Have a 2003 Chaparral and the panels look like wwod but appear to be plastic. Getting some whire spots on some of them. Can they be remade using them as a pattern? has anyone had the same issue and how was it solved. I think it would cost big $ to get replacements from Chaparral
dash board panels
- Thread starter ajschwab
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- Jan 1, 2000
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I made a new panel for my Wellcraft 23 Nova about 10 years ago. I used aluminum and had it powder coated white. New gauges, switches (with pushbutton breakers instead of fuses). Even had a graphics shop do some fancy labelling. I was pretty happy how it turned out.
Not the best image, but you get the idea.
Not the best image, but you get the idea.
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- Aug 5, 2008
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I had a 1990 Signature 30 I replaced the panels about 6 years ago. I didn't like the original panels so I didn't consider calling the factory however I think it would be much cheaper.
I sent the original panel to a shop in FL and spent about $1500 on wood grain panels they looked great. I also replaced every gauge, switch, steering wheel and wire harness.
Although I sold the boat it is still at my marina and the panels still look great.
I sent the original panel to a shop in FL and spent about $1500 on wood grain panels they looked great. I also replaced every gauge, switch, steering wheel and wire harness.
Although I sold the boat it is still at my marina and the panels still look great.
Prospective
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- Sep 7, 2006
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Had same problem on my old boat with the faux wood panels. Posted same question on BE last year and was referred to www.vectorled.com I spoke to them and price seemed reasonable. Did not end up doing anything but Scott was very helpful via email. They would take your old panels, make a template and fabricate new ones.
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- Jul 12, 2007
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If you go to the Chaparral Owner's forum, you'll find a whole thread on replacing the dash panels. It seems to be a common problem for Chaps as they age. Hy
Here is what I did. If your boat is a 2003 your gauges are made by v3 and probably not repairable.
I redesigned my dash and put new gauges at a fraction of Chaparral costs.
I called vectorled and he seemed reasonable.
I just decided to get away from the faux wood.
I redesigned my dash and put new gauges at a fraction of Chaparral costs.
I called vectorled and he seemed reasonable.
I just decided to get away from the faux wood.
I just redid part of my dash to accommodate a second Northstar 6000i. I used starboard from west marine. Cost about $30 for the board, used regular wood working tools to cut and shape, and bought some burl-wood vinyl for $15.
The install was easy. I am putting the vinyl on this weekend, but relaxing on the hook right now. If you need to do it, go for it, if you are cutting and installing new materials, the only risk is your investment in the materials. You can always put your old stuff back.
The install was easy. I am putting the vinyl on this weekend, but relaxing on the hook right now. If you need to do it, go for it, if you are cutting and installing new materials, the only risk is your investment in the materials. You can always put your old stuff back.