Changing the older black dash
 

Has anyone ever changed or tried to update the black dash on the pre 98's? I have seen some with the helm panels changed to white but none with all the black replaced. Can the black be some how redone to white? :D

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

The one's I've seen changed to white look funny to me. There is just too many things that go with the black that's already there. Instead of changing the dash, change the guages over to platinum or something.

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

Anyone know if the dash is fiberglass ? Seems I read were its not ...Mine has a couple of cracks and I was wondering what it would take to repair ..bad thing is one crack is up close to the windshield . I would think it would have to removed for the repairs ...

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

I've seen one up close that was painted that looked awesome. Am probably going to do that to mine this winter.

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

I was toying with the idea of spraying mine white with 2 pack paint. Masking up would need to be thorough, though i think the dash in mine (242) is a seperate fibreglass moulding. It could probably be removed from the boat altogether and painted in a booth for a top job! :D

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

I saw a 95 303 this weekend that had the entire dash painted white. It looked sharp. If you do it just make sure you go the extra mile and do it right!

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

How in the hell can you do that ??????? It'll be -20 degrees up where your gona be !!!!!! :drink:

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

Ok , here's my '89 with all white panels , gauges and switches

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

Hi All-

I painted my boat and dash last winter. A few pictures are below. Also is the link to the entire project. I think it looks great. The best part is that no matter how hot it gets down here in FL the paint stays cool.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ht=project+311

Any questions let me know.
Don

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

Decide for yourself :cool:

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)

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

Allright !!! I knew my magenta would come back after 16 years !!!!

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

Phatomchaos-

Thats's easy I ran out of money! It is on list of things to do to the boat. Thats is if I keep it.......

Don

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

I thought that was a photoshop job until I checked the Formula site.

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

RedDog382,
Where do you buy carbon fiber panels?

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

Formula271
I had $500.00 in the paint and redoing the internal padding. I had the dash painted just before Formula came out with the colored panels on the new boats and if I was to do it over I would have painted the inserts a different color. I'm thinking I had around 600.00 in guages, bezels, and 200.00 in the red anodized stering wheel. My boat was the last year they had the black dashes because if I'm not mistaken in 98 they came with the white dashes. I believe the 96's didn't have the step hull so that why I think my boat is the 97.

Re: Changing the older black dash
 

Formula has panels for the newer models, but the price is outrageous. I think Dollar Offshore has done carbon fiber panels before ... might try calling Mindi. Another friend/382 owner is checking into another source for carbon fiber as well.

I think a carbon fiber overlay with an existing panel/pattern would work well if one can find a source.

I just haven't had time to research yet.