94 Z212 Update Switch Plates & Stereo Console
 

After spending a year + searching for and missing out on a few Shabah’s, we finally bought our first boat back in Mid June, a 94 Shabah Z212. While this one had all the features we wanted, we also knew that it needed just a little TLC, not much though. So I set out to fix the problems and update the look of the boat. There was nothing seriously wrong with her, no Mechanical or Drive problems just a few minor issues. The Sea/Air Temp Display did not work, the Depth Sounder did not work, the Stereo & Speakers were original and did not work and like so many others on this site, the Stereo Console Faceplate was severely busted up. I set out and was able to fix both the Depth Sounder (Loose Wire) and the Sea/Air Temp Gauge (Component Repair on the Circuit Board), but the Stereo Console needed a little more thought.

Stereo Console:
I knew that I wasn’t able to repair the old faceplate and I didn’t want to rebuild a new one with plastic again, so I chose to use 1/8” aluminum for my faceplate and then I choose to finish it with Carbon Fiber Film. Since I had been watching this forum for quite some time, I knew about and downloaded the Console Faceplate Drawing and since I am use CAD at work I was able to recreate and modify it for my own use. With a vendor that I work with, they laser cut me a new faceplate using 1/8” aluminum.

The original Faceplate had the Sea/Air Temp Gauge mounting screws were secured to the back of the plate with epoxy, however that connection had failed on 2 of the screws, so I decided to drill the faceplate and recessed the Sea/Air Temp Gauge mounting screws from the front, effectively “bolting” the Temp Readout Acrylic & Circuit Board to the Faceplate, I also used JB Weld’s liquid Steel to epoxy the recessed mounting screws to the faceplate, thereby preventing them from working loose ever again.

I didn’t like the location of the 12V Power Connection, so I relocated it to just under the switches, this will allow me to mount my iPod bracket to under the Temp Readout.

Since I didn’t need the 2nd DIN space yet, I epoxied the DIN cutout back into place for now and if I ever need to use the space I can pop-out the cutout again. I then purchased a Kenwood KMR-350U Marine Headunit with iPod/Aux Connections and installed that into the Console. The Silver finish on the Stereo coupled with the Carbon Fiber Film really looks good, At least in my opinion. :wink_thumbup:

Finally I’m working on a new Graphics & Text to be vinyl cut to place back onto the Console.

Re: 94 Z212 Update Switch Plates & Stereo Console
 

Switch Panels:
Since the Stereo Console is complete, I now have the “Well I might as well do this….” bug now as well. So I decided to repair the Switch Panels and replace the Switches or Actuators.

I found a small company in SC called New Wire Marine, Eric Steele, they have pre-printed Contura II Actuators for $5, plus they have the removal tool and inserts as well, I ordered 12 new Actuators, the tool and retrofit mounting inserts. All told it was about $70, Eric was quick to ship and was quite responsive. Now he only has about 30 pre-printed actuators, most likely the most popular, but he had all but one that I needed and for that one, I just ordered a blank, (it was the Windshield Defrost and it seems hard to find anyway).

I then removed both switch panels and all the wiring back to the quick disconnect clip, here’s the important part, LABEL EVERY WIRE and take lots of photos! I kept my labels simple, since each switch started with a different letter, ie Horn, Acc, Sounder, Defrost etc… I labeled the wire H2, H3, etc… (meaning Horn terminal #2 or terminal #3). That why once the rats nest of wire is removed I can easily put it back together.

After removing all the switches both switch panels were in dire need of attention. Time, weather and UV has had a serious effect on them. The larger plate was quite deteriorated. Both plates were deformed, cracked and missing plastic between the switches. So I had 1/8 aluminum cut for the switches and using the same JB weld, I epoxied that to the backside of the panel, then I filled in the gaps on the front with new ABS plastic and epoxied those into place as well. To fix the deformations, I used a small torch on its lowest setting, heated the plastic and reformed it straightening it out, careful here too much heat and you will melt the panel. I then used 3/16” ABS to fill in the voids in the back of the panel to give it more strength for the future.

To finish it, from Lowes Hardware I got Rust-Oleum Hammered Black Spray Paint and Gloss Clear Coat. I sprayed both panels with 2 coats of the Hammered paint and finished it with one coat of the Gloss Clear Coat. Re-installed the new switches, reconnected all the cable and re-installed back into the dash. I must say that it looks very good.

While this project to redo the Stereo Console and the Switches was not that difficult, it did require a whole lot of little tedious work and lots of time, mostly for allowing the epoxy and paints to cure before continuing onto the next step. Tools: Labeler, Dremel, large X-Acto Knife, JB Weld, Clamps, small torch, blue painters tape, nothing to exciting.

Next step, replacing the Gauges off-season with new Faria's....

Re: 94 Z212 Update Switch Plates & Stereo Console
 

Good job! I removed mine and put fiberglass on the back, closed the cassete hole and sprayed with black laquer, wish I had done what you did. I may now, carbon fiber look in good. Chevybar.

Re: 94 Z212 Update Switch Plates & Stereo Console
 

Great Job, looks awesome! Major props on the stereo faceplate rebuild :wink_thumbup:

Re: 94 Z212 Update Switch Plates & Stereo Console
 

Well done, good job.

Re: 94 Z212 Update Switch Plates & Stereo Console
 

Looks excellent!

Re: 94 Z212 Update Switch Plates & Stereo Console
 

Very nice! :wink_thumbup:

Re: 94 Z212 Update Switch Plates & Stereo Console
 

Highly impressed! That's fabulous.

I not only like the creative and personal touches but the simple replacements that add a sharper edge to the helm.

Very Nice!

Re: 94 Z212 Update Switch Plates & Stereo Console
 

Hey Brian..That looks really nice. I have the same problem and need to make one. Would you be able to get me connected with the cad you used?

thanks, Steven

Re: 94 Z212 Update Switch Plates & Stereo Console
 

Hi Steven,
We are actually going into production on the Stereo Console Panel and we will offer various trim styles. Ill send you a PM.