dash panels

[raymondcmartin]

I have a 34' searay that the 2 dashes have faded and I want to replace them. Does anyone know once you have the new dashes how big of job this is? Can you do it yourself or do you need an expert?
Martin-i

 

[JediJD]

One of the sponsors on the site is Vector Imaging...if you search you'll find a lot about him. I think the consensus is that he is a craftsman that does really good work at a fair price, however he isn't the most organized, timely or responsive guy right now (he is going through some personal stuff). If price and quality are your bag, and you aren't in a particular hurry, then he is probably a good bet.

Edit...apologies for misreading the post. I thought you were looking for someone to make the dashes, but you were asking about the swap. Since I am doing one right now, I think I can testify that its a pain in the ass, and incredibly time consuming, but not rocket science. I am carefully pulling each switch, labeling each wire, and taking a lot of digital pictures to keep from screwing it up. I'll probably have a day or two in the whole process but I'm a little neurotic about doing a good job.

 

[Old Vet]

I wouldn't consider a job like this beyond the capabilities of a do it yourselfer who has some mechanical/technical ability and is able to apply a little common sense and just take a slow, well thought out logical approach. There have been a few guys on here who have changed their dash panels and done great looking jobs. With a little time and patience, I'd do it myself if I had a need and wouldn't hire an "expert" myself personally.

Were I to do it...if starting totally from scratch.....I think I'd get whatever material I was using for the new panel....trace out locations of gauges etc on it using the old panel as a template (assuming you like the lay out and don't want to change anything)....and cut all the holes with a good..appropriately sized hole saw for each instrument.

When removing everything from the old panel.....I'd be sure to carefully label or number every wire (maybe even do a drawing of the back of the panel first)...then disconnect everything and remove the old panel. From there, removal of gauges and switches is easy.

Most important thing for me would be to make sure I didn't screw up the wiring when reconnecting everything....lots of wires back there....so I'd make sure I have either a real good drawing to follow...or be sure everything was very carefully labelled/numbered to ensure they all get back to where they're supposed to go.

Maybe someone else who has done it themselves will pop in here with a good tip or two.

But it's certainly do-able without hiring an "expert".

Good luck.

 

[1956olds]

Hi raymondcmartin,I know mine is a bit older but your boat should have two to three plugs behind it .two is a time saver as only about 12 wires will have to be numbered .Three is a dream i would think,mine is a two plugger,at least for the gauge panels.I did my change over this weekend,its not a job you can sit and have a few beers while doing but need a few 3-4 hrs of quiet time .These gauges were a set in a dash that wasnt used from 1996,they are the same harness except for the third plug i had to cut off and follow leads back to the proper gauge.Have fun.Glen PS:I am colorblind

 

[JerryS]

I think that it depends on whether you have a basic understanding of the methodology of how these boats are wired originally. That and a basic understanding of DC circuits and some prior experience of working with the wiring should get you through it. It is just a matter of being logical in your approach to do the job. You have to do a lot of labeling, picture taking and being patient. It is a time consuming job.

When I did mine, I could not get enough leverage on the wiring harnesses to get them apart while standing upside down on my head under the dash. So, I had to pull the switch panel out enough to un-due each wire and label it. But, I got it - here are the before and after shots.

 

[raymondcmartin]

Thanks very much for the reply. I'm not very mechanically inclined so I'll have to think about it
Martin-i

 

[MonacoMike]

Thanks very much for the reply. I'm not very mechanically inclined so I'll have to think about it
Martin-i

Don't skimp on material. The material from Vector is better than most you can find and his work was perfect on the dash. I would check what the rate would be at your dealer. If that is beyond the budget try to find someone laid off from a dealer or marina to install on the side, often this is a cost effective option. It will be cheaper to pay someone to install than to pay someone to repair. Don't ask how I know.

Good luck, MM

 

[JerryS]

It will be cheaper to pay someone to install than to pay someone to repair. Don't ask how I know. MM

Did you get a T-Shirt with that? :smt001
I have several if you need one! :smt001

 

[ddoval]

Hi Martin-i,

I purchased my replacement panels for my 33 Sundancer from Vectorled. They have a new distributor, Blue Water Specialty Marine Products. The turnaround was 2 weeks. I spoke to Larry. 248-404-7221. I love them.

Ddoval