Building new dash for 2001 FW Horizon 180

Graham R · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2012 4:17 pm

Thinking about this, rather than using a laser or water jet cutter to make a panel to fit into the trim panel, couldn't one be used to basically cut the back off the existing trim panel so the aperture edge is further forward than it is now and the aperture bigger? Then a flat panel could be fitted to the dash, the trimmed trim panel butting up against it.

St. Louis Dave · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:38 pm

Wet Doggg wrote:

That "after" picture is the dash Four Winns used to sell as a plug and play. I think St. Louis Dave bought one. It is no longer manufactured. Heck, I even have been looking for just the panels without the gauges and have had no luck. Somebody out there owns the vac form tool...but have had no luck finding out who that is.

I've got one sitting in my garage in the box. I'm pretty sure I'm going to put it in this spring, just need to find the time to do it. Anyone need pix of it or information from it before I install, let me know. Anyone want my old one?

SeriousRob · **Posted:** Tue Apr 24, 2012 9:19 am

Here is the new dash panel I just made. I went with thicker plywood at 1/4 inch, new black trim, and black carbon fiber. The smaller panel is the one I installed the depth gauge in.

captkevin · **Posted:** Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:05 am

Looks great - 2nd time was the charm.

ric · **Posted:** Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:43 am

Did you use 3M DiNOC?

Looks much better. looks like you could throw in a few more gauges though to fill the voids.

SeriousRob · **Posted:** Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:44 am

Thanks,
I did much better the second time. It only took me about 3 hours to make this one since I knew what was needed.

I used Meguires wrap called WrapTivo. I believe it is a 3M product. Self adhesive backing and very thick. Easy to wrap and should be fairly resistant to water and sun. If not it is easy enough to replace.

I have space at the bottom of the panel but chose not to fill in there because that is about where the steering wheel sits. I did not want to block any of the gauges so that is why they are near the top of the panel.
Rob

SeriousRob · **Posted:** Thu Apr 26, 2012 7:14 am

Here is the completed second dash. I also installed the smaller side panel with the depth gauge.

SeriousRob · **Posted:** Thu Apr 26, 2012 7:17 am

Now I have to remove the glove box panel and reface it with the same carbon fiber wrap and the small wood-look panel to the left. If I could figure out a way to silk screen, I would reface the lower left panel at the helm as well.

SeriousRob · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2012 7:13 am

I tested out my gauges this weekend with a trip from Titusville to Port Canaveral down the Indian River to the Port Canaveral Barge Canal. A trip of about 30 miles one way. Well the gauges worked perfect. The pitot tube speedo is useless below 20 mph, as I had been told, but was perfectly accurate above 20 mph. I checked it with the GPS on my IPhone. I only experienced one strange reading from my water temp sensor but posted that in a separate link.
My bimini top did collapse so I have to fix a couple of poles and get a few new fittings. Does anyone know where to get new parts for a bimini top?
Thanks Rob

yrless11 · **Posted:** Sun Apr 29, 2012 3:11 pm

You can get bimini parts all over the place, west marine, overtons, local canvas shops to name a few.

BTW, I liked your original dash, but the new version is superb \ :!:

Wet Doggg · **Joined:** Fri May 19, 2006 11:15 am **Posts:** 682

Two pieces of minor good new...over the weekend I was able to find out who made this plug and play dash

Second, and even better is my dash is all good except for the trim. Sender is the issue and a lot cheaper than a new dash...at least for now.

mbirge15 · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2012 9:03 am

I just had my VDO gone through by CDI electronics and they promise should fix the problems. The box is waiting at home for me to reinstall once I get home from this trip. Has anyone used them? Will post results when I get it back in the boat and get it on the water.

moku'ula · **Joined:** Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:04 pm **Posts:** 10

Hey,

For bimini parts I like http://www.marinepartdepot.com - good prices and free shipping... Pay with PayPal too...

Thanks for the hard work and posting the gauge pics...

I've been living with the lousy VDO cluster and have my individual replacements (they look much like yours), but I can't get the courage up to cut the mother-cable and re-wire the beast...

Maybe this week...

Jef

Moku'ula
1999 FW Horizon 180

mbirge15 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 12, 2012 6:35 pm

Wet Doggg wrote:

Two pieces of minor good new...over the weekend I was able to find out who made this plug and play dash

Second, and even better is my dash is all good except for the trim. Sender is the issue and a lot cheaper than a new dash...at least for now.

I would be interested in getting the plug and play dash if you by chance have the opportunity to get one, and multiples are available or needed to purchase. I to would be ok with just the panel with out gauges if that is the option. I am growing to hate these gauges though I think I have worked some kinks out for now.

Andy7862 · **Joined:** Fri Jun 29, 2012 4:21 am **Posts:** 3

Great Job on the new dash. Do you have a picture of the finished product?

www.iFourWinns.com

Building new dash for 2001 FW Horizon 180

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