Dashboard Re-build
 

I am in the process of rebuilding my dash board area on my 1974 Tsunami- I am going to use black plexi-glass to flush mount my electronics, gauges, etc. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how thick the plexiglass should be? Or if anyone has used any othe material to do this modification- any pics are appreciated also. Thanks

Re: Dashboard Re-build
 

If I remember correctly Lexan is much better than plexiglass stronger, not brittle, wound crack, and holds up better. If you do a web search you will learn more that you want to know.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins :D

Re: Dashboard Re-build
 

Hey oz......are you planning to modify the basic layout???
I thinking of do it and am trying to come up with the game plan.

Re: Dashboard Re-build
 

i used starboard for mine- the 3/8" was a little flimsey for me , i ended up using 1/2" . Plexiglass is a pain in the ass and will crack like a son of a beech if you aint real careful. The starboard cleans up real nice when wiped down with woody wax occasionally too. these pix are a few years old now and its changed somewhat now but you get the idea- (unless you dont like black)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...leingarage.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ngarage001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...onsolelook.jpg

Re: Dashboard Re-build
 

Oz

If you use Plexi, make sure you back it with a piece of wood before drilling any holes. This will prevent cracking. I used PVC Board and then painted. It cuts, molds and sands like wood ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ectronics1.jpg

Re: Dashboard Re-build
 

gucci rocks!!!

Re: Dashboard Re-build
 

I was looking at building a module I could add onto th ehelm position....something coming off the top in front of the existing instrument panel at the same angle....going
up high enough to angle down at 45 degrees, then blending into the bottom. It would provide and angled surface to mount the steering and binnacle.

Re: Dashboard Re-build
 

PLEXIGLAS IS NOT A GOOD IDEA. UV AND COMPRESSIVE FORCES WILL CAUSE WHAT IS CALLED CRAZING. (SMALL CRACKS RADIATING FROM THE CENTER OF THE HOLE)

STARBOARD A BETTER OPTION.

BOBBERT

Re: Dashboard Re-build
 

Mine was redone with starboard, very easy to work with.

Re: Dashboard Re-build
 

Made a mold of the old wood/teak dash.Glassed it. I was worried about leakage around the gauges-radio-electronics as I didn't know anything would seal it(Starboard).
http://www.frenzie.com/IMG_0143.JPG
Scream'n Reels'

Ever stop to think and forget to start again?

Re: Dashboard Re-build
 

What did you make the mold out of? Did you just glass over the old dash? I thought if I silicone or caulk around gauges/ electronics it would keep it water tight. What do you think? Thanks for everyones input.

Re: Dashboard Re-build
 

I am in the process of redoing my dash for the second time in 2 years. I decided that I wanted the chart plotter directly in front of me, over the steering wheel. I put the guage cluster in the middle.

Used 1/4" Starboard both times. It is easy to work with, cutting holes and routing the edges. :rolleyes:

Re: Dashboard Re-build
 

I took the original dash & made a copy of it.waxed layed the ol' fiberglass then popped it out. Then did sll the fun stuff to make more dshes. I had the mold stored where it was made so more could be copied buttttt someone decided it was either No Good or better in their shop. Came out really good. Painted it with a 3 part primer. it self seals if not painted over after 12 hours so it isn't reflective/bright glare. drains built into it & sliding plexi doors.I also opted to have the GPS in front of Me everything else is readable from the helm. :cool: there may be more pics on the site/link below
Tug :cool: