Replace gauges and switches/panels?

[dccordell]

I'm working on fixing up my console for my center console deck boat. I had posted about fixing the fiberglass and mounts in the restoration forum, but this post is about the gauges and the switches/panels.

The gauges and panels are original (~1979), so they are extremely outdated and old looking, not to mention a couple of the gauges don't work as far as I can tell right now (battery meter for sure). I think the switches for the most part do work, as do the indicator lights that indicate when the switch is on. Some of the instrument lights work and some don't (possibly bulbs). So I guess overall, I could get by with the gauges and switches that are in there, but I'm considering replacing them with something a bit newer looking and I also want to have a couple more switches available (if I decide to add a backup bilge pump, and instrument lighting switch).

So my question... what's my chances that I will find a gauge panel that would fit right in the existing space in the console? Are they usually a few certain sizes? I haven't look and don't really know where to look yet.

Same question about the switch panels. There are three different switch panels: accessories, trim, and ignition. They are labeled Star Trim and Star Craft but I haven't been able to find anything about them online so far. I have included pictures of them and the gauges. I could enlarge the existing holes for new switch panels if that is necessary.

There was also one more panel that I don't know what to do with yet... I guess it is a sort of dash light. I can barely read on it "Chart Light". It is rusted and non-functional. I need to remove it and put something else there. Any ideas?

In this pic, the three panels and the gauges:

Close-up of the gauges:

The accessory switches:

The trim switches:

The chart light:

What would you guys do with this old stuff?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

I doubt that you will find a panel, but you can make a nice one and arrange the gauges how you like. I have the same switches in my boat, but they all work and still look good enough. As for the map light, if you like it and want to keep it. Get it re-chromed and keep it.

 

[dccordell]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

bifflefan, I think I saw those switches in an older post of yours while I was searching.. I don't mind the way they look at all, but the indicator lights are faded and I can no longer see the impressions on the lights what the switch powers. If I keep the panels, I might could just fit some labels on it there somewhere to tell what each switch does.

As far as the gauges go, if I wanted to make a new panel, what sort of materials should I consider? Some sheet goods like stainless or aluminum? Maybe something easier to cut like some sort of heavy plastic? I guess this is more of a topic for the restoration forum, but I appreciate any ideas.

Oh, and the light is no good at all. Not just the rust, but the switch is stuck and the whole thing is just in bad shape. It's gotta go.. Guess if nothing else, I could just put a blank panel in it's spot.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

You can start from scratch buy using plexiglas from Home Depot, Lowes, etc and use the panel you have to make the basic panel. Buy any gauges and switches you want right here on IBoats. If you want a completed panel, check Great Lakes Skipper (greatlakesskipper.com). They have all sorts of complete panels but it is very likely you would still have to modify something to fit your boat. The map light is simply a plug in deal. Pull it out and pitch it the garbage -- it just unplugs. Replace that socket with a new accessory socket or two which are also available here on IBoats. You can do away with the indicators by installing switches that have indicator lights built into them.

 

[dccordell]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

I like the plexi idea. I see a few gauge sets that are affordable. Is there anything I should be looking out for in gauges? I'm wondering about the speedo gauge. I have to replace the pitot tube and all that so I'm wondering if I would have to match the pitot with the mph of the gauge?

Thanks all for the replies...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

Pitots are generic and will work with any pitot style speedometer. Besides, they are not the most accurate instrument so they are general reference rather than absolute indication of speed. Not knowing what you have for an engine means I can't recommend "exactly" what you need but for two stroke outboards here is my recommendations:
1) Voltmeter
2) Water Pressure (no sender involved)
3) Fuel Level
4) Tachometer
5) Temperature (sender needs to match the gauge)
6) Speedometer (optional) Not necessary if you have a fish finder with speed capability.

If you have an I/O which has a four stroke motor, you can use all of the above minus the water pressure, but add and oil pressure gauge. A matching sender is required.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

To be honest with you, I'd ditch everything and bring all the gauges and switches up to date. A good way to fab panels is to buy some 3/16" Lexan, use your old panels as paterns, scuff the backsides, then spray paint black. Comes out real nice...

 

[dccordell]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

Yes it is an I/O motor... A mercruiser 470. The only question I have from your post silvertip is are the oil pressure gauges and sender specific to each other or generic? The PO had put an oil pressure gauge on the motor so I don't think the sender is functional any more. And the same question about the water temperature sender and gauge?

Seabob, I'm thinking about doing that... I've never worked with lexan or plexi much. Do they cut well? Any special tools or blades? Thinking about doing it for my switch panels too and putting in new switches. Maybe try it for the gauges first to see how it comes out.

Thanks for all the good ideas..! And answers.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

As for temperature and oil pressure gauges, all you need to do when buying them (or an entire gauge set) is to ensure you buy an I/O gauge set. These sets include oil pressure and temperature and may also include the senders. If they don't the gauge manufacturer will list the required sender. Outboard and I/O temp gauges use different senders and 2-stroke outboards don't need an oil pressure gauge. Hence the difference in the two sets.

 

[dccordell]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

Ok, sounds easy enough. I did notice that most of the sites that sold gauges listed a sender somewhere close by.

I realized yesterday that my dash doesn't even have an oil pressure gauge. Just the normal 6 (tach/speedo/temp/volts/fuel/trim). Should I try to add one if I end up replacing the whole dash panel? There is the pressure gauge (an actual pressure gauge, not dash gauge) on the motor so it can be checked whenever. However, there is a light on the dash by the ignition key that says "OIL", so I'm guessing that was (at some time) connected to a low pressure alarm switch? I can't tell for sure because it isn't hooked up any more.

With the 6 gauges in there currently, there isn't much leftover space so I'm not sure that I could even add the pressure gauge if I wanted. I'll look at it more today.

Thanks again.. cold temps down here are holding up my progress (and a snow storm, WHAT?!?)

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

The OIL light is the same as the one on your car and is very often called an "Idiot Light". Not that this applies to you of course. Back when cars had oil pressure gauges, people viewed them like a gas gauge in that they thought a low reading meant you had to add oil. Fact is, low oil pressure means there is a serious issue with the engine, such as an oil pump going bad or worn rod, main, or cam bearings. Obviously being low on oil can cause a low oil pressure reading but that is usually not the problem. So yes -- by all means add the oil pressure gauge and go one step farther. Add warning horn to the light. You can find what's called a Piezo (no pizza) alarm at Radio Shack. It has just two wires and can be connected across the light terminals. When the oil light circuit is activated both the light and the horn will sound.

 

[R Socey]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

Check out Kocian Instrumentshttp://http://www.ccgauges.com/photos.html I got rid of
all the plexi on my cc and had the pieces made with teak, and
ribbon mahogany.

 

[dccordell]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

Looks like those guys at Kocian do some great work on gauges! I don't know how they do it..

Having said that.. it is pricey! I can only see doing that if you have some rare gauges that you just don't want to replace or you want something customized. There is nothing special about my gauges so I don't mind just replacing them with a new set.

Silvertip: I will be adding in the oil pressure gauge. One question: there is a sensor for the oil pressure gauge, is this the same sensor that will activate the low pressure light and alarm or does that require an additional sensor? Also, will the buzzer always go off between the time I turn the ignition key to "On" and when the motor is actually running? Like if I just turned the key on for a moment to check fuel level.
I see some oil/water temp alarm kits online. Are these worth the money, or is it just as good to use a piezo buzzer like you mentioned?

 

[Reel Kahuna]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

... I wanted to make a new panel, what sort of materials should I consider?

If you have a TAP's Plastic store near by you can buy your material there. They'll cut the material to your preferred dimensions where as at Home Depot/Lowes, you'll have to buy a sheet. I replaced my panel using 1/8" thick x 6" x 19" material that cost less than $5. I bought my rocker switches (not yet installed in the pic) from Radio Shack for $4 each but my dash is in a cabin. Yours being a CC, you'll need water proof type switches.

 

[dccordell]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

That looks pretty good Kahuna.. how hard was it to cut the holes for the gauges? What tool?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

Holes are cut with a "hole saw". Home Depot, Lowes, or any hardware store. Or drill a small hole and use a "copeing saw". (Also available at home improvement stores)

 

[swl]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

Dremel, jigsaw, hole saw, just dont use anything with teeth too big, it will probably just crack the material. BTW that is pretty nice work kahuna

 

[dccordell]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

I have plenty of hole saws. Wasn't sure if they would cut through that material. If that doesn't work, I have jigsaws, dremels and grinders of all sorts, so I should have no problems with the holes. Next time I go by lowes, I'll be seeing what they have there for the material. I don't think we have a TAP's Plastic around here, so that may limit my choices in material.

Bubba... those are some awesome looking gauges on that site. I'm going to do a little more digging around on there later when I have more time.. looks like they have a ton of different styles on there. Thanks for the link..

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

AutoMeter also makes automotive gauges so be sure you are looking at "Marine" gauges. Auto gauges are not moisture resistant and will rust up in heartbeat on a boat.

 

[dccordell]

Re: Replace gauges and switches/panels?

AutoMeter also makes automotive gauges so be sure you are looking at "Marine" gauges. Auto gauges are not moisture resistant and will rust up in heartbeat on a boat.

Ok, I imagine that goes with other brands as well so I'll be paying attention to what I'm looking at. Thanks for the tip...