has only two gauges (tach and fuel), and has an additional cut out for another gauge the same size as the fuel gauge. What I would like to do is replace the gauge panel, custom cut the holes and add a gauge package (tach, speedo, amps, fuel and trim). There's plenty of room for all 5, but not with the current layout. I've searched all over the web, and can't find anyone who makes replacement panels. I guess I could make one out of real wood easily enough, but the maintenance might be a problem. Are there other options out there to get the wood grain look in a blank panel to fit my captain's console?

Lastly, a smaller issue. All of the seats are in nearly perfect condition, except for one area (about a 4" circle) that has some tiny little holes in it. Do they make a patch or repair kit that blends seamlessly into the fabric to cover this area, or do I just need to get the seat recovered? Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Refurbishing Control Panels

Your local hardware or building center (Lowes, etc) carry plexiglas that can be covered with any color vinyl or painted. Use your existing panel as a pattern. You can also by white plastic planking at marine outlets. As for gauges, you mentioned an AMP gauge. I strongly suggest you substitute a VOLTMETER. Ammeters require heavy gauge wiring all the way from the engine to the console and back to the engine again as all charging/discharge current must pass down that circuit. A voltmeter on the other hand merely needs a +12 volt and ground connection which is available right at the console.

 

[JonathanEngr]

Re: Refurbishing Control Panels

Silvertip--thanks so much! I read somewhere else about plexiglass being rec'd, but I wasn't sure how to cover it to get the desired look. Any idea where I can get the vinyl to cover the plexiglass? Does it take a special type with a special adhesive since it will be in the sun quite often?

As for the voltmeter, my apologies. That's actually the gauge I was meaning, but I'm pretty "gauge challenged". I know that speedos are aren't terribly accurate for speed testing (I use my gps), but those 5 gauges were rec'd to me as good, standard necessities. Do you think those will do the trick?

 

[JonathanEngr]

Re: Refurbishing Control Panels

Sorry--just googled it. I assume something like this will work just fine?

http://www.rvinyl.com/wrapkits/vinyl/walnut.htm?feed=Froogle

 

[okboating]

Re: Refurbishing Control Panels

You might try these guys http://greatlakesskipper.com/category-1/56_90-gauges-gauge-and-dash-panels.html
They sell surplus stuff, they have whole dash panels with gauges, there might me something that will work.
Good luck, Dave

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Refurbishing Control Panels

Check out your local sign graphics guy. He's probably got stock on what you need and can advise you on what will hold up to UV and weather.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Refurbishing Control Panels

i ordered 1/4 inch black lexan off ebay. the guy sells cut offs (scrap) off other projects.

 

[JonathanEngr]

Re: Refurbishing Control Panels

Yup--I was looking on eBay and there's lots of options in plexiglass out there. I sent a message to a guy asking if he has the capability of cutting it for me if I send him a template. I have a router, but don't know if a router would cause the glass to get too hot if I tried to use a roundover bit to smooth the edges. Does anyone know how they get the nice, smooth, rounded edges in plexiglass? I assume I could use a fine-toothed jigsaw blade to cut it to the shape desired, but getting a smooth, rounded transition is where I'm stumped.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Refurbishing Control Panels

Vinyl is available at fabric stores in your area. Use only high quality vinyl with a good backing. The cheap stuff simply will not last. Contact adhesive is available at home improvement stores to secure it to the panel. Cut the panel to the desired shape, cut the instrument holes, then cover the panel. Cut "X" shaped slits in the areas of holes and fold the vinyl through and secure it in the back. Insert the gauges and you are done. If the vinyl does deteriorate over tiime, remove it and replace it. It will take very little time the next time you have to do it. You might even make a flap that can be placed over the entire panel to protect it from the sun when the boat is not being used.

 

[indy440]

Re: Refurbishing Control Panels

As for gauges, you mentioned an AMP gauge. I strongly suggest you substitute a VOLTMETER. Ammeters require heavy gauge wiring all the way from the engine to the console and back to the engine again as all charging/discharge current must pass down that circuit.

In my experience many ammeters now use a shunt so there is no need for all that heavy wiring to the gauge itself... You install the shunt inline with the positive wire to the battery and then run normal, small wires from the shunt to the gauge.

But I still agree a voltmeter would be more useful anyway...