What to do about an ugly dashboard

[bajaunderground]

Re: What to do about an ugly dashboard

Tail_gunner that looks awesome...I was thinking the same with the imperfections. Hence, why I suggest the vinyl (it's a lot more forgiving of those?!) The 3M carbon fiber would be the fastest and most likely easiest?

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: What to do about an ugly dashboard

Ok while i have not done this project yet....i have the material's just a time thing now

1. Start with a clear sheet of acrylic and duplicate the exact dimensions of your old dash in other word's use it as a template
2. Make sure the sheet is 5/16 to 1/2" thick now router the edge's....your going for a deep 3d effect the thicker you can get away with the deeper the effect will be
3.After routeing the edges...."if you can get a 1/2 of cut the more the better" you will have a frost on the edges take the frost off using the below method

4. you should now have a exact template of your old dash made of clear acrylic the edge's routed and clear as glass
5.Carbon Fiber Sheets - Glossy - .5mm Sheets - Protech Composites
That site has the highest quality fiber ive seen.. notice the sheen. Simply bond it to the back of the template remove all of the bubble's and you will have a very wet deep 3d look for about 200

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: What to do about an ugly dashboard

And of course if you want to add even more finsih this is the way to do it.....The name of the boat...the brand or anything your heart desire's

Here's a shot of that fiber just being laid down...no plexi at all.

 

[Auger01]

Re: What to do about an ugly dashboard

Not being flat does make things more difficult. Since painting and fairing has been mentioned I would offer a suggestion. I would consider making the panel larger by incorporating some of the are below the original panel if possibile. With the extra panel area you might be able to incorpoate the garmin with a flush mount and then place your gagues as you see fit.