bertram31.com

I am redoing the dash panel----I have already rechromed the the surround and flat panel----but after looking a some custom jobs would like to have a engine turned panel---not sure if i should have one made out of aluminum or stainless and where to have it cut and finished---any ideas?

Craig i suggest stainless due to most gauge sets for marine use are stainless and aluminum will react with the dissimilar stainless. Even if you use plastic ones the aluminum is a little higher maintence.

Craig, I am thinking about changing my panel also. SS would be my choice. I am going to try to find out who was making them for any of the carolina boats before all the electronic engines. Any pic's of your old pannel rechromed?

Frank

I had my frame chromed. The marina used the old one as a template and cut one out of white formica. That was 18 years ago and still looks like new. Walter

Another option is clear 1/4 in plexi glass. Just scuff the backside and spray paint any color you like. I used this method for covering all the old cutouts in my dashboard with one big piece then cut out what i need in the plexi. I used black paint but any color works and wont show whats behind it

craig is looking for real engine turning, we went over some other options but his mind is set.

I even suggested engine turned vinyl under his gauges, when the gauges are in place very little of the panel is left visable anyhow.

craig says the original panels are stewart warner and were not custom made for bertram.

Craig's boat is looking very good. Try these guys.

http://www.fpmmetals.com/index.php

Powder-coated this to match the windshield frames.

Craig- curious on how you made out. Any headway yet?

I am still working on it.

I may decide to go with what I have---its plain chrome---but looking at the panel with gauges installed---there is not much showing.

Thanks for all the feedback.

Engine turned metal:

http://www.fpmmetals.com/aboutus.php

Engine turned Acrylic sheet:

http://www.theinstallbay.com/product_in ... hp?id=1883

Also check out their carbon fiber sheets.

I located a company in Calf that can do it--just ordered it.

http://www.haneline.com/

How much?

FYI on Dash Board

Originally I thought this was an item unique to Bertram like the bow chock.

This is not correct, in fact this is a stock Stewart Warner panel used in the 1950's and 60's commonly referred to as a Hollywood panel. Many early Rybovich and Merritt used one. The only thing different was Bertram installed the panel upside down with the large tachs on the bottom.

When I bought my boat, which was 10 years old at the time, for some reason the original panel was replaced with a teak and formica panel. The original steering wheel was also missing---but have already replaced with an original 3 spoke cast aluminum one.

I did locate an original panel which I rechromed. But after seeing some with the engine turned finish decided that was the way to go.

My original 1966 insert is engine turned chrome over laminate.

Thinking of replacing all gauges when I do new panel----will probably go with original SW but anybody have any other suggestions?

My post above, VDO Ocean gauges.

Craig,
I am in the same boat right now. I ordered Isspro gauges and senders. Plan is to change everything out this week. I am thinking about what to do with the pannel. Probably just change the center with fomica or plexi. I'll figure it when I pull out the out dash. Might rechome this winter.

here you go craig

Now that is just beautiful!!!

that is Craigs new panel

Wow... That is sweeet.
Whats that costing?


Wayne

Very nice. I was thinking of replacing & refubishing both (fly and lower station) guages and panels this winter.

The insert panel cost $160 and they turned it around in 2 days---my original panel had additional hole for horn button which I deleted.

I bought the frame many years ago---don't remember how much and had it rechromed--a couple years back.

Rob at Raybo thinks I should go with some white faced guages --looking at some Faria Models---anybody familiar with them?

--looking at some Faria Models---anybody familiar with them?

All that I've ever come in contact with have been pure junk... Go Isspro.

Br,

Patrick

Capt Pat-
On your recommendation I switched out the fuel sender to an ISSPRO a few years ago and it is flawless. Very important to have a good idea were your fuel level is when you have 454's x2 sucking it down at such a high rate!! For anyone who hasn't done it, throw away your $25 Tempo sender and spend the $75 or so to go with an isspro.

With respect to their guages, how do they hold up over the long term in the marine environment? From the web site it looks like most of their products are geared toward the tucking industry. Also curious if I would be able to get the correct oil pressure and temp senders for my old gas motors.