I want to replace my dash panel, the panel up front where my bow gps is and the panel where my switches are. They are starting to crack and I have a hole from my old gps was in my dash. Any recommendations on material to replace them? I would like to replace them with a painted aluminum. How would you guys do this if it was your boat? Thanks for the help.
I just came across your post while looking for something else. I am thinking of doing the same thing. I have heard of people using carbon fiber panels to replace the dash panel. I have found some material on ebay.
Im currently doing this. I used 1/4" thick ABS plastic sheeting for the panels. Im waiting on some carbon fiber vinyl to cover it with. It was the most cost effective material I found. I didnt want to tie up 150 in material for a couple plates. I have roughly 40 in material.
I'm in the mddle of doing the same. I sanded the old woodgrain looking veneer of my panels and applied the 3M Dnoc Carbonfiber vinyl sheet to it. They look great. Be sure to use the guidelines marked on the removal backing to ensure it's applied perfectly straight.
Catch a big bass is like peeing yourself. Sure, everyone can see it, but only you get to feel the warmth
Is that carbon fiber vinyl smooth or textured? Did you buy it off ebay?
I did mine with a 1/8" piece of aluminum. I have a friend that works in a cnc shop and he cut it in the same shape as my old one. Then I had one of my buddys thats a painter do a metal woodgrain look on it. Looks pretty nice in my opinion.
You might check out PolyFab (I believe they're a board sponsor). They make an ABS plastic that looks like carbon fiber. I ordered some the other day from them (12"x24" sheet for $30). Great looking product and super service. Do a search for carbon fiber ABS. The gentleman I dealt with was Mike...he goes by "MM" on the boards.
BTW, joey your dash looks sweet!
Here's a link to a thread that has a picture of the material. I am going to do new dash panel and switch panels on my Champ with this.
http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=588673
livorsi can make any dash with many different materials/ colors. they do custom racing boats. Check em out livorsi.com
The vinyl has texture, and looks fantastic. I bought it locally at an auto-graphics shop although it is the same product available on Ebay. I am just waiting fr my new gauges and switches to arrive then I can re-install them on the boat. I will post a photo when they are done
Catch a big bass is like peeing yourself. Sure, everyone can see it, but only you get to feel the warmth
i can cut you a new dash plate as long as its flat... black G-10 material would look awsome...
i have CNC machines.
-Rich
quote=Marooned]You might check out PolyFab (I believe they're a board sponsor). They make an ABS plastic that looks like carbon fiber. I ordered some the other day from them (12"x24" sheet for $30). Great looking product and super service. Do a search for carbon fiber ABS. The gentleman I dealt with was Mike...he goes by "MM" on the boards.
BTW, joey your dash looks sweet!
Thanks, It looks a lot better now with all the toggle switches in and caps on the screws.
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