1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

[Propellerhead]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

Ok, now to start drawing reference lines so I can cut accurately. I started with the easy one. I used a square to draw the centerline for the switches an inch and a half from the bottom.

Then I started on the gauges by measuring for the center of the big gauges to be in the center of the panel. (It doesn't look like it, but the big ones are centered up and down.)

Then I marked the center of the highest point of the arc that I was planning on aligning the gauges with.

I used the string method (anchored to a stationary object, in this case the upright handle of my floor jack) to draw the arc. And I actually screwed it up the first time.

Some acetone on a rag and the line was erased.

I tied another knot in the string to adjust the arc and tried it again.

 

[Propellerhead]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

Second time was a success.

With the big plywood gauges in place, I marked out even spaces for the centers of the small gauges.

Then I marked out the switches.

I put everything in place to see how it looks as final check before the cutting starts. I like!

Finally, I mark out the remainder of components, the helm, the battery switches, the post lights, and the points where the panel will be bolted to the boat.

With everything marked, I started center-punching all the points.

 

[Propellerhead]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

With everything carefully center-punched, we were ready to start drilling.

This is the trick I learned from an airplane mechanic to getting perfectly lined up gauges. The problem is that no matter how diligent you are about measuring, marking, and punching, there's always some room in there for the bit to walk around a little bit. So here's the technique. I started drilling the holes for the gauges by JUST drilling the pilot bit of the hole saw. No holes yet.

Then I used #8 machine screws to bolt the plywood circles to the panel. The screws are a little smaller than the pilot holes, so there's some play in there. You can move the circles around a little bit and position them in just the right place. It doesn't matter if the pilot holes are off slightly. Just tighten up the screws when they're perfect.

Once the gauges were in exactly the right position, I took the pilot bit out of the hole saw and used the plywood circles to center it. Since it's the same hole saw that cut the circles, it fits perfectly.

And we end up with a bunch of holes.

For the switches, I set up a fence in the drill press and used a step bit.

 

[Propellerhead]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

And here's the panel with all the holes cut, almost. I forgot the cut the big hole for the helm, but I did right after I took the picture.

At this point I drew a grid on the panel. Why, you ask? Well I was thinking of different ways to finish it (paint, etc.) and I decided that I was going to engine turn it. It's kind of a cool, 1960's hot rod look, and I think this boat fits in with that aesthetic. Plus, I'm kind of a hot rod guy, so I think it works.

I bought a 2 inch abrasive disc set at Pep Boys, I think. Since the discs are two inches, divide that by two, and you get a 1-inch grid spacing.

With the abrasive disc in the drill press, I started grinding with the center of the disc at each inspection of lines that I drew.

You can see the pattern starting to emerge. I just went point by point, down each row. It definitely took some time.

I also went through discs pretty quick. I got about this far before I ran out. I found that you have to use the scotch brite pad discs. The sandpaper ones wanted to grab too hard and start walking the panel. I found that the coarse ones seem to give the best finish. You can use the fine ones, but they take about twice and long.

 

[Propellerhead]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

Since this was a good time to take a break, I lined the panel up with the index marks again and traced the holes onto the boat.

I basically connected the dots with the sawzall. The way I figure, this panel lost all it's strength when the last guy put the last set of gauges in, it already wiggled around, and the fiberglass was delaminated from the wood. I know it's ugly, but it'll give me a nice space to work with and I'll build some structure back into it when I get back to the fiberglass work. I already needed to do some work in that area. Maybe I'll even clean up the hole, too, so it doesn't look like a money attacked it with a chain saw.

Ok, I got back with some more discs, and this is how the panel turned out.

 

[Propellerhead]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

The side panels followed the same process. Mark, cut, grid, engine turn. Rinse, repeat. One thing that I made sure to do, is to always start engine turning from the same place. In my case I always started at the bottom left corner. This way the pattern will match when the pieces are sitting next to each other.

 

[Propellerhead]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

Almost done!

Next, I cleaned off all the grime with acetone, decreased the panels with paint prep, and clear coated them to keep them safe from the elements.

I felt like the edges needed to be dressed up a little so I found some of that cheapie plastic chrome trim that you can get at Autozone. Hey, it does the job, and apparently made in the USA! (Surprising)

It actually went on pretty well, and I think it looks pretty good.

Like I said before, I don't have all the gauges yet, but I put a couple in, along with the battery switches and push-pull switches, etc. I think this is turning out just how I wanted.

A little close up. Well, once again, it's time to get to my real work. See ya next week!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

you are going to want to clear the aluminum with something to prevent oxidation.

I recommend Clearcoats

 

[Natesms]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

Great work on your panel. That's a great trick with the plywood and the hole saw to get it all lined up. I also really like the pull knob look. Keep it up!

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

Cool boat brutha!

The dash bezels are awesome!

 

[fat fanny]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

The dash panel looks great! Just a hint to get a more consistant looking circular swirl use a wire wheel cup with light pressure.

 

[Searayb]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

Dash is very cool, nice work.

 

[Propellerhead]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

Sweet! Thanks, guys!

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

you are going to want to clear the aluminum with something to prevent oxidation.

I recommend Clearcoats

Yup, I used semi-gloss laquer (Deft) to clear coat a brass capacity plaque in my boat and it's held up well for 3-4 years, no tarnishing of the brass.

The 2-part stuff Scott mentioned is most likely better, but more expensive.

 

[Propellerhead]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

Cool, thanks. Yeah, I actually did use a clear coat before applying the chrome trim.

 

[detroitdonzi]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

got the same boat and watching how u do it looks good thanks

 

[detroitdonzi]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread



Interior is set up a bit different

 

[Kernallklink]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

Wow! I wish I was in the hanger helping out. BTW, any aircraft in the hanger?

 

[Propellerhead]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread

Detroitdonzi: Sweet! Another Pachanga! I'm excited to see another one out there! Are you working on it? From the 2-part engine cover it looks like another '69, but yours has the optional bow rail? Yeah, your interior is how they came, with the gauges in that center console. Somebody redid my interior back in the 70's and threw all of that out, which is too bad. I like the look.

Kernalklink: not yet. Maybe when the boat's done... and I make more money...

 

[detroitdonzi]

Re: 1969 Sea Ray SRX Pachanga Build Thread



Work on it ,not yet have a collection of vintage old fiberglass speed boats and get to em one at a time