Repairing holes in the console

[richardjawilson]

Hi there.

I am wanting to remove an old fuel gauge, engine hour gauge and generally patch up some holes on my console where various GPS units have been moved about.

I was thinking of using fiberglass mat on the inside of the console to provide a backing, then fill that over with an epoxy filler leaving a small recess and top off with a gelcoat paste.

Is this a sensible way to go about it??

I have ruled out the use of blanking plugs as they would not be ideal.

regards richard

[Poly]

Richard - I think there are two "normal" ways to deal with this.

(1) cut out a big whole in the console covering all the gauges etc. then fit a sheet of steel/ally/carbon fibre etc over the whole area with holes cut in it for the new gauges. There were some recent threads here on water jet / laser cut steel that might give you ideas. This approach probably best if you might want to change it again soon.

(2) temporarily cover the outside of the holes with something stiff and smooth like formica sheet. then build up GRP on the inside of the hole/console: applying gel coat first, then resin/mat for strength.

Option 2 is essentially the opposite of what you propose, but should require considerably less finishing effort that your way round.

[jambo]

Hi richard I had the same problem not so long ago. I n the end there were so many holes and voids where things had been that were not correct for what I was replacing so I completely recovered the consul by laminating a new complete piece over the original. Then cut what and where I wanted.
Hope this helps.

J

[richardjawilson]

Polwart, option sounds an easier way of going about it.

I have some experience of glassing but none using gelcoat

[jambo]

So my help was useless!!

[Dirk Diggler]

Originally Posted by richardjawilson

Hi there.

I am wanting to remove an old fuel gauge, engine hour gauge and generally patch up some holes on my console where various GPS units have been moved about.

I was thinking of using fiberglass mat on the inside of the console to provide a backing, then fill that over with an epoxy filler leaving a small recess and top off with a gelcoat paste.

Is this a sensible way to go about it??

I have ruled out the use of blanking plugs as they would not be ideal.

regards richard

your way will be fine, but i wouldn't bother with the filler.

[richardjawilson]

no Jambo, I had thought of that originally, but there are some holes on the curved surface of the console as well !!!

[CJL]

If your not too fusy try using some perspex which your glue over the whole console and then add stainless screws around the edge.

[jambo]

Richard what ever way you finally choose I wish you well in your endeavours. Have you tried askin the manufacturer for their advice?

J