Replacement Bow Panel

[gholbert]

Does anyone know where I might be able to get a replacement bow panel for a 97 R80? Installing new electronics and would like to put a larger hole for running wires and cables, but worry about cracking the original. Any help would be appreciated thanks.

[MarKimBassTeam2021]

Sorry to jump in on your request, but hey, I'm also looking for a front bow panel. Mine is for a 1986 Ranger 373V.

[Capw]

I think Precision Sonar may be able to make those.

[cmbtvet]

I made my own bow panel on my 2000 518vx. Ordered some HDPE from King Starboard, made a cardboard template, traced it on HDPE, used a heat gun for on spot that had a small curve, and now I have a great looking bow panel.

This was the original bow panel.

IMG_2364.JPG

The before pic was my first mod using sheet metal sprayed with flex seal. the after pic is HDPE.

IMG_7884.JPG

[high 2]

Where did you purchase the HDPE and how thick is it? Thanks

[MarKimBassTeam2021]

Cool!!!!

[cmbtvet]

Where did you purchase the HDPE and how thick is it? Thanks

https://www.tapplastics.com/product/..._starboard/526

1/2"

[M-D]

I made my own bow panel on my 2000 518vx. Ordered some HDPE from King Starboard, made a cardboard template, traced it on HDPE, used a heat gun for on spot that had a small curve, and now I have a great looking bow panel.

This was the original bow panel.

IMG_2364.JPG

The before pic was my first mod using sheet metal sprayed with flex seal. the after pic is HDPE.

IMG_7884.JPG

Well done!
Lines look straight and edges look very nice. Can you share how you cut it and finished the edges?

[Ranger391v]

Well done!
Lines look straight and edges look very nice.

I agree! Oftentimes projects like this end up looking like hack jobs. That's CLEAN right there!!! Good Job 'cmbtvet'!!!

[cmbtvet]

Well done!
Lines look straight and edges look very nice. Can you share how you cut it and finished the edges?

I agree! Oftentimes projects like this end up looking like hack jobs. That's CLEAN right there!!! Good Job 'cmbtvet'!!!

Thanks guys! There are actually some minor blemishes since I had never used a router before but I tried to fix them as best as I could. I skipped a step in my description. I took the cardboard template and traced on 1/2" MDF board and then test fit it on the bow. I made some adjustments and once I was happy with the fit I used the MDF as the template for the HDPE. No special tools are required for the HDPE, just use regular woodworking tools. I used a jigsaw to cut the HDPE very close to the template and then a router with a top bearing 1/2" flush trim bit to trim the HDPE to the template and then a 1/4" round over bit to round the edges. I used a Dremel tool with the cutting bit to cut out the holes for the rocker switches and I used a 1" hole bit and drill for the wire holes (rounded the edges with the router so there wouldn't be any sharp edges to cut into the wires). As for the screws, I used stainless steel screws that I scuffed the heads and then spray painted them matte black and counter sunk them.

I really wasn't prepared for the mess that the shavings from cutting and routing the HDPE would make, it's like sawdust from wood only with static electricity A broom and a shop vac are a must and if you have a compressor with a blowgun it helps getting all the shavings off your body and clothes.

[M-D]

Thanks guys! There are actually some minor blemishes since I had never used a router before but I tried to fix them as best as I could. I skipped a step in my description. I took the cardboard template and traced on 1/2" MDF board and then test fit it on the bow. I made some adjustments and once I was happy with the fit I used the MDF as the template for the HDPE. No special tools are required for the HDPE, just use regular woodworking tools. I used a jigsaw to cut the HDPE very close to the template and then a router with a top bearing 1/2" flush trim bit to trim the HDPE to the template and then a 1/4" round over bit to round the edges. I used a Dremel tool with the cutting bit to cut out the holes for the rocker switches and I used a 1" hole bit and drill for the wire holes (rounded the edges with the router so there wouldn't be any sharp edges to cut into the wires). As for the screws, I used stainless steel screws that I scuffed the heads and then spray painted them matte black and counter sunk them.

I really wasn't prepared for the mess that the shavings from cutting and routing the HDPE would make, it's like sawdust from wood only with static electricity A broom and a shop vac are a must and if you have a compressor with a blowgun it helps getting all the shavings off your body and clothes.

Appreciate the details!!