dash panels

[frank1]

has anyone replaced the insturment panels [switches,gauges,etc]on there motorhome. mine are cracked near the screw holes and look dated ,i would like to use the old ones as a template to make new ones. looking for suggestions on what materials to use for the new panels

[tmh462]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frank1 has anyone replaced the insturment panels [switches,gauges,etc]on there motorhome. mine are cracked near the screw holes and look dated ,i would like to use the old ones as a template to make new ones. looking for suggestions on what materials to use for the new panels

Depends on the look you're going for. You can go with anything from varnished Oak to smoke Lexan. If you want the "old homey" look, you can use the wood, and "post-modern, black hole" look, you can use Lexan. If you want the "age of chrome" look, you can get a sheet of stainless steel.
Be sure to post photos as you go, we love pictures (as any Playboy subscriber will not admit...)

[Sundancer268]

I used 1/2" Teak Plywood for my Dash Panel. I painted the edge Flat Black from the back and re-arranged the instruments to my liking.

[frank1]

any one got any pictures of work/modifications done to there dash.

[StevenD]

Pictures would be great. I bought a 2000 GS Sun Voyager DP. The plastic panel next to the driver's seat that has the brake, the transmission controls is cracked and I would like to replace. Was thinking about building something nice out of maple to match the cabinets, but not sure how/where to start? any suggestions would be helpful.
thanks
Steve

[JoeKumanchik]

Just finished cutting a new dash for my 85 Gulfstream SunStream out of black ABS textured plastic (check out the photo). Looks Great. purchased from Tap Plastics

[Good man]

Nice job on the dash instrument panel retrofit, Joe. Thanks for the picrture.

[frank1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeKumanchik Just finished cutting a new dash for my 85 Gulfstream SunStream out of black ABS textured plastic (check out the photo). Looks Great. purchased from Tap Plastics

now ,thats iam talking about-your right ,it looks great

[Sundancer268]

Did you personalize it or just do a factory replacement? What ever you did, it looks great. I am slowly replacing my panels with teak plywood, one down and two more to go. I like to do them in the fall after we are done traveling.

[H. Miller]

For those of us "not so handy" check www.custominstrumentpanels.com

[JoeKumanchik]

The dash is designed from the original but with some modifications. And the main cluster is original. The plastic is ABS sheet stock from Tap Plastics and can be purchased on line. This peice was cut to size and cost less then $30.00. The sheets have a smooth side and a textured side. I use the textured side because it looks good and hides scratches but I do the layout on the smooth side. ABS is easy to work with and not near as brittle as plexiglass.

[gsitts]

Hi Frank,
I am working on the same problem... My 1995 scenic Cruiser has had water damage and a lot of use. I'm about settled on Fiberglass panels I can get thru electric supply houses (I build control panels for my living) They are heavy enough and work easily. Mine will be the original grey they come in (unless I hate the color) I'll keep everyone posted with picture etc. when I start.