Cleaning up the console

[ncp]

I'm reworking the dash for some new electronics. I decided on using aluminum (as was original) with a Green Zinc Chromate Primer and Black Semi-Gloss Rustoleum. It will give the dash a stock look, it will be thinner than starboard, and more rigid. As for the durability for my paint choice...I can always touch it up if need be (debated polyurethanes and epoxies but heard they're not that much better and pricier...powdercoating you can't touch up and and is even more expensive)

1. Remove the rather large (ok huge!), 10 year old, ICOM M120 and the aluminum panel (painted grey) that it was flush mounted to.

2. Move 12v panel from up in the dash down to the lower right between the wheel and the throttle (you can see the 5 1/2 inch x 7 inch grey panel already there where the new panel will go)

[ncp]

3. Machined some new panels of 1/8 inch aluminum. VHF cutout for Standard Horizon GX2150 and an additional 4 switches added to the switch panel.

Pictures:
(a) Original switch panel, included Carling MS-Series switch rated breakers.
(b) New panels cut and soaking in vinegar. Someone told me that this would etch them. $3 vinegar...why not?

[ncp]

Cardboard box, wire coat hanger = spraybooth

4. Spray primer

Pictures:
(a) spraybooth
(b) primed panels

Black paint going on tonight!

[jyasaki]

Pic #2: I don't think you should have bolted that black panel to the guys head.

jky

[ncp]

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Pic #2: I don't think you should have bolted that black panel to the guys head.

jky

Trying to keep the girlfriend out of pictures. She's annoyed enough right now about the time I spent reading about stuff on different forums while I'm in the "project" phase on the boat!

[ncp]

Ok, finally was able to finish cutting everything out of the new piece of aluminum. HDS-7, Fusion IP600, gauges, 3 switches, 3 circuit breakers, and 2 12v aux plugs.

The stock panel (which is nicer than the junk currently installed on the rib) is sitting next to it.

[boristhebold]

Looks a nice Job, send some pictures in one installed.

[ncp]

Progressing... Slowly.

Green zinc chromate primer underneath, black semi-gloss on top.




A little bit of overspray

[Squid Boat]

Nice work mate, I've been doing one from scratch. Seems like it's taking forever.

Cheers, Don

[ncp]

Originally Posted by Squid Boat

. Seems like it's taking forever.

I understand!

Last evening, I was able to get everything out of the dash while (mostly) keeping it all connected. This is good picture of how bad my dash looked. Multiple people working on it at different times - adding stuff, moving stuff. It looked horrible.



The dash is off, time to attack some of the web of wiring.



(there will be no more pictures of the wiring until I have time to really make it pretty. I moved some items and simplified some circuits but I then I just started putting gauges back in. I may want to take the boat out this weekend and I want it to be ready!)




I already think it looks a 100x better.

[ncp]

Moving along: switches in... Which took a bit of rewiring & the HDS-7







Doesn't look like much but it's the little things...

(Airmar P79 was installed too but haven't tested it yet)

[Squid Boat]

Looking real sharp, good things take time.

Cheers, Squid

[ncp]

Stickers make everything look better (so says my sponsored athlete friends who put them on everything)



The last bit will be to re-do the the 12v switch panel (lower right) to match the dash & the plate around the VHF (the in-dash switches are all 24v equipment).

[ncp]

12v panel wired up. Had four switches/breakers; now I have eight. Left column is (top to bottom) 40A master, then VFH, GPS, Sonar (Lowrance LSS-1),and a space in case radar is ever added. Right column will be music, 12v aux plugs, then two open spots which will probably go towards lights. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't get spacing perfect but it's a $4 piece of aluminum and some paint. I can redo it if I want!

[Squid Boat]

Looks OK from here...don't sweat the little stuff as long as the wiring is sound.

Cheers

[ncp]

So, earlier in this thread, the mess of wiring could be seen. I'm finally starting to work on it.

Now I know why people are proud of and post pictures their wiring. It's time consuming!

Hopefully, I'll have a little more time next weekend.

[Bigtalljv]

That looks nice. I'm already redoing mine as it don't come out as pretty as I wanted. Practice counts for a lot. Even with the best intentions I didn't get it right the first time

Jason

[ncp]

Originally Posted by Bigtalljv

That looks nice. I'm already redoing mine as it don't come out as pretty as I wanted. Practice counts for a lot. Even with the best intentions I didn't get it right the first time.

I totally understand. I think I'll "finish" this weekend so I can be on the water the following weekend but since I'm working around the large, stock terminal block, it's not going to be perfect - hence that small terminal block on the diagonal there. I used a piece of 1/4" starboard that I through bolted to the back of the box; that way I can just us #8 3/8" stainless screws to attach each terminal block and the bus bar.

I'm actually already planning the next redesign since I have more starboard. I'll scrap the stock one in favor of something a little smaller. I need to add a couple of terminals too so I can hook up the LED warning lights to each gauge.

[Squid Boat]

Tight.

Cheers