New Dash Panels

[Jeff42899]

I just finished installing new dash panels on my 340DA. I'm very happy with how everything turned out. I purchased these at Flounder Pounder. The new layout adds two more cupholders and gets the vhf mic away from my knee. The wiring part was a bit intimidating initial but taking my time it went smoothly.

 

[Strecker25]

Looks great. I did the same for our 290 last year. The FP panels are nice for the price. Like you, I figured the wiring would be a pain. I took each gauge off and loosely reconnected it behind the panel then did it in reverse for the new ones. It went pretty smooth. Did you replace the switch rockers too? I did ours since the little icons were worn off

 

[WV 320 Dancer]

Nice work!

 

[Phasma]

I did the exact same thing to my 360 last year, Patience and paying attention pays off.

 

[Little Ducky]

WOW is that how bright the switch names should be?

 

[brewster16]

WOW is that how bright the switch names should be?

My switch names can barely be seen at night.....is that a simple fix?

 

[Stee6043]

I hope those buggers have a dimmer

Very nice looking project. Nicely done.

 

[Jeff42899]

I hope those buggers have a dimmer

Very nice looking project. Nicely done.

HA! Yes there's a dimmer. I re-used the original backlight strips and aligned them properly to the cut-outs and it really made a difference.
Thanks all for the kind words. Canvas next weekend then carpet... Come on spring!

 

[Little Ducky]

I re-used the original backlight strips and aligned them properly to the cut-outs and it really made a difference.

How are the light strips attached that you can realign?

I might need to do that with my current dash pieces to see them better.

 

[Creekwood]

I did my dasha few years ago. One tip is to buy black or brown plastic screw caps (clear screw base and a snap on top) from Home Depot or Lowes. The plastic base protects the panel a bit from the screw cracking it and the cap covers the screw. Here is what they look like (I used black). If you zoom in you should be able to see them.

(FYI, the dash shows my optimum cruise speed on a 97 330. the 454's ticking along at 3400 rpm and about 30 mph)

 

[Jeff42899]

How are the light strips attached that you can realign?

I might need to do that with my current dash pieces to see them better.

They are a "tape strip" led with an adhesive foil backing. When I removed them (there are 2) from the original, they weren't lined up exactly right. I aligned the tape strip on the lettering better and assisted the original tape with some black duct tape around the perimeter. You can see the two pieces with the two wires going to them in this pic. They are on either side of the tri-data.

 

[Little Ducky]

Fantastic...... ^^^^ Thanks for the picture ^^^^^

 

[Creekwood]

They are a "tape strip" led with an adhesive foil backing. When I removed them (there are 2) from the original, they weren't lined up exactly right. I aligned the tape strip on the lettering better and assisted the original tape with some black duct tape around the perimeter. You can see the two pieces with the two wires going to them in this pic. They are on either side of the tri-data.

I found that the aluminum foil duct tape works better to mount the light strip than the black fabric type. The aluminum bends and conforms nicely and the glue holds well.