Recessed engine gauge panel

[sundanceoflorn]

I was looking for a recessed panel with a hinged perspex cover to house engine gauges and ignition. I looked through the forum and saw the below which looked ideal. I contacted Force4 who were UK distributors but they say the company is no more. However I did also see various suggestions to make one using a "plug moulding" which I'd like to do but am not sure how to proceed and what materials are best to use to get a good finish. Would welcome any guidance or pointers. Thanks

 

[rogerthebodger]

Have a look for cockpit storage boxes.

Or try these

https://ssicustomplastics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/SSI-2019-Product-Catalog.pdf


You may be able to adapt a plastic plant box with a perspex hinged cover.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Have a look on You Tube lots of videos on there. It is straight forward enough. Bear in mind you will need to make a pattern which is a replica of what you want first, the final item is moulded from that.

Requirements stuff to make the pattern I would use MDF as it is flat you can glue it and you can get mouldings for the curves you then need the resin, CSM, gelcoat with wax added and mould release agent or PVA. Some tools including some fine grit paper as you need to get the moulded surface as smooth as you know what so that your eventual box has a smooth finish. It's all in the preparation.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I was looking for a recessed panel with a hinged perspex cover to house engine gauges and ignition. I looked through the forum and saw the below which looked ideal. I contacted Force4 who were UK distributors but they say the company is no more. However I did also see various suggestions to make one using a "plug moulding" which I'd like to do but am not sure how to proceed and what materials are best to use to get a good finish. Would welcome any guidance or pointers. Thanks


View attachment 87149

I have one of these very ones spare - I bought it then changed my mind. PM me if you are interested.

 

[PlankWalker]

I made one using the underside of a shallow baking tray as a mould.

 

[sundanceoflorn]

I have one of these very ones spare - I bought it then changed my mind. PM me if you are intereste

I have one of these very ones spare - I bought it then changed my mind. PM me if you are interested.

I have one of these very ones spare - I bought it then changed my mind. PM me if you are interested.

Definitely interested - just can't figure out how to PM you! Are you able to PM me?

 

[JumbleDuck]

Definitely interested - just can't figure out how to PM you! Are you able to PM me?

No. I think you have to have a certain number of posts to be allowed to send and receive PMs. I'll look out the housing - I know I have seen it recently - and get it ready for you. Meanwhile, post away!

 

[sundanceoflorn]

No. I think you have to have a certain number of posts to be allowed to send and receive PMs. I'll look out the housing - I know I have seen it recently - and get it ready for you. Meanwhile, post away!

Ah okay this was my first post! That's great will wait to hear from you

 

[sundanceoflorn]

Have a look on You Tube lots of videos on there. It is straight forward enough. Bear in mind you will need to make a pattern which is a replica of what you want first, the final item is moulded from that.

Requirements stuff to make the pattern I would use MDF as it is flat you can glue it and you can get mouldings for the curves you then need the resin, CSM, gelcoat with wax added and mould release agent or PVA. Some tools including some fine grit paper as you need to get the moulded surface as smooth as you know what so that your eventual box has a smooth finish. It's all in the preparation.

Thanks for the pointers - I hadn't thought of YouTube for some reason and found some good stuff there indeed. The suggestion from PlankWalker of using a baking tray is a good one also

 

[JumbleDuck]

Ah okay this was my first post! That's great will wait to hear from you

PM sent.