My 1973 36' Sports Cruiser is in need of a new trim control dash plate.
I'm thinking I might have to find a company who can produce a new plate from a 3-D printer. My concern is the clear backing that lets the writing on the front of the plate illuminate when the dash lights are on.
Any thoughts, suggestions or possible leads for a new plate?
Try New wire marine
This is what they do
Here's the top of a backlit breaker panel they custom cut for my 35
Thanks Jeremy!
I'll give them a call!
Jeremy is correct. New Wire can make most anything you want. I used them extensively to create a new dash panel for our 47, Given extensive issues with the TCS system, we got rid of it and went to all new rocker switches, gauges and had room to add items. We used the old helm panel and hinge to create the basis for the design. Even that new Lux Matte panel created more room due to the removal of the frame border around the old panel. While expanding the whole helm to make more room, primarily for the chartplotter, would be better it was a project that was beyond what I needed and wanted to take on.
If your TCS system is working you are fortunate. If it has issues some serious thought should be done to decide whether patch work is the direction you want to take. As a for instance, your trim tab control panel takes up considerable space compared to the simple two rocker switches required. It's a big step to start over. Best.
MIke
Thanks Mike. Fortunately my TCS system work fine on both helm stations. The trim panel has been broken since I bought the boat and most likely from someone trying to troubleshoot the trim tabs.
I did contact New Wire and looking at getting just the trim control panel replacement at this time.
Craig
Good to hear everything is working. Few if any on ours was working or then failed. Some were bypassed to a new typical wiring systems and controls. With the original helm panel was swiss cheese. To add a few things and make some temporary changes until we jumped off the cliff I simply covered the panel inside the border/frame with 1/4" black Starboard. Routed the edges, cut new holes in both and srewed it in with black cap screws. Looked much better but didn't solve the foundational issues. Good luck.
My boat lived a very sheltered life! Actually spent it's entire life under a shed and had a very easy life. I will most likely update the panels once I do start having troubles with the TCS. Looking behind the dash and all the wiring looks like a very daunting task.
You are correct.