ContessaBob
Active Member
I am planning to fit a new ply instrument panel box to the grp bulkhead. The old one seems to be glued on (no signs of glass matting etc) is there a standard way of doing this with epoxy?
Instrument Panel
- Thread starter ContessaBob
- Start date
Talbot
Well-Known Member
Is this a box to contain the whole instrument to allow a flush fit while standing out from the GRP, or is a face panel providing a handy plank to ensure is watertight?
Personally in either case I would not consider a permanent fixing as getting behind it becomes a real nightmare. A panel that can be waterproofed and screwed on would be my solution, and using a piece of heavily smoked perspex provides a really professional looking finish with nowhere near the same degree of difficulty of the wood.
Personally in either case I would not consider a permanent fixing as getting behind it becomes a real nightmare. A panel that can be waterproofed and screwed on would be my solution, and using a piece of heavily smoked perspex provides a really professional looking finish with nowhere near the same degree of difficulty of the wood.
ContessaBob
Active Member
Sorry, I didn't make it clear that the panel box was inside the boat. This will house the switch panel etc. and have a hinged door for access to electrics. thanks Bob
Talbot
Well-Known Member
wood to GRP can be fixed a number of ways. as this is going to be a semi permanent fix, why are you bothering with a back to the box. I would make the side frame for the box, and give it a quick coat of epoxy - this will enable any blemishes during the fixing process to be easily solved. I would use a fast setting glue to hold the frame into place, even hot melt will do, then use lengths of the special webbing made for grp when there is a tight corner (- forget its name) and put one layer on with epoxy, pushed really tight into the angle between box frame and grp back, then when dry, add a fillet of epoxy filler on the right angle so that you can end up with a nice rounded corner, and when dry and rough edges removed, put another two layers of a thin grp cloth with epoxy making sure well wetted. That should hold it, and you havent wasted space at the back with a uselesss piece of wood at the back so it doesnt have to stand out so far.
ContessaBob
Active Member
Thanks for all the advice. You have confirmed what I intended to do. I did not intend to have a back to the box you will be pleased to know, for the same reasons you articulated. Again thanks. Now to get on with it. Easter is going to be a busy one. Cheers Bob
Talbot
Well-Known Member
Photos on completion????
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