Modifying a center console how to?

[kandil]

I have a 1994 Sea pro CC and I got a new set off gages and switches that is for a newer model 7.5"x25 however it is about an inch bigger than the flat part on my center console where the old panel goes the wood part it is 6.5"x29(I am taking this out) I think if I can raise the CC up a couple of inches and fill the rest of the opening where the wood is it well work any idea on
1-how to do that? and
2-what material to use? or if I can curve the flat top in the front center?the same contour of the new panel Thanks in advance for all ideas
I forgot the radio!!!

 

[oops!]

Re: Modifying a center console how to?

a bazillion ways !

sorry this post slipped by us here....thats rare.

the easyest way to raise it...is cut the glass "box" off at the joint....place a wooden shim to the height you want around the cut area....and place the box on top.

the other way is more custom...more work, but will be stock......cut the box off.....and glass in a spacer....then paint it with gellcoat......and finish.

another way.....is to cut the box off......throw it away....and glass a new one !....in any way, or design you want......

your imagination is the only barrier !

 

[jonesg]

Re: Modifying a center console how to?

1. cut the box off, leave a 1/4 inch vertical lip to re-attach the new box.
Use the old box to make a mold but extend it to desired dimension first.

2. or simpler, just install a new face plate and make the guages fit.

3. Its also simple to layup a flat glass panel on waxed formica, gelcoat first then resin and glass, let it set then pop it off.

I,d try #2 first IF possible.

 

[oops!]

Re: Modifying a center console how to?

atta go jonsey


there is also a guy here called hadraza ????

that did a custom dash....it was just stunning.......use search

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Modifying a center console how to?

you could cut top completely off at the red line, then cut out yellow line, raise the top, fill in what you need. move radio to green box.

 

[kandil]

Re: Modifying a center console how to?

Thank you all for the replys what is #2? I need to do some reading about glass never done it befor!!

 

[kandil]

Re: Modifying a center console how to?

atta go jonsey


there is also a guy here called hadraza ????

that did a custom dash....it was just stunning.......use search

I tried to search for custom dash and did not find the post you are referring to and by the way how is you project coming along ?
Ok I found it http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=252667 so you are saying I need to take the boat to the philippines man this is a nice CC

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Modifying a center console how to?

The first thing to do is to see if components on the new panel will fit the existing opening in the fiberglass. Flip the panel on its face and on the back put a straight edge across the top of the gauges and the bottom of the fuses and measure the distance between them. Unscrew the existing panel and measure the opening in the fiberglass. If the opening is the same size or larger you won't have to cut the fiberglass. If it's just a little smaller you may be able to just grind out the areas where the fuses and gauges would hit.

If it was me, and the measurements showed it would fit, I'd trim the new panel on the top and the bottom, get a piece of teak to mount it on. (see picture)

 

[jonesg]

Re: Modifying a center console how to?

You painted the teak red !

 

[kandil]

Re: Modifying a center console how to?

The first thing to do is to see if components on the new panel will fit the existing opening in the fiberglass. Flip the panel on its face and on the back put a straight edge across the top of the gauges and the bottom of the fuses and measure the distance between them. Unscrew the existing panel and measure the opening in the fiberglass. If the opening is the same size or larger you won't have to cut the fiberglass. If it's just a little smaller you may be able to just grind out the areas where the fuses and gauges would hit.

If it was me, and the measurements showed it would fit, I'd trim the new panel on the top and the bottom, get a piece of teak to mount it on. (see picture)

Nice work man! but I don't like the red what software did you use?

 

[kandil]

Re: Modifying a center console how to?

You painted the teak red !

No I did not it is the software The_Kid used

 

[oops!]

Re: Modifying a center console how to?

heh heh heh....

hadrazza did a fantastic job with that one......

but it goes to show you that anything is possible with a glass boat.

as far as glassing ....it is relitively easy....(but the more you get into it ..it actually becomes an art....i know of 30 year glassers that actually go into some kind of trance before they start glassing....but when there done...its perfect.

ill be building a totally new dash somthing simmelar to hadrazzas in a few months.....im still in the planning phases of it.

but its still a little ways off as i have to find another shop.....
but i will be posting detailed pictures of the fabrication process.

so what kind of dash do you want....a flat panel to fit that plate in? or somthing a little more different?

 

[kandil]

Re: Modifying a center console how to?

Will I think I want to make it a little more different
I will make a piece that fit the top of my existing CC I got all winter to make it good luck with your project