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Topic: Improving the Dash 95-00 (Read 941 times) previous topic - next topic

Improving the Dash 95-00

Bride and I were discussing priorities and wish lists for changes to our 1997 U295. One of her complaints is the unreadable marks on the dash for various controls. They are small and the contrast is low. She can't see them at all when she wears sunglasses. She can read the instruments, but has trouble identifying the knobs and switches.

I expect we could find a custom car shop that could build a whole new panel to hold the gauges and controls. What other solutions might there be? Can anyone share experiences in "spiffing up" the dash on the '90s Unicoaches?
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Improving the Dash 95-00

Reply #1 –
Maybe not spiffy, but stick-on labels made on a Brother label maker would be very readable. I could make some and send them to you if you want to give it a try.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Improving the Dash 95-00

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Tom Lang –
Maybe not spiffy, but stick-on labels made on a Brother label maker would be very readable. I could make some and send them to you if you want to give it a try.

This is what I did for the Pacbrake exhaust retarder switch which was unmarked on the dash. Looks almost like the rest of the dash labels.. maybe a little crooked though. LOL.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Improving the Dash 95-00

Reply #3 –
That's been on my mind also though it's a low priority item at this point.  I've thought that consolidating the ac switches, relocating the radio might give room for a large multifunction display. 

Draw it up in CAD and if it's really appealing I'll cut it out in aluminum for you on my cnc table.  Can also engrave any labeling in the font and size of your choice.  Have it anodized, contrasting color on lettering, it could be pretty sharp.  And I could cut myself one also without having to go through the design process ;D .
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Improving the Dash 95-00

Reply #4 –
We make labels with Microsoft Excel on printer paper, cut them out & stick them on with 3M Post It glue stick. Any font, any size, any color including white letters on a black background and with or without borders.

Re: Improving the Dash 95-00

Reply #5 –
Quote
Draw it up in CAD and if it's really appealing I'll cut it out in aluminum for you on my cnc table.  Can also engrave any labeling in the font and size of your choice.  Have it anodized, contrasting color on lettering, it could be pretty sharp.  And I could cut myself one also without having to go through the design process  .
Man, I wish there was some crazy forum member that would take Chuck up on this. I'm thinking of how great that custom dash would look right now!
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Improving the Dash 95-00

Reply #6 –
Chuck,

I like the idea. Jor likes the idea. Would there be a good way to light the panels for visibility at night? Are we talking about $100s or $1000s (a.k.a. coach bucks). The "coach bucks" can quickly become "choke bucks." :D

I am comfortable with the current layout. However, there may be better layouts to accommodate radios and information screens that are currently available. I don't have confidence in my ability to produce a good design. Perhaps there is enough interest among to owners of the affected coaches to execute your suggestion.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Improving the Dash 95-00

Reply #7 –
Quote from: J. D. Stevens –
Chuck,

I like the idea. Jor likes the idea. Would there be a good way to light the panels for visibility at night? Are we talking about $100s or $1000s (a.k.a. coach bucks). The "coach bucks" can quickly become "choke bucks." :D

I am comfortable with the current layout. However, there may be better layouts to accommodate radios and information screens that are currently available. I don't have confidence in my ability to produce a good design. Perhaps there is enough interest among to owners of the affected coaches to execute your suggestion.

How about zero bucks?  I have plenty of aluminum left over from boat building projects if that's the mtl of choice and a seriously underutilized machine.  The thinnest stuff I have, tho, is 1/8" which might be a bit on the thick side.  I don't have any anodizing capabilities but that, or powder coating is available from numerous services.  The alum could also be polished, painted or swirl finished easily enough by anyone.  Tinted plexi or polycarbonate might work also, coupled with cold cathode lighting... or aluminum panel with cutout lettering and matching plastic insert letters, backlit........ Draw it up man, I need a DFX file and can take it from there.  Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS
 

Re: Improving the Dash 95-00

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
Draw it up man, I need a DFX file and can take it from there.  Chuck
Wow! I'll check with the bride and think about this one. I am not qualified to do much with the idea, but I can study and learn. Help from more fertile minds is welcome!
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX