Dashboard Re-fit
08-17-2006, 07:22 AM
#1
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Dashboard Re-fit
OK this dashboard, like the rest of my boat project (1984 Excalibur 31) snowballed into something much larger than intended.
I cut new panels from Aluminum, but I didn't just copy the old panels, I didn't like the way they fit. Now the gaps to the edge of the dash are more even.
The GPSmap 188C handles speed and depth so I can have a few less gauges. To make room for the GPS, I moved all the lighting & pump switches to the upper panel. I also had to move all the fuses to a new fuse panel located underneath the dash. I also reinforced the dash.
I moved the ignition switches because every time you got in your leg rammed the Port key. I also moved the hour meters.
I moved the radio control so passengers can reach it. Moved the hatch switch next to the ignition switches.
Painted the dash panels in black imron, then had labels made for the switches, using the same font as is used on the Autometer Pro Comp marine Platinum Gages. After the lettering was applied, I cleared over that, and wet sanded & buffed the panels.
Although some many suggested getting rid of the gauge pods along the top, I decided to keep them since they were OE equipped on this old boat. I did paint them in the same snow-white Awlgrip as the rest of the cockpit. I blackened the face portion to match the gauge panels. Repainted the wheel and the shifters. Added an Excalibur crest in the horn button.
Then there's the cupholder, that took more time than anything.
What do you think?
Don't be complaining about what the gages read in the last pic. That was the first trip out, and I had some "issues"!!
DS
I cut new panels from Aluminum, but I didn't just copy the old panels, I didn't like the way they fit. Now the gaps to the edge of the dash are more even.
The GPSmap 188C handles speed and depth so I can have a few less gauges. To make room for the GPS, I moved all the lighting & pump switches to the upper panel. I also had to move all the fuses to a new fuse panel located underneath the dash. I also reinforced the dash.
I moved the ignition switches because every time you got in your leg rammed the Port key. I also moved the hour meters.
I moved the radio control so passengers can reach it. Moved the hatch switch next to the ignition switches.
Painted the dash panels in black imron, then had labels made for the switches, using the same font as is used on the Autometer Pro Comp marine Platinum Gages. After the lettering was applied, I cleared over that, and wet sanded & buffed the panels.
Although some many suggested getting rid of the gauge pods along the top, I decided to keep them since they were OE equipped on this old boat. I did paint them in the same snow-white Awlgrip as the rest of the cockpit. I blackened the face portion to match the gauge panels. Repainted the wheel and the shifters. Added an Excalibur crest in the horn button.
Then there's the cupholder, that took more time than anything.
What do you think?
Don't be complaining about what the gages read in the last pic. That was the first trip out, and I had some "issues"!!
DS
08-17-2006, 07:29 AM
#2
Charter Member #232
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Re: Dashboard Re-fit
Very nice upgrade. Looks much better. That drink holder does look like it took quite a bit of time.
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08-17-2006, 10:16 AM
#6
Re: Dashboard Re-fit
Dude! if you had the doorway finnished out i'd swear it was a pic of a new boat dash! Looks awesome 
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The pods are cool, glad you kept! 
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