View Full Version : switch/breaker panel 1993 prostar
rem_pss308
02-15-2005, 01:10 PM
I have finished one winter project. Replacing my switch panel.
I took the old one out. It apeared to be made of plexiglass with a decal covering it. Mine was cracked very bad around the screw holes, and around the switches. ( very ugly ) It was a hard decision between aluminum, and lexan, as a replacement. the panel is 1/8" thick. If made thicker the switches wont stay in. I choose the lexan.A friend of mine is doing his in polycarbonate. It is supposed to be very durable.
I took measurements off my old one, and cut the new one. Took two tries. ( advise ) when cutting the rectangle holes , cut them a little small, and use a file to finish. I covered it with a carbon fiber decal. I used a brother label maker to make the labels. ( white on black 1/2") Here is a template if anyone needs one, and a pic of the finished product.
G-man
02-15-2005, 01:21 PM
That looks great, I know a lot of people have had problems with the corners breaking.
ski_king
02-15-2005, 01:52 PM
Looks great Rem!
Your friend made from polycarbonate should be fine also. Lexan is GE's trade name for polycarbonate.
milkmania
02-15-2005, 04:17 PM
looks great!
where'd you get the carbon fiber decal?
I've already got a DYMO brand label maker but have access to others, and also have a dremel 400 xpr (that Santa was supposed to bring, but didn't, I might add)
so anxious to get the cover off
*edit
after closer inspection, you're missing the rubber boot that goes over the horn button also.....did they come with a boot?
jayderwin1
02-15-2005, 04:22 PM
Looks awsome! what does that pull switch on the right go to?
milkmania
02-15-2005, 04:24 PM
That looks great, I know a lot of people have had problems with the corners breaking.
like this??? :cry:
http://home.alltel.net/bhammon/screw.jpg
rem_pss308
02-15-2005, 11:33 PM
Milkmania: I got the decal off e-bay. Type in carbon fiber decal. You have to search for a good deal. I paid $4.00 a foot x 15"
jayderwin1: That switch goes to my tower lights. It has a big gauge wire. I plan on moving it now that I can get my switch panel off. My screws were corroded and would not move.
rem_pss308
02-15-2005, 11:35 PM
Milkmania: I dont think the horn botton came with a rubber boot. I have tried to find one, but all I could find are the ones for the breakers.
jimmer2880
02-16-2005, 06:46 AM
Milkmania: I dont think the horn botton came with a rubber boot. I have tried to find one, but all I could find are the ones for the breakers.
Did you try using one of the boots for your breaker on your horn? It should work.
Looks very sharp.
Did you do anything different on the dash side for the screws? Many of my screws are corroded & strip out the nut (or - whatever it's called that's crimped into the dash).
rem_pss308
02-16-2005, 02:47 PM
Jimmer2880 : I did try my breaker boot. The horn is 1/2" threads and the breaker is 3/8"
I removed the crimped in things, and cut a piece of 1/4" lexan and siliconed it behind the dash. Put screws right into it.
Footin
02-16-2005, 02:54 PM
Where did you find the breaker boots? I tried West Marine and they did not have them.
Vice nice job on the panel!
Great job!
Thanks for the schematic, I am working on this project as well!
AirJunky
02-16-2005, 04:49 PM
Nice.... I'm not the only one with cracked up panels on the dash?
Rem_PSS308, how was that carbon fiber decal to work with? Do you get the feeling that it'll stay put for a while? I've kicked around doing it this way or just cutting it from real carbon fiber. But I'm not sure if I could clean up the edges enough to make it look good.
SkySkiSpokane
02-16-2005, 05:54 PM
Man,
You guys keep adding to my project list!!! That looks awesome. I will definately use the schematic. Thanks for posting!!
Dave
rem_pss308
02-16-2005, 11:59 PM
Footin: West Marine does have the rubber boots. Look under breakers, and they will be listed with them.white or black.
AirJunky: The decal will be very durable. I have had it over the dash compartment for about one year, and no problems. Picture attached.
I just realized that the pic of the template is not very legible. I have cleaned it up, but it is too large to put on here. If anyone wants me to send it to them, e-mail me at mathewfx@compufree.net
jimmer2880
02-17-2005, 06:55 AM
Jimmer2880 : I did try my breaker boot. The horn is 1/2" threads and the breaker is 3/8"
I removed the crimped in things, and cut a piece of 1/4" lexan and siliconed it behind the dash. Put screws right into it.
Thanks Rem.... That helps a lot.
I was thinking about getting some of those automotive clips. But - glueing the lexan is probably much easier & just as good. Thanks!
rem_pss308
02-17-2005, 08:34 AM
Footin: here is a link that should get you there:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=16292&catalogId=10001&classNum=295&subdeptNum=124&storeNum=9
jimmer2880: When I used the thick lexan on the back side. I used stainless screws with heads close to the original ones, and I also drill a small hole in the lexan first to make it easy to screw into.
I also took the panel loose that has the gauges on it and I could reach my hand thru and hold the back side while putting the screws in.