Console overhaul

Into The Blue · 09 December 2008, 14:03

So, winter has arrived and the rib is going to get a bit of work done. Foremost in the plan is overhauling the instruments and electronics on the console. Problem is all the new stuff won't fit into the same size holes as are currently cut into the console.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to fill in the existing cutouts and re-face the console?
I'll try to get a pic up to show what I mean, but what material would you use and where can I get some? Has anyone doene this and got some pictures?

thanks

kwil · 09 December 2008, 14:33

I have started a similar job this winter, I have not completly finished but here are some pictures of progress so far. The first picture is before I started then with everything removed and finally the solution mount everything into an insert that will fasten over the old holes.

Keith

rickuk3 · 09 December 2008, 15:02

When I was fitting out the console on the sea harrier I made a mistake and cut a hole wrong, to correct it I fixed a piece of white faced ply that had been waxed over the hole to seal it, then from the inside applied a gel coat when that had gone off I applied layers of glass fibre matt and resin to fill the hole and slightly overlap it. When it had all gone off I removed the white faced ply and then gently rubbed down the gel coat to remove the slight amount that had seeped between the ply and the console. When finished you had to look hard to see it.

Nasher · 09 December 2008, 16:22

ITB Hi.

When I had the same issue I found a piece of Black Plasic from a sign maker that has a grained surface, cut it to size and fixed it down with Stainless screws in Stainless cups. It was bedded down on sealant to stop any leaks.

Its actually the second time I've done this, as mods to the boat over the last couple of years had left the original looking a bit rough.

You can just see it in the image below.

Nasher

nugent · 09 December 2008, 18:40

Black Plasic from a sign maker

Nasher di bond is substrate mentioned, they do a nice butler finish also in silver

if you require a small amount gis a shout

Hightower · 09 December 2008, 20:51

You can buy nice sheets of carbon fibre from ebay. Cut this to size and laquer over for that sexy shiny look

Downhilldai · 09 December 2008, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickuk3

When I was fitting out the console on the sea harrier I made a mistake and cut a hole wrong, to correct it I fixed a piece of white faced ply that had been waxed over the hole to seal it, then from the inside applied a gel coat when that had gone off I applied layers of glass fibre matt and resin to fill the hole and slightly overlap it. When it had all gone off I removed the white faced ply and then gently rubbed down the gel coat to remove the slight amount that had seeped between the ply and the console. When finished you had to look hard to see it.

Spot on

you can also use melamine faced chipboard - dirt cheap. Use plenty of wax.

ollyit · 10 December 2008, 10:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

You can buy nice sheets of carbon fibre from ebay. Cut this to size and laquer over for that sexy shiny look

superb idea, very pimp -

Tim M · 10 December 2008, 11:37

Or you could get a company to make up a nice panel for you. Pic one shows the RIB when I bought it, pic two shows the console with everything removed, having been prepped and had a coat of primer. Pic three shows all done with sexy panel fitted.

ollyit · 10 December 2008, 11:43

good effort tim

Into The Blue · 10 December 2008, 13:08

Thanks for all the suggestion.
Tim - who made up the panel? I've never tried to find anyone to make something up in GRP before. I guess any fabricator should be able to do it.
And the Carbon Fibre idea appeals - a bit bling but could look good. I'll have a trawl round the interweb tonight and try to find a supplier. Stuff on Ebay mostly appears to be a bit small.

JSP · 10 December 2008, 13:37

ITB,
this seller on ebay say he can do any size up to 180cm x 60cm out of real carbon fibre sheet.

Hightower · 10 December 2008, 19:00

I'll phone my Sister as my Brother in law works for Red Bull F1 and that's where I got mine from

Quote:

Originally Posted by Into The Blue

Thanks for all the suggestion.
Tim - who made up the panel? I've never tried to find anyone to make something up in GRP before. I guess any fabricator should be able to do it.
And the Carbon Fibre idea appeals - a bit bling but could look good. I'll have a trawl round the interweb tonight and try to find a supplier. Stuff on Ebay mostly appears to be a bit small.