Finally got my 1243 Garmin...this thing is huge! I measured ten times before buying,So I suspected it wasnt going to fit anywhere. Either way, was shocked at size of the screen.
It didn't fit in the electronic box, or on the face of it (a 943 will fit the opening). I removed my gauges and covers and started pondering my options. This dash layout sucks, the newer dashes are way easier to deal with. My mission was not to cut or drill any glass and be able to return to original configuration.
I have a bunch of really fancy plywood and a knack for wood, figured my first go should just cost me time. I started with a stick frame, nothing is square or straight in this dash. Had to cut some really strange angles. Slowly i built it up so the that I had clearances for wiring out of the sounder. Was nearly hitting my throttle when it was wide open. Would recommend cutting the glass between the two dash openings for my clearance, it would allow you to push the plotter back into the dash more.
Still undecided on how to finish up the bottom. Gauges are slightly covered, but not the part that matters. Ended up with a nice little phone storage spot. I could squeeze the gauges up beside the plotter, not sure If the wires reach. I offset the screen to leave room for more stuff and so the throttle doesn't hit it.
Going to talk to local glass guy and see what he thinks, maybe a coat of resin then gel coat? Not my department...short term plan is to ordered some thin plastic sheet for the face, maybe skin the hole thing. Could order some starboard and rebuild using old one for a template, nothing is glued yet. Hoping I can make the thing white attach a piece of black plastic to the front face and call it good.
It didn't fit in the electronic box, or on the face of it (a 943 will fit the opening). I removed my gauges and covers and started pondering my options. This dash layout sucks, the newer dashes are way easier to deal with. My mission was not to cut or drill any glass and be able to return to original configuration.
I have a bunch of really fancy plywood and a knack for wood, figured my first go should just cost me time. I started with a stick frame, nothing is square or straight in this dash. Had to cut some really strange angles. Slowly i built it up so the that I had clearances for wiring out of the sounder. Was nearly hitting my throttle when it was wide open. Would recommend cutting the glass between the two dash openings for my clearance, it would allow you to push the plotter back into the dash more.
Still undecided on how to finish up the bottom. Gauges are slightly covered, but not the part that matters. Ended up with a nice little phone storage spot. I could squeeze the gauges up beside the plotter, not sure If the wires reach. I offset the screen to leave room for more stuff and so the throttle doesn't hit it.
Going to talk to local glass guy and see what he thinks, maybe a coat of resin then gel coat? Not my department...short term plan is to ordered some thin plastic sheet for the face, maybe skin the hole thing. Could order some starboard and rebuild using old one for a template, nothing is glued yet. Hoping I can make the thing white attach a piece of black plastic to the front face and call it good.
