Re: Changing the older black dash
 

The Dash is a plastic composite. The best way to fix/paint the dash would be to remove the windsheild. The windsheild takes about an hour to remove. Just make sure you have a few friends to help you carry it off the boat. To fix any cracks I would use durabond which is a fiberglass filler.

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

Thanks for the info Don ... I wonder if the Gaskets around the Windshield are Generic ? Or would yo have to get them from Formula which might not even stock them anymore .....m

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

The gasket is sticky backed foam that you can get from any home improvemnt store. Just make sure that the width is right. To install place the sticky side towards the winsheild and the non sticky side goes on the boat.

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

Thanks Don ...but Also you know the Black Gasket that is on the outside ..about 2" wide .....and also the black strip up the middle of the widshield needs replaced ..... might have to get that from Formula ....

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

1997 353 Fastech Getting the dash painted on my boat was work prepping for it definately worth it. I removed all dash panels, compartment doors, glove compartment door, windshield and went the extra mile to make sure everything was taped off before bringing it to the body shop who painted it. Man he did an awesome job no streaks and no signs of that nasty origional black. I also replaced the old gauges with new Livorsi guages and changed the sterring wheel to match the colored bezels as well. The pads in the interior were also black so I had them redone in White as well. The only thing left black is the sliding cabin door and the side compartment doors but otherwise its now all white like the newer ones. Makes the boat look a lot newer that it is. I'll try to post a picture this weekend of the interior so you can see how it turned out.

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

jveltman,
Sounds like you put in alot of time and effort. What are you going to have in the whole job for cost? You sure it's a 97 353, I didn't think Formula made one until 98.

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

Don, absolutely awesome job......:drink: :drink:

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

I ain't there yet. It's just a thought that's crossed my mind, and IF I did go back, I'll be back in FL. for 3 months during the winter, that's the only way I could handle it.

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

I agree with Cuda. I don't even like the all white on my 382 dash. Needs more color. White is becoming "outdated". Just look at the new Formula brochures!

I would stay black and add some black/grey or red (the dominant color) carbon fiber dash panels with platinum guages and contrasting bezels.

Less money and, more importantly, less time.

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

Looks great! Why didn't you do the easy part? (the guages and dash panels)