Bertram33 User Forum

Frank, We will never catch Rear Admiral Doug Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

Only if they have a power outage in the Northeast! [;)] 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida

If that happens then you can forget about Frank ever catching up. He only lives a little more than a half hour away. Ditto for Bill, Rick, Al, and Ron. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

Yep, and leaves clear sailing for me! [:D] 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida

Here is a picture of my new gauge console! [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads ... ewdash.jpg[/img] my old one [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads ... lddash.jpg[/img] Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

Wow! Now that is going to really look good when you mount it Tim. 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida

Good work Tim. When will mine be done? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

Tim, Again, which was the old one?[}:)] Just kidding, it looks great! Those old dymo labels really do add a nice touch to the old dash,are you going to use those again for the new one?[:D] All right, I'm kidding again, I suppose you're getting them laser engraved or something? Frank Price

Frank, I would never use the old dymo stickers , what kind of Bertram owner do you think i am? I am going to make brand new dymo stickers. Doug, I can make you one. but you would have to make your own dymo labels! Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

Tim, That's the way, new dymo labels only. Good man. Seriously, what are you going to do for paint on the (I assume)aluminum? Frank Price

I was going to use a clear powdercoat on the 3/8"aluminum.Since that is your specialty and i want to keep the metal look .What do you suggest? Do i have to coat it with anything? As far as the labels i was going to use an 8"x1/2" strip of stainless steel for each switch panel and have it engraved at a trophy store Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

Tim, I love the look of the new panel. Since I am a nite owl though, one thing I am always aware of is the sun; specifically reflection off the metal. Are you going to cover it with colored plexi? Al 1978 33 FBC NITES OFF

Al, I would not cover it with plexi my whole point of doing the dash was to get rid of that plastic console to begin with.Like i said if i did anything i would powdercoat it .Powdercoating can be done in any color or clear..My preference is to keep the metal look throughout my console with my throttles and all.As far as glare i am not sure yet so my thought before i put any coating on is to install and see how it looks and if there is any glare than change it .Being in south florida i will be able to tell right away.My finish now is more of a satin and i have a full top on the boat and i do not get much sun on the panel so i dont see it glaring much. Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

Tim, There are so many things to do, it comes down to personal taste, with the exception of the glare issue ,as you and all have already discussed. I will mention though that flat black is a traditional color for a dash panel on most if not all performance/ racing/ military vehicles because of the glare issue.Also, a little contrast is a beautiful thing and a nicely applied satin black would look gorgeous with those shiney guage bezels. I've never seen clearcoated aluminum that looks right. It always looks , well, clearcoated. It's just wrong, sorry. Another option is what is called "engine turning" On my first car, a military surplus jeep with a 400 small-block chevy in it (which I still have), I engine turned the whole dash panel(that I made out of aluminum). It looked cool for then but I wouldn't do it again.It's an old hot-rod thing. You could have it anodized, blue, silver,gold,black(though the UV rays change this), but personally Tim, I think that if you have it powdercoated satin black , you'll like it because it is a non-trendy way to do it and non-trendy always looks good the longest. Just ask Ralph Lauren. Of course Ralph might have it covered in black leather.(which is another option , by the way). There is also black wrinkle paint or even other colors for wrinkle paint but I think you would get the most use and longest enjoyment out of good old satin black. Frank Price

quote:Originally posted by franklyprice Another option is what is called "engine turning" On my first car, a military surplus jeep with a 400 small-block chevy in it (which I still have), I engine turned the whole dash panel(that I made out of aluminum). Frank's garage is full of vehicles. He is the closest thing we have to a redneck up here. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA