Community Forums

MMendrygal · 11-29-2018, 10:20 AM

We had our 2005 Newmar Essex in for work on the driver window switch and the shop cracked our burled wood (plastic) console. Any ideas on how to find one to replace this and all the switches it holds? It has a cup holder built in, HWH system, and Allison drive buttons all held by this unit. Newmar tells me that the mold is no longer in production and they cannot help. Hoping others may have found a solution.

Mitch

TonyMac · 11-29-2018, 10:36 AM

VisoneRV.com is one of a few wrecking yard for RVs. I have gotten parts from them in the past. Not cheap, not too expensive, but available.

MMendrygal · 11-29-2018, 11:34 AM

Did try them already without any luck. Appreciate your reply. Any other suggestions out there?

bruceisla · 11-29-2018, 12:27 PM

I made a new one from Luan plywood (Lowes ... about $7) and covered it with upholstery vinyl in a color that is a close match to the dashboard. Vinyl was from Joann's Fabrics. I reused all the switches and controls. I moved them on the panel to better suit me.

"007" · 11-29-2018, 01:45 PM

You will find other salvage companies in this link plus info for ESSEX Owners.

MMendrygal · 11-29-2018, 08:13 PM

Both great replies. I do not have the tools to do the luan remake...but can plan that for a time I am around one of my kids places. Thanks for all the great replies.

**TonyDi** · 11-29-2018, 08:37 PM

You might also want to consult with a local cabinet maker. He could probably make one for you (out of real burled wood). Probably be as cheap as some of the RV salvage yards.

Miked2145 · 11-29-2018, 09:16 PM

Might want to talk to these guys.

http://www.nwrvsupply.com/category/SDP.html

bruceisla · 11-30-2018, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMendrygal

Both great replies. I do not have the tools to do the luan remake...but can plan that for a time I am around one of my kids places. Thanks for all the great replies.

For price comparison, my vinyl covered panel:

1) Luan $7
2) Vinyl $10
3) Spray Adhesive $8
4) Jigsaw (cheap model) $18
5) Electric drill (cheap model) $17
6) Drill bits $8

Note that I took the opportunity to move the switches and shifter to a more comfortable position. I also moved the mirror control to the rear to provide more support at the front edge (the weak area of the old plastic panel). I omitted the cup holder because I don't like liquids near my electronics.

MMendrygal · 11-30-2018, 08:45 AM

Thanks for all of the replies. I will do some digging into the salvage sites provided and then at worst case...can work on my own replacement.

bruceisla · 11-30-2018, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMendrygal

Thanks for all of the replies. I will do some digging into the salvage sites provided and then at worst case...can work on my own replacement.

You may luck out but the panels I've seen have damage at the thin piece in front of the mirror controller. Over-tightening the screws is the usual cause.

MMendrygal · 11-30-2018, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceisla

I made a new one from Luan plywood (Lowes ... about $7) and covered it with upholstery vinyl in a color that is a close match to the dashboard. Vinyl was from Joann's Fabrics. I reused all the switches and controls. I moved them on the panel to better suit me.

Bruce,
Do you by any chance have the template you used as we have the identical layout?

I would appreciate it greatly!
Mitch
512.663.8445

bruceisla · 11-30-2018, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMendrygal

Bruce,
Do you by any chance have the template you used as we have the identical layout?

I would appreciate it greatly!
Mitch
512.663.8445

My template was the old burl panel. If I remember correctly, I didn't need to remove the wires from the mirror control ... you can turn it a bit and the whole controller will fit down thru its hole. I labeled the other wires and took a bunch of pictures before disconnecting anything. Took about a half hour to separate the panel from components. I traced the outside onto the Luan and cut it. After a trial fit I used the burl panel to trace new "holes" where I wanted them. Probably took 15 minutes to cut the panel and holes. If it didn't fit I was going to cut a 2nd one with adjustments. Got lucky and the first one was fine. Then I cut the vinyl about 3 inches bigger (1 1/2 inches all around the panel) than the panel. Sprayed the top of the panel, flipped it over, and laid the panel on the vinyl and pressed it flat. Waited a half hour and sprayed the back of the vinyl (the excess beyond the panel) and rolled the vinyl excess over the edges and pressed it flat to the back of the Luan panel. Then I trimmed the corners and pressed that flat. I then trimmed the vinyl to expose the holes. While apart I added some strain reliefs to wire bundles ... It's a mess in there. The wiring is long enough to relocate switches/controls to positions you like. I never liked needing to reach backwards to shift so I moved the shifter forward. I also moved the 3 switches forward and moved the mirror control slightly to the rear to leave more wood (for strength) at the front edge. Feel free to ask anything ... I have 9 more pics showing the back of the old panel and wiring. If you PM me and include your email address I'll send you the pics. I don't have any pics of the raw panel and the step-by-step .... I was too busy with adhesive to shoot

Bruce