Custom plastic sheet for stereo delete

[VONCE]

Does anyone know where I could get a custom plastic sheet made? I want to remove the radio from my boat and put a panel in place of it. On the panel, I'll likely add a few rocker switches and line-level volume knobs. I did a head unit-less install in my previous boat and liked it. Everything is controlled through my iPhone and connected via Bluetooth directly into the amps. It really simplifies everything and ditching the head unit saves a little battery while in the cove. Where can I get a panel made to go in place of the current stereo mounting panel? I could use the old stereo mount as a template to have the plastic panel cut, but I don't know where to go to get the panel cut. If I tried to do it, I'd use a dremel and it wouldn't be a very clean cut.

 

[VONCE]

Thanks! I'm not having any issues finding the plastic, I just need to find a place that cuts it. I don't want to use a jigsaw or a dremel because my hand isn't very steady. They have custom fab shops for sheet metal with big fancy computer controlled cutting tables - does anyone know of places that do that with plastic?

 

[Gym]

Thanks! I'm not having any issues finding the plastic, I just need to find a place that cuts it. I don't want to use a jigsaw or a dremel because my hand isn't very steady. They have custom fab shops for sheet metal with big fancy computer controlled cutting tables - does anyone know of places that do that with plastic?

I'm pretty sure the CnC machines will cut plastic also. they use a pencil thin high pressure stream of grit that will cut most anything with great precision. I would visit a few local shops. If you bring in your old panel or a drawing with the holes layer out they should be able to handle it. Also a finish carpenter should be able to do just as well and not have to charge you a set up fee.

 

[VONCE]

Ah, yeah. CNC. That was the acronym I was looking for. That might help with my searching. Thanks!

 

[Bruce]

This is my post on ordering a custom switch panel https://jetboaters.net/threads/adding-a-switch-panel-to-yamaha-boats.2025/

I am sure they would make whatever you want.

 

[BlackandTan]

Look for a place locally that does custom car audio installs. They regularly have to make panels and boxes etc. and should be able to make something for you.

 

[Mainah]

A rotuer on a table with fence or handheld with a guide will do a good job cutting plastic. With Google sketch up, or even word processing and presentation programs you can make the diagram turning on grid views and using shapes. Draft up the panel and holes you want true to size against the grid, add crosshairs for holes and then print it out. Overlay that on the plastic and then cut/drill. Slow speed on the bit with a decent feed rate is usually best for thin plastic.

Better yet if possible take the original panel secure it to your new material and use a trim router bit to make a copy.

 

[PaulyB]

I used a dremel and a rotozip to cut mine, it didnt look good right after I cut it, but I sanded the edges and it looked great after that....

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Look for a place locally that does custom car audio installs. They regularly have to make panels and boxes etc. and should be able to make something for you.

Or they will refer you to a local guy that does what you need.