Looking for GRP Plate or similar

boristhebold · 26 March 2012, 10:22

Ive fitted a new VHF into console some time ago and the new unit was smaller than existing unit which meant I need some form of plate to cover the bigger hole in the console. Ive put in a temporary plate made of steel and painted it, however was only meant as a temporary solution as the paint is coming off all ready.

Can anyone recommend how I could either make a plate/panel out of GRP or is there some form of plastic sheet that is rigid enouth I could buy and make a new plate ?

Downhilldai · 26 March 2012, 13:13

Acrylic sheet is cheap, easy to work with and comes in various colours.

If you use GRP, then you'll have the uneven glass surface to counteract. This could be machined smooth, if you were insistent on using a GRP flat section to overlap the existing hole. The edge would need to be finished, eg with flowcoat, so quite a bit of aggro.

Neatest option would be to dress the hole back flush with GRP and make good a new opening for the radio in the fresh glass, but quite a lot of work.

Bigger radio would have been good.

whisper · 26 March 2012, 13:32

This is how I did my SR4, if you want more details I can post more info:

http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/whisper-...t-38078-4.html

Ribochet · 26 March 2012, 13:35

I had a similar problem and went to a local hardwood joinery and got a lovely strip of teak about 6 mm thick FOC.

After routering the edges and applying a couple of coats of yacht varnish it looked pretty damn good

Oscarguitar · 26 March 2012, 14:08

Boris,

This is the stuff you need. Widely used in the States for covering holes in consoles where smaller items are fitted or to re-furb/freshen up older outdated designs.

King StarBoard® | King Plastic Corporation

I haven't tracked down a UK supplier, but it shouldnt be too difficult. I will try and find a link to an example of it being used.

Oscarguitar · 26 March 2012, 14:12

Here you go...

What material do I use to modify the console on my center console? - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum

boristhebold · 26 March 2012, 14:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oscarguitar

Here you go...

What material do I use to modify the console on my center console? - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum

Thanks Oscar

Pikey Dave · 26 March 2012, 15:25

You can make GRP sheet easily enough, get a piece of cheap white faced chipboard, a few quid from B&Q. Wax it with release wax, apply gelcoat in colour of choice & lay it up with chopped strand mat to your desired thickness. Let it go off & peel it off the chipboard, voila! one sheet of GRP to cut & work as you like.

jyasaki · 26 March 2012, 15:57

Starboard is a proprietary name for HDPE sheet. It would have to be about 1/4" thick to get any kind of structural rigidity. Easy to cut and machine (woodworking tools do a fine job) but a PITA if you need to glue it.

Acrylic is brittle (and clear, so not ideal if you're trying to span openings that are no longer needed.)

You can get either real or imitation laid up carbon fiber sheet (imitation is usually printed fiberglass, I think) in various sizes and thicknesses that should work well (most plastics shops will have it.) Easy to glue (epoxy), not sure about machining, but I suspect it wouldn't be too bad. Looks good with SS screws as well. Sort of boating bling.

jky

Downhilldai · 26 March 2012, 16:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Acrylic is brittle (and clear, so not ideal if you're trying to span openings that are no longer needed.)

Colour Perspex Acrylic Sheet - A4 SIZE 297 X 210 - Over 40 different Colours | eBay

Downhilldai · 26 March 2012, 16:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

You can make GRP sheet easily enough, get a piece of cheap white faced chipboard, a few quid from B&Q. Wax it with release wax, apply gelcoat in colour of choice & lay it up with chopped strand mat to your desired thickness. Let it go off & peel it off the chipboard, voila! one sheet of GRP to cut & work as you like.

Yes and if you're in the mood for laying up some GRP, then probably best to use your skills & materials filling the existing hole, rather than making a piece to cover it up.

Pikey Dave · 26 March 2012, 16:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Yes and if you're in the mood for laying up some GRP, then probably best to use your skills & materials filling the existing hole, rather than making a piece to cover it up.

It was just a suggestion. Easier to make up a plate "off board" than do it in-situ, if he cocks it up, it's not the end of the world. I don't know what his skill level is.

nugent · 26 March 2012, 18:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Colour Perspex Acrylic Sheet - A4 SIZE 297 X 210 - Over 40 different Colours | eBay

off cuts are allways available to fellow ribneters

colour and size required sir ? + postal addy

Downhilldai · 26 March 2012, 21:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

It was just a suggestion. Easier to make up a plate "off board" than do it in-situ, if he cocks it up, it's not the end of the world. I don't know what his skill level is.

Sorry PD - wasn't knocking your suggestion, just advising an alternative use of the GRP materials. Agree - a lot easier to lay up the GRP on the bench, but a better end finish if the hole gets filled.

This is a change - an 'ole filling thread.

Pikey Dave · 27 March 2012, 06:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Sorry PD - wasn't knocking your suggestion, just advising an alternative use of the GRP materials. Agree - a lot easier to lay up the GRP on the bench, but a better end finish if the hole gets filled.

This is a change - an 'ole filling thread.

Non taken

Be gentle it's my first "hole filling thread" so I'm a tad inexperienced on the subject

Portholme · 27 March 2012, 17:22

I used 1.4mm carbon fibre sheet that looks pretty smart. Cost a few quid on ebay

Firefly · 27 March 2012, 18:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by boristhebold

Ive fitted a new VHF into console some time ago and the new unit was smaller than existing unit which meant I need some form of plate to cover the bigger hole in the console. Ive put in a temporary plate made of steel and painted it, however was only meant as a temporary solution as the paint is coming off all ready.

Can anyone recommend how I could either make a plate/panel out of GRP or is there some form of plastic sheet that is rigid enouth I could buy and make a new plate ?

Have you sorted it yet? It would be helpful to see the present arrangement.
the smartest way is to make up your panel from ply of a suitable thickness and fibre glass it with a very fine GRP matting such as is used in the aerospace industry. (I can let you have some). this will provide a very smooth finish with 2 to 3 layers. Then apply a layer or 2 of flo-coat (gelcoat) in the colour of your choice (white in your case). It's much easier thann it sounds.
Photo attached of a locker seat I made for my rib using the aviation spec matting and flo-coat. Much better finish than conventional matting.

Let me know if you need some.

JW