What material to fabricate w/o redoing entire dash

JAA

Cadet
Joined
Jul 6, 2009
Messages
6
1986 Renken Classic 21' / 3.0 Merc

First let me say Im sorry for not having pic's to put up, the boats up at camp in CNY and I wont be up that way until July. Also, Ive attempted to locate adequate example pics online, but

Im looking for the right approach to replace the factory Stereo in the passenger dash. Im at a loss on the actual material used to make the dash. I was a ply material, but it sounds hollow. Also, the dash is fabricated in that it feels like a single piece of black material. Directly below the stereo is the glove box which provides access to the stereo directly above it.

While the stereo is a single DIN (turn dial AM/FM) is mounted using only the washer nuts from the turn dials. Clearly the unit I will replace it with, while being a single DIN, will not have turn dials.

My question is, with having to cut away the dash, what sort of material should I use to fabricating a mounting plate and securing to the dash?

Im not looking for pristine perfect, but im also looking to be smart about it. I dont think I would mind something simple and recessed off the dash, but id prefer it to blend in as best as possible.

Current thoughts are simple wood or plexi.

any and all advice appreciated :)

Jason
 

ajgraz

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Mar 1, 2010
Messages
1,858
Re: What material to fabricate w/o redoing entire dash

Does the dash have any curvature? Does it have to be woodgrain?

Or are you looking to fabricate a simple flat plate with cutouts for gauges, switches, etc.? (In a solid color, like black, white, gray?)

If flat plate in solid color OK, 1/4" thick King Starboard, fabbed with standard woodworking tools and hole saws, works:
Dash.jpg


If it has to be any fancier than that, you'll have to find some examples of what you have in mind and post some pics.
 

oops!

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
12,932
Re: What material to fabricate w/o redoing entire dash

hi the 86 will be a plastic dash....you can use anything fo make a plate....stainless steel....fiberglass...alum or plexi glass
 
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