Diamond Plate Planning and Installation?
 

:cool-smiley-027:
Has anyone done any diamond plate installation, I mean really-installed it yourself?

I'm looking at my bare engine bay, planning a steam clean but probably won't strip, paint, and refit this year as I want to see what gets hot, leaks, whines, and smokes (I bought it as-is).

I've priced some aluminum diamond plate - about $120 for 18"x 72", and I'm considering it for the final fit to clean up the bay. Does anyone have any experience planning and installing this stuff? I like the view, but cringe at the thought of dozens of angle brackets screwed to the stringers with 1/4-20 nuts and bolts to come loose.....:eek:

Diamond plate gets water spots very easy. If you are planning on putting it in the engine compartment, you might want to think about clear coating it before you install it. Especially if you are putting it where it will be hard to get too once the engines are back in place. I put some in my 25 Outlaw and cleaned on it continuosly to keep it up.

:D
So, would you do it again?

I'm thinking of doing the same thing... I have located a company that will cut out exactly what I need if I provide them with cardboard copies of the needed pieces. I would also like to know if it is a smart thing to do ......PRO's & CONS. The clear coat sounds like a great idea.
B.A.D.

I would only if I clear powder coated before I installed.

I did my own.....It is not as bad as ya think

L@@ks good, turned out nice :cool-smiley-026:

So do you use a bunch of angle brackets screwed to the stringers?

I wouldnt like that either.

Any more install pictures...might help.

Thanks it looks great!

Access hatches?
 

:cool-smiley-027:That's the finish I'm looking for nocigarette - how do you get to the drive and plane pumps?
I'm into a twin bay design and not sure if I want to hide the 4 pumps - maybe I'll make some plexiglas hatches so i can still see them - or mount them to the plate. I could use a link to some pics, to give me some solutions others have tried.:cool-smiley-026:

I powder coated mine ... If you keep it polished you might want to clear it .....m

Plexiglass hatches ???????? r u sure usually at the dock,bar,marina engine hatch is left open and other boaters check out your chit ..
:cool-smiley-026:

Hide my stuff????
 

:hitfan:
Yes, I would like to see the pumps and reservoirs but don't want them covered in engine sweat, so I'll probably clad the entire bay, mount the hydraulics, etc. onto the side verticles, fish the lines to keep the clutter out of sight, and bulkhead the sides with hinged 1/4" plexy panels.

I don't know about your chit, but mine doesn't stink, and I'm a closet exhibitionist trying to get found out......:evilb:

Nice finish
 

:cool-smiley-011:
Yes, I agree with you and Steel, it has to be as maintenance free as the existing finish, or it's a make -work project I don't need. I really like what you've done - do you ahve any more pics of your engine bay?:p

I powdercoated mine in clear after I cut it out:

So how are you guys attaching it to the stringers?

mine are attached to pieces i glassed to the stringers.....Mine just covers the fuel tanks......I just used stainless screws (wood) dipped in marine tex...

I just purchased diamond plate to do the engine compartment in my velocity. My plan was to clear coat the pieces, place a small bead of silicone around the edges, on the bottom of course, in order to keep water from seeping underneath and hold down with stainless wood screws and marine tex