What we need
- Opening width and height. Measure the hole in the dash, not the old panel. The panel overlaps the hole, and the overlap is what we size to.
- Old panel width and height. The outside edges of what is there now. This tells us how much overlap you have to hide the opening.
- Depth behind the panel. From the back of the dash to the first thing in the way. Rockers and breakers need about two and a half inches.
- Screw hole spacing, if you want to reuse the holes. Center to center, both directions.
The mistake we see most: measuring the old panel and calling it the opening. The quote comes back too big, the drawing has to be redone, and a week goes by. Measure the hole.
The two photos
- Front, straight on, with a tape measure laid across the panel so we can sanity check the numbers.
- Back, from below or behind, showing the wiring and anything that could get in the way of a deeper switch or breaker.
If the dash is curved
Acrylic will take a gentle curve. Tell us the radius if you know it, or send a photo from the side. Starboard does not bend, so for a curved dash we go with acrylic or polycarbonate.
Sending it in
Put the numbers in the notes on the Start a project form, or text them with the photos to 781-718-4567. A first drawing usually comes back within a few days.