stereo/ switch panel upgrade
 

Just got my stereo switch panel wired up and ready for install for my 96 talari z. Guy that made my new panel did an awesome job and it's all backlit. Finished up the wiring for the switches. For those of you wondering how you might support your stereo to keep too much stress from breaking your panel as most of the original ones did, take a look at the support braket I made from a piece of angle aluminum. I think it will hold together just fine.

Re: stereo/ switch panel upgrade
 

Looks good! Is the Mariah name backlit too?

Re: stereo/ switch panel upgrade
 

Yes, the Mariah name is backlit as well.

Paul

Re: stereo/ switch panel upgrade
 

:wink_thumbup:

Re: stereo/ switch panel upgrade
 

Attachment 5105

May not be able to see the backlighting very well, thanks to a cruddy iPhone cam

Re: stereo/ switch panel upgrade
 

That's nice :yes_grin:

Re: stereo/ switch panel upgrade
 

Looks really nice paul.
What did it cost you to have it made?
He sure did a nice job on it. Good idea with the support too. :wink_thumbup:

Re: stereo/ switch panel upgrade
 

Thanks Mikey, Andy and Larry! A lot of work has gone into just this one panel. The guy that made the panel for me does excellent work. He is very detail oriented and this was an out of the norm project for him. He usually makes square or rectangular switch panels, but the Maria panel has a weird shape to it and all he had to go by was what was left (not much) of my original panel and the padded bezel that I had send him. His price was $310. He has some pretty high tech gadgetry and computerized tools to cut this thing. The backlighting added to the cost, but to me it was worth it. It is fiber optic LEDs, looks really cool at night. He remounted my air/sea temp guage and he mounted the viewing lens flush smooth with the surface of the panel. I didn't feel the need to have the original text script about the dangers of not turning on the blower or the hole cut for the motor safety switch that had a plug in it, so I had him leave those off. I supplied my own switches, stereo and wiring since I'm rewiring most of the boat anyways and adding some of my own electrical toys.
This is a major hurdle that I'll be glad to be finished with. Wiring is a pain in the butt and I'm getting tired of burning myself with a soldering torch.
I was pleased enough with his work, that I told him I would recommend him to anyone looking to get their Mariah panel redone. If anyone is interested, I'll pass on his contact info