Rosewood dash replace

[Grandlaker]

Hello to all, new to forum so thanks in advance for any help. I've got some faded dash panals on my 226 cobalt. Factory replacements are over a thousand dollars. I'm looking to see if any of you have used a stick on replacement kit. If so, how did you go about getting lettering prinited on them for the switches ?

If anyone knows of a place that makes these please let me know.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

Welcome to iboats,

I've sent you a PM

regards,

Bear

 

[1fishbone]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

Welcome to iboats,

I've sent you a PM

regards,

Sorry Bear, but the idea of answering a forum question with PM's leave the rest of us asking the same question!
Kinda defeats the forum.

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

Grand,

Can you post a few pics so we see what you are seeing? That would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[Grandlaker]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

Yes Sir. I'll get some pics up.

 

[Grandlaker]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

ok, so what image host does everyone use on this site ? Flikr not cooperating.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

picasa web works great

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

Sorry Bear, but the idea of answering a forum question with PM's leave the rest of us asking the same question!
Kinda defeats the forum.

Sure I get it, but I had some non topic related questions, due to the fact I'm currently purchasing the exact boat he has, and wanted him to realize he had a PM because he's a new forum member.. So my apologies... Your post didn't exactly help much either dude. But I agree with your point.

So now back on topic.

I suggest if possible removing the wood inlay, sanding, staining, adding new labels, then varnishing, or clear coating over the labels. I can't tell if it would work cuz I do not have the boat yet.

 

[Grandlaker]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

pic attached. You can see there is wood inlay under a clear epoxy of some sort. I was hoping there might be a kit to to lay over the old one. Problem would be to get the lettering on somehow and not look like crap.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

pic attached. You can see there is wood inlay under a clear epoxy of some sort. I was hoping there might be a kit to to lay over the old one. Problem would be to get the lettering on somehow and not look like crap.

I cannot view the picture?

The image host must have been blocked at my work, I can see it fine from home...

 

[scipper77]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

There are many possibilities here. I personally think sanding and refinishing might be the best option if the wood only covers the controls area.

You could make a polished steel plate with cutouts for the lights and buttons. After you fit the plate find someplace with an engraving machine and label it that way. Maybe paint the engraved areas so the text stands out.

Another option might be to have a label made where the letters themselves transfer off the labels backing and varnish over that.

 

[Grandlaker]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

Yeah I dont know now. I searched the internet today to find something in the way of a kit to use. I can send in the old parts to have them matched but the stenciling of the letters "under" the clear epoxy is the issue.
Spoke to the dealer again too. If I pull the panals and scrap the old wood / epoxy off I can get replacement stick on wood panals with the lettering for a little over 500.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

What if you just removed the clusters,sand the epoxy/wood ( removing all flakeing of cource ) and gluing down new rosewood vanere. Trim it, add new lettering, drill the holes out and varnish ?

I would try to sand the thing to save the old wood vanere..but it could be a waste of time..your call

YD.

PS. 500 seems a bit highish to me. Try a Full service Marina for quotes as well..

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

Have you posted this on the iboats Cobalt forum? May be worth a try...

 

[Grandlaker]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

I think I like what you suggested the most. If I try to sand first, what grit should I start with ? Assuming that works, what do I apply over it to give it that shine back ?

Thanks!

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

The finish is shot so lightly sanding and refinishing it will yield less than satisfactory results. Sanding all of the old finish off is risky as you could burn through the veneer. The best way to do it would be to chemically strip the original finish, sand, clear, labels, clear again. Something like...

- remove everything from wood panel
- strip the original finish with Jasco or Aircraft stripper
- neutralize stripper with TSP/water, rinse well with fresh water and dry (all finish and stipper needs to be gone)
- lightly sand the panel with 220
- apply 1-2 coats of finish, something marine rated (UV protectants)
- wetsand
- apply new labels
- apply several coats of finish
- wetsand
- another couple coats of finish (trying to buildup the finish and level the labels)
- wetsand
- apply final finish coat
- put back together

(if you build up too much finish in the holes, run a drill bit through them in REVERSE to open the holes back up again)

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

The finish is shot so lightly sanding and refinishing it will yield less than satisfactory results. Sanding all of the old finish off is risky as you could burn through the veneer. The best way to do it would be to chemically strip the original finish, sand, clear, labels, clear again. Something like...

Chemical strip sounds like a great idea, last night when I could see the picture, I noticed how thick the clear was over the wood, sanding most likely would burn through at least some of the veneer, and a chem strip is the way to go. Great tips and advice, I'll most likely be restoring my wood using this method also...

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

I would take YD's advice there and go ahead and sand down smooth and apply new veneer, I've used venners alot and it's not bad to work with. Rockler.com has veneers in stock along with everything you need to apply it. Several coats of clear ployurethane will put the shine back for years to come. Sherwins Willimas lacquer is great but won't hold up to weather like poly will.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

I would take YD's advice there and go ahead and sand down smooth and apply new veneer, I've used venners alot and it's not bad to work with. Rockler.com has veneers in stock along with everything you need to apply it. Several coats of clear ployurethane will put the shine back for years to come. Sherwins Willimas lacquer is great but won't hold up to weather like poly will.

Rockler.com is a cool site... I guess if you want it to look factory tight, this is the way to go... I've never tried veneering, it doesn't look to be hard at all... YD and Cadwelder have great ideas if the original veneer cannot be restored. Let us know when you decide grandlaker..

 

[Grandlaker]

Re: Rosewood dash replace

What if you just removed the clusters,sand the epoxy/wood ( removing all flakeing of cource ) and gluing down new rosewood vanere. Trim it, add new lettering, drill the holes out and varnish ?

I would try to sand the thing to save the old wood vanere..but it could be a waste of time..your call

YD.

PS. 500 seems a bit highish to me. Try a Full service Marina for quotes as well..

This all seems in the realm of my ability. But, where do I get new lettering ?