I have been working on the gauge panel restoration on my '65 Ski Sporter. However, I didn't want to shell out the big bux for a new panel when I had the original and wanted to use it. Since my boat will be using Merc power I also wanted vintage Merc gauges.
As you can see the panel was a mess. First, I tried to polish the entire panel (face and edges) but the poor quality of the casting was never meant for this and it just didn't look very good. So I took a file to the trim edges to expose some new material and have a more flat surface. Next I wet sanded through several grits and finished the edges with a polish/buffing wheel on a bench grinder. I was considering painting the face of the gauge panel but thought to sandblast it first. I liked the look and clear coated it.
Ultimately with little invested but time (and a great deal on the gauges from a Donzi community member) this is what will go in my boat.
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