instrument sun covers restoration

[superboots]

The sun covers on my cockpit instruments are getting tatty. Is there a practical way to restore their appearance and strength. My preferred option rather than to replace as new ones (Raymarine ST60) are probably unavailable or expensive

 

[stuartwineberg]

Quite a few threads on 3D printing replacements

 

[Eeyore]

The sun covers on my cockpit instruments are getting tatty. Is there a practical way to restore their appearance and strength. My preferred option rather than to replace as new ones (Raymarine ST60) are probably unavailable or expensive

You could use the old covers as moulds and make new ones with glass fibre, as I did with my Standard Horizon chartplotter.

 

[greeny]

Just had a thought after seeing the finished glass fibre version which is very impressive.
There used to be a plastic gooey type paint available to dip the end of ropes into to seal them instead of whipping.
If you could source a supply of that of the right consistency, could it be sprayed or painted onto the old covers as molds and built up in layers to produce a soft, plasticky, rubberised cover.

 

[sailorman]

The sun covers on my cockpit instruments are getting tatty. Is there a practical way to restore their appearance and strength. My preferred option rather than to replace as new ones (Raymarine ST60) are probably unavailable or expensive

The new Evo sun covers fit the ST60s & cheaper than buying replacement st60

 

[greeny]

Just had a thought after seeing the finished glass fibre version which is very impressive.
There used to be a plastic gooey type paint available to dip the end of ropes into to seal them instead of whipping.
If you could source a supply of that of the right consistency, could it be sprayed or painted onto the old covers as molds and built up in layers to produce a soft, plasticky, rubberised cover.

Quick google found this but loads of other suppliers.
https://www.amazon.com/Smooth-Cast-300-Liquid-Plastic-Compound/dp/B004BN7G0E

 

[superboots]

Thanks for the replies. I could not find a reference for Evo but wondered if Nasa covers or Raymarine i series covers would fit. I like the liquid plastic but wonder how this would last especially when exposed to high levels of uv I did think of trying to refurbish the old covers by coating the outside face with resin and fine tissue and then gel but doubt my skills to get a good finish

 

[neil_s]

I gave mine a few coats of Halfords domestic appliance white spray paint. It did the job!

 

[KAM]

I sprayed my Raymarine covers with Halfords grey plastic paint. They look good and it should help slow down the UV degradation of the plastic.

 

[superboots]

Halfords plastic paint sounds a quick fix. Managed to get a job lot of raymarine covers for the i series for not too much money. Previous thread said they fit ST60 - hopefully that's true. Might even break even if I can sell the old ones.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Thanks for the replies. I could not find a reference for Evo but wondered if Nasa covers or Raymarine i series covers would fit.

Having seen the cost of the Real Things, I have Nasa covers on my old B&G repeaters.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Just had a thought after seeing the finished glass fibre version which is very impressive.
There used to be a plastic gooey type paint available to dip the end of ropes into to seal them instead of whipping.
If you could source a supply of that of the right consistency, could it be sprayed or painted onto the old covers as molds and built up in layers to produce a soft, plasticky, rubberised cover.

"Dip-It" , If I remember correctly.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

I seem to remember a PBO project making instrument covers with a canvas of matching choice and draw strings.

Looked pretty good.

 

[Malish]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but making up a sun cover out of acrylic canvas would do wonders for the longevity of the plastic, like many things on a boat, the wear is taking place when the boat is moored up....... must get round to it myself some time ;-)

 

[Neeves]

I had foresight and mad a cover for the complete instrument panel , actually to keep the rain off. I then lacked the foresight to include protection for the compass and when it started to look tatty I simply coated it with resin, painted it with white epoxy - job done. I never see the compass cover as it comes off when we are on board.

Jonathan

 

[superboots]

If I get the time I might experiment with a covering of fabric for the larger covers. I have just the stuff. Acrylic canvas on a pvc backing so easy to glue. Could look quite smart.

 

[Malish]

If I get the time I might experiment with a covering of fabric for the larger covers. I have just the stuff. Acrylic canvas on a pvc backing so easy to glue. Could look quite smart.

I wouldn't stick the fabric onto the instrument covers - hold the fabric in place with short lines or velcro / press studs secured to the fibre glass surrounds; much easier to replace in a few years.

 

[tudorsailor]

Here is one that I printed earlier. Its printed in ASA which is UV resistant. I think that I found the file on Thingiverse. FWIW, it takes 6 hours to print!

 

[superboots]

Yes canvas fixed - studs or Velcro - to the surrounds would be easier to arrange

 

[nw04jen]

Does anyone know how to get the suncovers for glass bridges 'sticky' again - mine have lost their 'stick'!!