1994 Rader Dash electrical panel rebuild?

[Chevyrelic]

Hi All...new to boating and this site. I was just given a 1994 Sea Ray Rader jet boat that needs some attention. I need to redo the three rocker switch panel on the dash. So far no luck finding OEM replacement components...any idea for a source...or can you share info on how you may have rebuilt your Rader dash panels? Any and all help greatly appreciated? Thank you!

James

 

[mrallen007]

Re: 1994 Rader Dash electrical panel rebuild?

I had to replace the switches in my panel not long ago. I'm not familiar with your setup. Can you post some pics of your switch panel? If so we can probably help you track down some suitable replacements. They are usually pretty generic...

I'll look for some details on your boat in the meantime, but some pics would help.

 

[Chevyrelic]

Re: 1994 Rader Dash electrical panel rebuild?



Thanks mrallen007...here's a picture of the dash I've got to redo. Would be interesed in seeing pictures of other Rayder dashes that have been redone. Thanks!

 

[mrallen007]

Re: 1994 Rader Dash electrical panel rebuild?

Those appear to be a standard size and more or less generic marine switch. You can get a number of different switches to replace those. You can get standard switches with no light, lighted switches, three way switches and the sort. Here's a link to a generic switch on Amazon that should fit such an opening.

http://www.amazon.com/Ancor-554010-Marine-Electrical-Constant/dp/B000NI1HFQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1313896321&sr=1-6

I hope that helps. Keep the questions and pics coming...

 

[Chevyrelic]

Re: 1994 Rader Dash electrical panel rebuild?

mrallen007 (name?)...thanks for the response, but I'm sure I wasn't clear in my original post. Yes, I've found plenty of rocker switches like the one in that link, but what I haven't found are the mounting panels for the rocker switches themselves. I've found plenty of four rocker panel switches with integrated fuses (i.e., Blue Sea products) and even some that look like they snap together, but not just the panels. My original panel is broken at all four corners so a total replacement is needed. I requested a catalog from Overton's so maybe when that arrives I'll find what I'm looking for...now time to go work on the Chevelle...thanks again for your time.

James

 

[Struc]

Re: 1994 Rader Dash electrical panel rebuild?

You won't find any boat specific parts. You will most likely need to fabricate something. Shouldn't be too hard to come up with something, based on the picture.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1994 Rader Dash electrical panel rebuild?

Any home improvement store like Lowes or Home Depot have plexiglass of various thickness. Cut a new panel and insert whatever switches you like. Aftermarket parts for boats are few and far between. If the original manufacturer doesn't have them you need to find a salvage yard and get very lucky to find a replacement, or else make the replacement. Flat panels are not hard to make out of metal (aluminim), plastic or even wood.

 

[relocyo]

Re: 1994 Rader Dash electrical panel rebuild?

I would even suggest cardboard, cut to custom specs, soak it with poly resin and fiberglass, when it cures it will be rock solid and scuff and paint and bazinga! Would be a very easy project only taking a few hours waiting on the resin to cure... That or the plexiglass route is the way to go.

With plexi you can scuff the back with sandpaper and spraypaint any color of the rainbow to match your current color scheme... Post back what you decide on! Good luck...

 

[Chevyrelic]

Re: 1994 Rader Dash electrical panel rebuild?

Thanks for the information and suggestions guys. I think I'll go with either wood or lexan. I'll post back when I make some progress.

 

[Painlesstom]

Re: 1994 Rader Dash electrical panel rebuild?

New guy here.... I've got a 94' Sea Rayder with the 90. I rebuilt my dash with some plywood and aluminum for the switch panel. Some wrinkle black paint for the switches brought them back. Got rid of the speedo since I've got a Humminbird GPS and added a 7k tach and multi function volt/ fuel gauge. Seems these boats require someone with some fab ability as parts are hard to come by.. Did you ever get yours done Chevy?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: 1994 Rader Dash electrical panel rebuild?

Instead of the wood/lexan/plexiglass, look online for the Carbon Fiber panels. They are 1/8" thick, with multiple different carbon fiber designs and colors. Should be relatively inexpensive, as you can get varying thicknesses and buy it in smaller panel sizes.

http://compositeenvisions.com/rigid-carbon-fiber-panels-1/