Recessed instrument / switch panels

[ktisdall]

I have a 1984 200ccp.  I'm interested in replacing the old brittle recessed instrument panel and switch panel in the console.   I need to find a source for the recesses they sit in.  Not concerned about the panels themselves, mainly where do I get those recessed mounting pockets?

--Kevin

[Capt. Bob]

Kevin,
I can't tell if anyone has those "off the shelf". Seems I remember John Dupree did away with his but his Bud "Big Mike was working on a mold for the instrument cluster.

So what good does that do you?

Not much in the short term but hopefully you have the old insert (or what's left) and can find a fabricator to mold one up for you. Seems I remember someone here had a lead on a company that did just that.
Wingtime???

Good luck.

[fishinonthebrain]

Sounds like a great little fiberglass project to get you started.

Welcome.

[icemanbryan]

I was looking at mine on sunday.
I thought about making a template from it and doing a fiberglass replacement.
This winter I have some upgrades and one if them is a lighted panel.
It would be nice to install it in a new recessed area.

[gran398]

Great strides lately in pulling molds. Would be a fun project...and potentially some commercial value.

Keep us posted guys

[jdupree]

Kevin,
I can't tell if anyone has those "off the shelf". Seems I remember John Dupree did away with his but his Bud "Big Mike was working on a mold for the instrument cluster.

So what good does that do you?

Not much in the short term but hopefully you have the old insert (or what's left) and can find a fabricator to mold one up for you. Seems I remember someone here had a lead on a company that did just that.
Wingtime???

Good luck.

You are correct Bob.  I gave my insert to big Mike.  He decided to go his separate way and to  my knowledge, I don't think a mold was ever made

Anyway Kevin here it what I did.  I just made a simple switch panel out of starboard and for the instruments got rid of the insert and mounted my gauges on Lexan.  Nothing fancy but very functional.  I never liked the recess for the switches.  Seemed like I always had to cock my head downward to even see the switches.

Switch Panel


Instruments

[ktisdall]

Thanks guys.

I'm not going to be able to make one. No time and few skills for that sort of thing.

I'm ok with top-mounting the gauges.  The recessed ones are actually somewhat hard to see.

I was hoping to keep the switch recess, but maybe a different switch type (vs toggle) would keep them from being bumped on or off on a surface mount.

--Kevin

[jdupree]

I think you would be better off to make a surface mount like I did.  I have the Carling rocker switches.  Several folks on the board have them and they are great switches.  They are low profile so I don't have any problem "bumping" into them.  Here is the link below:

http://www.carlingtech.com/switches