Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

All -

As many of you have experienced, the plastic faceplate for my radio and switches has broken.

I had a local machine shop make a replacement faceplate out of aluminum and will be covering it with a Burl wood vinyl sheet.

Once I get the faceplate from the machine shop, I will post picks. Then I will install the vinyl sheet and post more picks.

If anyone is interested in having an aluminum faceplate made, my machine shop can make duplicates for $275 each. Powdercoating, anodization, or clear-coating are all additional costs.

FYI, here is a link to the vinyl sheet that I ordered:
http://www.rvinyl.com/wrapkits/vinyl/burlwood.htm

P.S. Thanks Randy Jobe for the inspiration!

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

Nice!! Be sure to take photos and keep us all updated! I'm anxious to see your results. :wink_thumbup:

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

Here is a picture of the new faceplate...will install the vinyl tonight.

The smaller pic shows (poorly!) the routing done on the aluminum sheet to allow the switches to be mounted properly. :wink_thumbup:

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

Burl Wood vinyl applied.

Will do the installation this weekend.

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

If you can you should get an iges, g_code file from the machine shop. That would allow anyone on the site to take it into a CNC ready shop and have one made. That is unless you are looking at an upstart business op.. Looks good:)

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

Why did you have the aluminum anodized? Or is it painted?

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

Looks really good! :wink_thumbup:

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

I had it anodized, then put a burl wood vinyl sticker on the front to match to stock interior.

When this boat sinks, the new faceplate will be right were it should be! :yes_grin:

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

Will get the drawings from the machine shop next week, good idea.

If Mariah was still in business, it might be an opportunity to make some cash, but as it is, we need all the help that we can get.

I spent $500 on this plate, with the drawings, you should be able to replicate for $250-300 depending on the finish.

Will post updated pics tonight.

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

The anodizing definately looks sharp, but it will have added about 50 bucks to the cost. Having said that, I would have done it too..:yes_grin: If anybody else has done these sorts of projects we could put together a library for part replication. I am sure that some of the members here on the site could make drawings or prints, even from sketches (I could do a few myself).. Its just a thought.. What do you guys think?:angel:

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

True, but what's $50 in the life of a Mariah (or ANY boat owner?!) :wink_thumbup:

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

Installed!

The auxilliary cigarette lighter broke, so I need to go get a replacement. :shakehead:

Also waiting for my iPod dock. Pretty cool, check it out:
http://www.athome-atsea.com/dock.htm :wink_thumbup:

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

It looks great!
Thanks for the link. I have a spot that has bothered me for 2yrs, I can use the rosewood to cover it.:wink_thumbup:

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

Here is the drawing from my machine shop.

A few notes:

1. The radio (Sony CDX-H905iP) is a bit larger than "normal" radios, so your access hole dimensions may need to be adjusted;
2. The second auxilliary power port (lower right) has two screw holes that will need to be increased in diameter. I originally copied the holes from the existing outlet, but it was designed for self-tapping screws. Hard to do into aluminum, plus I wanted machine screws with nylon lock nuts.
3. The site wouldn't accept the AutoCad DXF format, so I renamed the drawing to a .TXT file. Save and rename, and you should be set if you have AutoCad.

Enjoy!

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

I have a good friend who owns a machine shop and business is slow right now. So if anyone is interested in this I can hit him up with it and see what it would cost. I imagine if he were to run a few at a time it could get the price down. Also if anyone has any other ideas that a CNC lathe and mill could make happen let me know.

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

Finished...updated and finished the electronics.

Installed an iPod dock and another power point. woohoo.

Also installed the waterproof remote for the radio. Now I can float, drink and manage my tunes! :wink_thumbup:

Re: Factory Radio Trim Faceplate
 

Also buffed and waxed the beast...amazing how bad maroon/red fades in the sun... :(

Compare the remote contraol pics, what a difference! :D