Dashboards

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Bliss

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I have two flat instrument panels with many small holes and labels. The product looks like a thin Formica laminate with a very shiny burlwood finish. They are very very sun faded. The OEM wants $500.(+/-) for new boards. I have found a couple of companys that will do a one off, but again, for about $500.

I have to believe I can find suitable board locally and apply a good veneer? Its the very small labels I can't work out. I've called several printers and labelers for help. Nothing so far.

Have any of you a solution to the printing problem?

Thanks, JS
 
You could use on of those electronic printer label makers. I think the kind with the transparent tape would work if you can get them to print small enough letters. Otherwise, custom labels made by a professional label company or engraver. Probably very expensive!
 
would paint look that bad? I dont think those mica panels are for exterior but if it is flat maybe a brushed or engine turned SS sheet would look good.
 
somtimes a new clear coat will make those faded dashes look better
 
Jim,

if the type of label that you are looking for is a rectangular type, try any local electrical distributor. they make those label all the time for electrical boxes. Otherwise try a trophy dealer....
 
Isn't there some way to make those labels on your PC?
Make them in MS Works, keep reducing them till you get what you want.
Print them to photo paper, and then (glue) them onto the new Burlwood Formica, and then clear coat the whole thing, re-nstall the stuff in the holes?
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but, aren't those labels not really labels but a transluctant cut out to allow the instrument light to shine through?

This would be the reason for the cost.
 
This AM I heard from Scott at scott.cam**verizon.net and he is about to complete his first set of dashes for a Sea Ray 330DA I should know more about his product and pricing in a few days or weeks.
 
Check with a sign shop ... I had some very small "signs" made up to put the name of my boat on some coffee cups. They used the same kind of material they used to make boat names.
 
I would think any vinyl sign shop would be able to help you out in making a few decals to put on the dash, they would probably last longer and not fade as fast as some of the other methods mentions, then I would clear coat over the decals and call it a day.
 
Blue Seas Systems has some really nice ones in either 1/2" x 1" or 1/2" square
 
Seems lots of folks have the same problem. RCI Custom in Frederick, MD can make an engraved replacement plate cut to fit, in almost any conventional material.
 
I've got some fabulous looking engraved aluminium plates in various thichness from Front Panel Express. You download their free software and design your own dash, switch panel etc. Email them the file and in a few days it comes back. The look like OEM and can even have your boat logo on them if you have a copy in a file.
 
I had a 1987 Wellcraft 192 classic with those stupid "inverted hockey stick gauges". I wanted to replace the dash and gauges. I went to a cabinet maker who fabricated a piece of teak for me, and cut the holes for the new gauges. I bought some of those gauge labels at a marine supply store added them - ended up with a real nice looking dash, with new gauges. I used the old dash as a template for the dimensions of the new dash (instrument panels is probably a better description.)
 
Jim,
The guy posted some of his work somewhere on here... Looks nice.....

Good luck

Rob
 
Quite an idea from Bud about getting the dash engraved.

My thought was to get a custom car/motorcycle painter to paint the sign...or just a sign painter for that matter.
 
Rob, yes, Scott just completed the part with no lettering and is about to do the panel with the labels and promises to post the results soon. It is for a late 90s Sea Ray Sundancer 330DA. Apparently the first one is the big job. After that he has it in his "system". More later. I hope! JS
 
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