Installing new dash panels

[Todd320]

I will be installing new panels from Tecnografic.com, they came pre-drilled, where would I find the nice black screws sea Ray used to attach it with? I could reuse my old ones, but thought it would look nicer if I had new screws. Second, some of the holes in the dash are stripped, any recommendation on how to correct for that? Fill with some type of epoxy, let it dry, the drill new holes? It might be moot if the new panel has the holes in a different location, then I would need to drill new ones, but since this is the original panel manufacturer, I’m guessing it will be exact.

Finally, this was mentioned in another recent thread, but what type, if any, sealant should I put between the panel and the boat? I think the consensus was life seal(?), but I need access behind the dash every so often, so needs to be something I can remove.

 

[MonacoMike]

Fill with Marine-Tex and drill again.

I have never sealed any of mine and have never noticed any sealer being present when I removed them.

My local hardware has black anodized screws in the hardware section.

MM

 

[lawndoctor]

They are black oxide stainless screws. Fastenal has them in a variety of sizes. https://www.fastenal.com/product/fa...level=3&isExpanded=true&productFamilyId=25893. I think the ones on my panel are #8 x 3/4” long.

 

[Todd320]

Fill with Marine-Tex and drill again.

I have never sealed any of mine and have never noticed any sealer being present when I removed them.

My local hardware has black anodized screws in the hardware section.

MM

Thanks, one less thing (sealant) I have to worry about!

 

[bobeast]

Yeah. I wouldn't use sealant with the panel. The originals didn't have any. For the screw holes, you can drill out the old stubs if they are broken off, then fill with a 2-part epoxy, and re-drill a pilot hole at the same location. This is assuming the new panel holes match the existing pattern. If they don't then I would still fill the old holes.

 

[hottoddie]

I used thin weatherstrip from HD on the back of my dash panels. I also painted my old screw heads by screwing them into a piece of scrap wood a couple of turns and spraying with Rustoleum

 

[NotHerDecision]

Todd320

I was unable to find any stainless black screws. I used the black anodized ones and they quickly rust and look bad in short order. I ended up buying 316 stainless screws from fastenal and taking them to a coating shop and had them coated matte black. It ended up costing me a buck a screw but the look really nice after 18 months.

Others on the dock have used the hardware store versions and the ones on flounder pounder and they will rust in just a couple months. .

 

[Craig]

I got my screws at Lowe's. They have ss in black and and White heads. I didn't use sealant on mine.

 

[NotHerDecision]

Can you provide an item number on those screws? That would save some bucks!

 

[Craig]

Can you provide an item number on those screws? That would save some bucks!

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-8-x-3-4-in-Phillips-Drive-Sheet-Metal-Screws-4-Count/3024531

 

[Rocky5514]

What price range did the Technografic panel run you.....? Ballpark