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The instrument panels on my 1989 Montauk 17 are in pretty rough shape, and I'd like to start over. Has anyone dealt with 1/4" Black Plexiglass or acrylic?. Seems like it would be easy to work with, and easy to keep clean, yet(on the negative side) scratch easily. Black Aluminum seems more durable, yet "dinged up" more easily. Lake boat...me, myself and I at the helm. I won't have to worry about someone smashing the console, in other words.

Perhaps I'm better off getting a "newer" instrument panel, rather than fabricating one.

Thoughts?

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Take a look at the "OEM Part Photos and Info" link on the left sidebar.
That should give you some ideas.

Also, take a look at the "Articles" link on the left sidebar under "Parts Articles".
See the OEM Style Instrument Panels there.

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Thanks, Joe. I only have to replace the engine, replace the fuel tank, redo the wiring, and finish a bunch of gel coat work. Just looking ahead. Fourth of July launch is my goal. Just not sure what year!

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Please look at the last photo of my personal page. It shows a 1/4" Teak veneer over the metal plate. I used contact cement to bond the materials. I also used z-spar captains varnish. Just another alternative. Hope this helps!

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I ordered OEM blank panels from Sue Lodel @ Twin Cities Marine for my Outrage 17. The panels are identical to thise on the Montauk 17. I took advantage of the opportunity to relocate the gauges and switches for efficiency. See my personal page.

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Take a look at the pictures and comments for mine on my personal page. They are a bit updates and look great. Direct replacement. I hope this helps you.

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Thanks, guys. You have been a great help and the albums have me itching to scream across a bay!

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ClarkO, I did replace my org salt corroded chipped faded metal interment panels aprox 5 yrs ago with beveled black plexiglass that was etched with BW and switch ID's. I was done locally by Fantastic Plastic in Stuart, Fl. It has been Great, no scratches, cracks and easy to "shine". Oh ya, Not expensive.

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Joe, I have a 1978 Montauk as you did. Did you replace your teak instrument panels or are the ones in the photos original? If I wanted to replace, were the originals a plywood or solid? My boat is still covered and I can't remember if my current panels are solid or plywood.

Thanks.

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Most of the pre-1983 center console Whalers had 1/4" teak plywood instrument panels. My experience is none held up very well.

I have replaced all of mine with varnished solid teak, planed to 3/8" thickness and with a small 45 degree beveled edge. See the Montauk album on my personal website for the factory original configuration of the 1977-1982 center console.

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Mine are not original.
I did the same thing Finnegan did.
3/8" solid teak with the 45º bevel.
I also made the one on the port side larger so I could fit in another instrument.
http://users.sisqtel.net/jkriz/Montau...onsole.jpg

Port side panel.
Voltmeter, Tachometer, Trim gauge
I moved the Hour meter to inside the console.

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Thank you both.

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I just created a custom teak gauge frame for my 1977 Montauk 17. I cut it from 1/4" teak and oiled it to match the rest of the wood on the console. The photos are now on my personal page.

The previous owner installed black acrylic. I like the look of the acrylic, but there were some cuts around the gauges that were visible, and I wanted to remove an unused lcd that was mounted in there. It's not original, but I designed the frame to clean up the area, improve the appearance and cover the open hole.

Brian

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That looks good Brian, nice job.

I have removed most of the black 'vinyl' and now need to remove/replace some gauges and replace the teak dash panels as well.