DIY new switch and gauge panels

[jamanati]

Have a 95 3200 SCR where the helm switch panel and gauge panels are showing their age. I've been toying with the idea of building new panels out of Lexan or StarBoard and spray painting the Lexan to a nice color, I believe Starboard isn't paintable. Anyone redo their own panels? Looking for ideas. Already called Bayliner, they don't carry those parts any longer for my boat. Thanks.

[biggerseagar]

When I was at the St Louis Boat show last year I met these guys.

Check their website out... might be able to help you. www.marinemarks.com

Roger

[MCM]

Wow! Night and day difference. I've never even heard of backlight tape.

[jamanati]

Thanks, I contacted them as well as http://vectorled.com but looking for a DIY project, keep costs in check.

[Horizon]

I redid my upper ones with a thin mahogany veneer epoxied to the existing aluminum then coated with Cetol marine varnish- came out great. I want to do the lower section someday.

[seapuppy]

looks good!!..


SP

[jamanati]

Looks great! Wow! What are your thoughts about the helm switch panel on how to preserve the labels/description for the switches? I have the exact same setup.

[Horizon]

Looks great! Wow! What are your thoughts about the helm switch panel on how to preserve the labels/description for the switches? I have the exact same setup.

I have two thoughts on that.
1. To replace the switch covers only with pre-printed ones, since by now the old "soft touch" ones are gummy. Carling has some and if you search you can pick them up for about $2 each for the non-illuminated. For me that would be around $30. You may have to buy the special tool to remove the switch caps (around $5)

2. Is to use rub-on lettering like you may find for crafts of drafting. Purchase the font and size that you want and rub-on each letter. Then coat the whole thing with spray on clear. I've done this on a guitar that I've built and with great success.

I am thinking of option #1 since most of my switches are gummy.
Hope this helps.