265 Express Dash suggestions

Sea Shift

Sea Shift

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Express 265
Question, anyone painted their dash cowling on a 265 express to address the discoloration? Mine is not only yellowed like this one but the clear lamination is blistering. Would it be best to just sand it down and paint with some sort of plastic rated paint?


2002-grady-white-express-265-power-9471401-965898371-0-170720241150-10.webp
 
I pondered doing something with the bubble and after a half assed assesment determined it was more trouble than its worth.
I'm pretty sure you have to remove the windshield
 
Yeah I noticed that as well. Mine really looks like trash, and since my Eisenglass (sp?) is removed seems like removal of the windshield would be doable. We will see if i get any further on this. one of many things I "want" to do vs. "need" to do! Haha
 
Plastic is plastic, so yes, painting with a plastic rated paint would do it. Like you alluded to, though, it´s all about the prep work.

Here´s a neat thing, though... you only have to use ¨paint for plastic¨ as a base layer (such as Rustoleum or Krylon rattle can). Then you top coat it with something else that would be more durable like EasyPoxy. You can go with a slightly contrasting color (light grey?) or you could go to a local autobody shop and get a color custom tinted to match the rest of the dash... In that case, find something that matches the dash color, but is removable, and take it to the shop.

I´ve done this on other plastic boat parts with good success.
 
Regarding painting: I would be concerned about the sun cooking the paint through the glass and making matters worse.

I would considering making a fittted vinyl cover (like a dash pad) and afixing it with double sided tape.

Another option would be to order some vinyl wrap and "wrapping" it.
 
DennisG01 said:
Plastic is plastic, so yes, painting with a plastic rated paint would do it. Like you alluded to, though, it´s all about the prep work.

Here´s a neat thing, though... you only have to use ¨paint for plastic¨ as a base layer (such as Rustoleum or Krylon rattle can). Then you top coat it with something else that would be more durable like EasyPoxy. You can go with a slightly contrasting color (light grey?) or you could go to a local autobody shop and get a color custom tinted to match the rest of the dash... In that case, find something that matches the dash color, but is removable, and take it to the shop.

I´ve done this on other plastic boat parts with good success.
Click to expand...

Interesting idea! I might toy with that. I think there are multiple other parts on the 265 that are the same plastic. Im specifically thinking of the rear corner bins. those are removable and I could paint the bottoms as a sample. would never see it if it didnt work!!!
 
JJF said:
Another option would be to order some vinyl wrap and "wrapping" it.
Click to expand...

This gives me a good idea, I have Hydro-dipped my GPS covers. I bet they can dip the whole thing! and the covers have stood up well to sun and weather. Heck, they dip whole fenders on cars! Now to just think of a color or pattern.......Carbon fiber!
 
Sea Shift said:
Interesting idea! I might toy with that. I think there are multiple other parts on the 265 that are the same plastic. Im specifically thinking of the rear corner bins. those are removable and I could paint the bottoms as a sample. would never see it if it didnt work!!!
Click to expand...
Good idea - play around with it to get a comfort level.
 
JJF said:
Regarding painting: I would be concerned about the sun cooking the paint through the glass and making matters worse.

I would considering making a fittted vinyl cover (like a dash pad) and afixing it with double sided tape.

Another option would be to order some vinyl wrap and "wrapping" it.
Click to expand...
Wrapping might be a good idea.
 
Sea Shift said:
Interesting idea! I might toy with that. I think there are multiple other parts on the 265 that are the same plastic. Im specifically thinking of the rear corner bins. those are removable and I could paint the bottoms as a sample. would never see it if it didnt work!!!
Click to expand...
Good for you if you still have them, mine have bit the dust a long time ago. I wish I could find replacements.
 
JJF said:
Regarding painting: I would be concerned about the sun cooking the paint through the glass and making matters worse.

I would considering making a fittted vinyl cover (like a dash pad) and afixing it with double sided tape.

Another option would be to order some vinyl wrap and "wrapping" it.
Click to expand...
As long as it's a decent paint, it will be totally fine.
 
Gullchaser said:
Good for you if you still have them, mine have bit the dust a long time ago. I wish I could find replacements.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean. Mine had a small crack in the bottom, so I found a local fiberglass shop that built them up from the inside. So now the original is still the outside layer and the inside is thick 1/4" fiberglass. Should last now! They are five times heavier but at least they are now functional.
 
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