Grady white dash gauge replacement

[linkbelt]

Hello .Does anyone know how to get in behind the gauge cluster dash, on a 228 seafarer . The dash mounting srews are turning inbehind the dash . I need to get in behind to hold them from turning.

 

[Fishtales]

If it is the pop in inserted pems good luck. I glued all mine in when I got the screws out. Not much access in any of the dashes in later model boats.

 

[linkbelt]

Hello .Does anyone know how to get in behind the gauge cluster dash, on a 228 seafarer . The dash mounting srews are turning inbehind the dash . I need to get in behind to hold them from turning.

I'll grind the heads of the screws carefully , then pull the pannel out to get at the gauges.

 

[SkunkBoat]

If its like mine, there are aluminum "rivnuts" holding the SS machine screws. The screws get corrodes and the rivnut spins.

You may be able to pull on the screw head and wiggle the rivnut out. I was lucky to get pliers on the back side.
Replaced with CHEAP kit from Harbor Freight. Not the greatest but it worked. HF Rivnut tool kit

You can find SS Rivnuts that press in instead of expand.

You may have to go to next size screw

 

[linkbelt]

Thanks for the info , but how did you get access behind the dash with the pliers to hold the nuts from turning?

 

[SkunkBoat]

Thanks for the info , but how did you get access behind the dash with the pliers to hold the nuts from turning?

On my 265 there is an access door in the cabin below the helm. I was able to reach up from there. In fact, one of the screws had a nut on it from the PO.
Not familiar with your boat. All I can say is that the rivnuts will pull out if you turn & wiggle them enough to widen the hole in the fiberglass. Then you need to go up in size to replace.
The other way, cutting of the head, may get the panel off. The rivnuts will NOT fall in if you cut off the screw head

 

[linkbelt]

Thanks for all the info. I got the three top screws out by wriggling them, the 3 bottom ones would not come out. Took a dremmel and cut the heads off. Replaced the gauge and put bigger screws back in.

 

[Sdfish]

I struggled to get mine out, and the ones I destroyed, I replaced with a nut in the back. I was able to reach into the back from the "glovebox" underneath. Adventure 208 model.