Adding Black Woodgrain to your Dash and New Contura 5 LED switches on Wellcraft Coastal 252 - 2004+
Posted: Wed May 04, 2016 11:45 pm
If you're good with wiring and want to update the look of your boat, this is the project for you!
The Original switches and dash vinyl had seen better days.
I carefully removed the gauges, switches, and trim pieces. Taking pictures before, and labeling will help you greatly with connecting everything back together properly when you are done. The switch bodies have to be removed in order to remove the old vinyl and wrap new vinyl on the aluminum panels.
I used a chemical stripper to remove the old vinyl. Cleaning the aluminum, and then wrapping new black woodgrain vinyl (purchased on eBay) on the aluminum trim pieces. Using a razor, blade to cut in and trim. A heat gun could be handy here to keep the vinyl tacky.
I took this opportunity to replace the faded worn switch covers with new switch covers I ordered from Ottawr. I had custom switches made for each of my circuits. I carefully disassembled the switch bodies, removed the old incandescent bulbs, and soldered new LED (Blue/Orange) into the switch bodies.
While your dash is stripped down, I figured a good time to polish the brown gel coat with 3M imperial polish, and wax.
Reinstall all your panels and you have a whole new look!
The Original switches and dash vinyl had seen better days.
I carefully removed the gauges, switches, and trim pieces. Taking pictures before, and labeling will help you greatly with connecting everything back together properly when you are done. The switch bodies have to be removed in order to remove the old vinyl and wrap new vinyl on the aluminum panels.
I used a chemical stripper to remove the old vinyl. Cleaning the aluminum, and then wrapping new black woodgrain vinyl (purchased on eBay) on the aluminum trim pieces. Using a razor, blade to cut in and trim. A heat gun could be handy here to keep the vinyl tacky.
I took this opportunity to replace the faded worn switch covers with new switch covers I ordered from Ottawr. I had custom switches made for each of my circuits. I carefully disassembled the switch bodies, removed the old incandescent bulbs, and soldered new LED (Blue/Orange) into the switch bodies.
While your dash is stripped down, I figured a good time to polish the brown gel coat with 3M imperial polish, and wax.
Reinstall all your panels and you have a whole new look!