instrument fitting in dash panel

9 years ago
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warwickl
warwickl
NSW
2360 posts
NSW, 2360 posts
2 Aug 2016 5:57pm
I need to fit a chart plotter combo into a nice gloss white dash panel where a previous combo was fitted.
The big challange is the existing hole is bigger in depth than the new combo.
Any suggestions how I can do the installation so it looks the part and professional
Donk107
Donk107
TAS
2446 posts
TAS, 2446 posts
2 Aug 2016 6:17pm
Hi Warwicki

If you wanted to do it the proper way you would have to fibreglass up the hole to the correct size

But if you wanted to do it the easy way you could get a piece of gloss white perspex to match you gloss white fibreglass or a different colour to match your plotter that would cover the large hole and cut a hole in it to suit the new plotter

Regards Don
Donk107
Donk107
TAS
2446 posts
TAS, 2446 posts
2 Aug 2016 7:01pm
The other thing to check is if the manufacturer of your new plotter does a surround for it to go into a larger existing hole

GME do this for their VHF radios if you are replacing a early large radio with a new smaller model

Regards Don
Crusoe
Crusoe
QLD
1197 posts
QLD, 1197 posts
2 Aug 2016 8:06pm
Donk107 said..
The other thing to check is if the manufacturer of your new plotter does a surround for it to go into a larger existing hole

GME do this for their VHF radios if you are replacing a early large radio with a new smaller model

Regards Don


Raymarine do also for some of their chartplotters
warwickl
warwickl
NSW
2360 posts
NSW, 2360 posts
3 Aug 2016 5:30pm
Thanks for the suggestions.

I contacted Garmin who do not have infill panels - damm. I thought this was odd as I am sure I am not the only boater with this requirement.
While doing the potentially 'proper method' the chance of getting a long lasting successful colour match is risky.

So I am now thinking of visiting a plastic product business and seeing what they can do
Datawiz
Datawiz
VIC
605 posts
VIC, 605 posts
3 Aug 2016 6:39pm
I've got the same problem Warwicki, was fitting a new digital ammeter/voltmeter to the instrument panel - did a perfect cutout with a Dremel router. Only thing - I made the hole too large by 5mm all round
regards,
allan
Donk107
Donk107
TAS
2446 posts
TAS, 2446 posts
3 Aug 2016 7:11pm
If you are going to go the plastic route i would measure the size you need and unless you want to cut it out yourself this company near you should be able to cut it to size www.specialisedwholesale.com.au/manufacturing

Regards Don
scaramouche
scaramouche
VIC
190 posts
VIC, 190 posts
3 Aug 2016 7:13pm
Wot about some shiny stainless steel
Or embossed aluminium??
warwickl
warwickl
NSW
2360 posts
NSW, 2360 posts
3 Aug 2016 8:16pm
Good idea thought this would be an option.
Just trying to get comfortable that the finished job will look professional.
Another option is to sell my combo unit and buy a physically larger combo.
LooseChange
LooseChange
NSW
2140 posts
NSW, 2140 posts
3 Aug 2016 8:32pm
Make a panel that covers the entire area where your previous instrument was, put a decorative or contrasting finish on the panel to make it look like it belongs there, rather than an after thought. Then mount your new instrument in the new panel in the location where the hole is behind it.
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