A Florida based 1987 390 Express Restoration

JC80 said:
Al - I'm bringing this comment forward from page 5 of your thread because I had a few questions about your dash panels. Any advice you could lend would be really appreciated!

1) I see from your blog post (http://searay390ec.blogspot.com/2013/07/instrument-panel-restoration.html) that you fashioned the top panels on your own and only used FPE for the two breaker panels. How difficult was it to color match the paint for the top panels to the panels you received from FPE?

2) How thick of was the aluminum you used and what kind of cutting tool did you use to cut the raw aluminum for fit and the gauge holes? I'm trying to figure out if this is something I can do on my own, or whether I should consider a material up top other than aluminum... and also to consider the possibility of future expansion of instruments so I would need something I can re-cut later.

3) Were you able to find a way to export your FPE file so that others could utilize them? I would love to import the files and to see what their prices are now a few years later, because the price at the time you quoted above of $40-50 per panel sounds like a steal!

Thank you and good luck with your restoration!
Click to expand...

I used .125" aluminum and painted white with 2 part automotive white. As far as color match is concerned - this is a boat not a Maserati. Stay with a neutral white - not to warm or cool and you will be fine. Since I have since replaced a few of the panels with 1/4" starboard because it is much easier to work. If you mount a VHF or something heavy I would suggest aluminum otherwise the starboard works and looks fine.

Fabricating the aluminum: I used a 3" hole saw and a drill press to cut the gauge holes. Run the press at slow speed, use lubricant and wear gloves when holding on to the part or securely clamp it up. You can also use a sabre saw with a 24 tooth metal cutting blade. Might have to do a little file work and it will take longer.

Here are my panel designs and collateral literature:

http://stroboflash.com/searayproject/downloads/Instrument Panel Designs.zip

I will post some photos of the "almost" finished console tomorrow. I discovered today that it gets too hot inside the console in the Florida sun for the JBL stereo. Thermal overload cuts it off when it reaches 125. The surveyor freaked when he walked past the console and the stereo quit. I knew it was heat related. I am going to cut a 4.5" hole in the port side of the console for a 12v muffin fan and an exhaust ports at the other end. I will do something creative! There is a pile of electronics in the console now and heat is the death of electronics. Will post on that when finished.

Al (Dr. Microchip)
 
Last edited:
Al, Thank you so much for the response! starboard! why didn't I think of that? That seems like it would make much more sense for my purposes, especially since my vhf is on one of the lower panels. I'm going to look into this, thanks! I also appreciate the aluminum guidance since I ultimately may need to use that.

Unfortunately your link to the zip file does not work... I think it's because of the spaces in the name of the file... I've actually noticed that being the issue with a couple other documents and links on your website as well.

I can't wait to see the (near) final product and also your fan solution. Thanks again!
 
Here are some promised photos:
Simple! I like Simple! I am lazy too - check out the video cameras in the bilge. I can just look at the video to see if my sea cocks are open, shafts are running true or if I am sinking!

DSC_0069.jpg
DSC_0070.jpg
DSC_0073.jpg
DSC_0074.jpg
DSC_0075.jpg
DSC_0076.jpg
DSC_0077.jpg
DSC_0078.jpg
DSC_0079.jpg
DSC_0080.jpg
DSC_0082.jpg
 
The ER camera feed isn't color?

Dale
 
No dedicated ER lighting then?

I think you need to spend another season working on it, Al - It's not ready.:grin:

Dale
 
Well I guess I could flip the switch and turn on my state of the art LED bilge lighting - but then you wouldn't have any opportunity to bust my chops - so I won't! All you get is black and white! Sorry Dale - you will have to visit in person to see it in color.
Clip.jpg
 
I like the sound of that, Al. I look forward to it.

Dale
 
This just looks incredible! The color scheme and organization is superb. Their is a lot of inspiration here for other owners here, including me!
 
Al - You are an inspiration to DIY guys... I went back and read this thread from the beginning twice. I even poked around on your blog; it's fascinating. Looking forward to hearing about how everything behaves in the water. Best of luck on the launch!
 
Here are some more photos. This is the first time I took the top down since the restoration. The view is incredible and the boat looks so big! Love it! Six more weeks until splash!

DSC_0090.jpg

DSC_0091.jpg

DSC_0092.jpg

DSC_0093.jpg

DSC_0094.jpg

DSC_0095.jpg

Thanks for the anchor shackle Pietro!!!! It works perfect!
DSC_0096.jpg

DSC_0097.jpg

DSC_0098.jpg

DSC_0099.jpg
 
JC80 said:
Al, Thank you so much for the response! starboard! why didn't I think of that? That seems like it would make much more sense for my purposes, especially since my vhf is on one of the lower panels. I'm going to look into this, thanks! I also appreciate the aluminum guidance since I ultimately may need to use that.

Unfortunately your link to the zip file does not work... I think it's because of the spaces in the name of the file... I've actually noticed that being the issue with a couple other documents and links on your website as well.

I can't wait to see the (near) final product and also your fan solution. Thanks again!
Click to expand...

I fixed the link
 
Al, it's good to see you are finally close to launch! You should be proud of all the hard work you put into your beloved 390!

I was curious to see if you tested the "italian" anchor shackle!

I just can't believe it was one year ago that we were testing my 390 here on the Med.... As I told you already, I'm sure you will find that your boat performs better that what you may think now.
 
Pietro said:
Al, it's good to see you are finally close to launch! You should be proud of all the hard work you put into your beloved 390!

I was curious to see if you tested the "italian" anchor shackle!

I just can't believe it was one year ago that we were testing my 390 here on the Med.... As I told you already, I'm sure you will find that your boat performs better that what you may think now.
Click to expand...

Yes! One year ago - how time flies! Now it is your turn to bring your lovely Chiara to Florida so Linda and I can return the favor.

DSC_2396.JPG
 
ahhh
the Fiat 500

Al the boat looks amazing i can look at these pics all day!!!!!!!!

Did you paint the cockpit floor also?

the dash and teak look incredable!!!

Saverio
 
Everything looks so clean! You know what's amazing... even though I've poured through your photo gallery a dozen times, every time you post a picture I get some new inspiration. This time I noticed that you painted the frame of the sliding door white (and presumably painted underneath where the vinyl strips were on the sides of the helm); simple change, but such a clean difference. Though I'm not sure I'll want to go through the effort of removing my door assembly (looks like it could be tricky) the way it ties your helm together is great!

Dr MicroChip said:
I fixed the link
Click to expand...

Thank you! This is a wealth of information - can't wait to get FPE downloaded when I get home.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,248
Messages
1,429,275
Members
61,128
Latest member
greenworld
Back
Top