Community Forums

tadams72 · 02-15-2020, 10:59 AM

So my 26 year old coach is in need of some dash repair. Many of the panels have become brittle and are cracked. I am considering getting my own Lexan to replace them and make some mods for different radio and such. The problem I have is where to get the laser cut “covers” that allow the backlight to shine through the labels. Surely someone has been down this path so hoping for some insight and sources. Thanks.

**CountryFit** · 02-15-2020, 11:07 AM

Easier route is probably getting a used one. Contact Colaw RV or Visione.

jwlce · 02-16-2020, 09:15 AM

We have a local Plastic/sign shop that has both CNC and laser etching ability (Piedmont plastics). I am interested in having them do some work and I just need to bring them the old part. If it were me I call around to see if there is some one around locally that has this ability to fabricate one for you. I may also be a good time to move around some switches so that you might have some space to upgrade the electronics. My only concern with used parts is that they are likely in the same condition as yours. Some plastics just get old.

tadams72 · 02-16-2020, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwlce

We have a local Plastic/sign shop that has both CNC and laser etching ability (Piedmont plastics). I am interested in having them do some work and I just need to bring them the old part. If it were me I call around to see if there is some one around locally that has this ability to fabricate one for you. I may also be a good time to move around some switches so that you might have some space to upgrade the electronics. My only concern with used parts is that they are likely in the same condition as yours. Some plastics just get old.

Agreed. I don’t want to put old plastic in and have to revisit this again. Also will make some layout changes for some of the components. Just not even sure what to search for locally. I’ll try some key words today and see what comes up. Thanks.

deandec · 02-16-2020, 12:11 PM

On my rig, the panels are two pieces. A base layer and the black overlay.

I replaced the base layer on several panels with stuff from Tap Plastics.

https://www.tapplastics.com/product/...UaAntcEALw_wcB

I have not had to replace the overlay plastic.

tadams72 · 02-16-2020, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deandec

On my rig, the panels are two pieces. A base layer and the black overlay.

I replaced the base layer on several panels with stuff from Tap Plastics.

https://www.tapplastics.com/product/...UaAntcEALw_wcB

I have not had to replace the overlay plastic.

Dean,

My overlays are in such poor shape I hate to reuse them. I certainly could make the Lexan base panel but would prefer to get new overlays as well. Worst case scenario is reuse them I suppose. Thanks.

jwlce · 02-17-2020, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tadams72

Agreed. I don’t want to put old plastic in and have to revisit this again. Also will make some layout changes for some of the components. Just not even sure what to search for locally. I’ll try some key words today and see what comes up. Thanks.

Search terms might be plastic sign, plastic fabricator or plastic supplier. Plastic supplier may be able to tell you who they sell to that may also do this type of work.

deandec · 02-17-2020, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tadams72

Dean,

My overlays are in such poor shape I hate to reuse them. I certainly could make the Lexan base panel but would prefer to get new overlays as well. Worst case scenario is reuse them I suppose. Thanks.

Your material supplier might be able to refer you to an Acrylic engraver or laser cutting outfit

TQ60 · 02-27-2020, 09:03 PM

Common item.

Multilayer plastic then engraver removed some.

Sign shop or plastics supplier good start.

If you can create a cad drawing price will be better