Instrument Panel Replacment

[stephens013]

I am considering replacing the instrument panels on my 1997 400DA. Does anyone have experience with this procedure? Which is the best company to deal with? The compay offering the best look and fit?

 

[JediJD]

There are several threads on this. If you go to the end of this one, there are some pictures of what I went through http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/12200-Official-380-Thread/page41 . It was an issue of patience, both in sourcing the product (I used Vectorled.com and was very pleased but some people have used Marinemark), getting it right, getting it delivered, and installing it. However, none of it was really expensive (in boat dollars) or particularly difficult.

 

[stephens013]

Very informative. The previous owner never covered the dash area. As a result the once nicely burled look is now a dark brown blob. I also have several cracks at the bottom of the tachometers. I always solicit the experience of others before blindly charging off into something I know nothing about. This info helps a great deal.

Thanks much
Ron

 

[dicor]

I just went through the same thing with my 98. I posted a pictorial thread that may interest you. Here's the link:
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/42731-Dash-brought-back-to-life

FYI: I had a few hairline cracks on my dash, specifically around a couple screw holes and I confident that the vinyl I used is strong enough not to be effected by the crack. As a matter of fact I sure the vinyl added strength to it.

 

[fwebster]

I responded to your question about failing tachs, so you saw my new panels. They were cut by VectorLED and I was happy with the outcome. Some points to consider:

1.The replacement panels are much higher quality material and won't fade as quickly, but you ned to have a cover made for the helm area.

2. Changing the panels isn't hard, but can be tedious simply because there are a lot of wires to disconnect and reattach. Go slow, label every wire and mark every wire location. One screw up and you can spend hours trying to figure out what is wrong.

3. Opt for the extra $100 for the LED lighting. IT is far superior to the OEM light strips and it saves you messing with some very delicate foil lighting.

4. The factory panels are mounted with screws, but the screws go thru rubber step bushings that swell when the screws tighten. Thighten only until the screws swell the bushings and the screw heads contact the panel, not until the panel is squeezed tight against the fiberglass or you may crack the new panel. Be sure to order the bushings when you order the panel. If your panel source acts like he's never heard of the Sea Ray bushings, you can order them from MARCO Rubber.


Good luck with it...............

 

[330DA]

I just got my in. I used Vectorled, a sponsor here. Here is a link with before and after pictures.
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/42418-New-Dash-Panels-Thanks-Scott-Cambra

 

[MonacoMike]

I was very pleased with my panel from Vector LED by Scott Cambra. MM

 

[hmcsw]

Vector!!! 100%