Replacement Control Panel

[hpeer]

I have an old but rebuilt Volvo MD7. The control panel is just SHOT! I would like to replace it with:

Tach/engine hour meter
Temp gauge
Oil pressure gauge
Alt lamp or meter
associated warning lights and alarms

Is there anyone out there who makes such a thing or will I have to make it myself.

[bbowers2004]

My Tach Hour meter was reading once, and than the next day, it wasn't. I did a quick search on google and came up with a few places that sold them, although a bit pricey IMO.

Check out this link.

md7 - Volvo Penta Search Results - MarinePartsEurope.com

[hpeer]

Thanks for the link.

Control panel is "out of production"

They want 150 euros for a starter switch.

I should be able to build an entire panel for 150 euros.

[Cheechako]

Is the tach driven off the alternator? I'm sure there are boat workers who can make you a nice custom panel, finding the right guy might be the hard part. I find often by the time you get all that sorted out, you might just as well make your own! Think about a local hot rod organization, those guys make them all the time and are picky about how it looks. Go to a Custom/vintage car show (alot of them this time of year) and they will have a name for you. Have you drawn up a picture of what you want?
The other option is to disassemble what you have and sand/ repaint etc... or maybe it doesnt have the features you want? Do you want a teakwood panel, aluminum or like black plastic etc? Does it have to fit a certain identical space? There are a lot of brand new powerboat panels around (companies went out of business)...

[hpeer]

I may have answered my own question.

Found something on e-bay, just needed the right search words which I got from the Volvo link above "Marine Instrument Panel."

$450 - a bit pricey but maybe....

Volvo Marine Instrument Panel Custom with Wiring Made in U s A | eBay

[bbowers2004]

Originally Posted by hpeer

Thanks for the link.

Control panel is "out of production"

They want 150 euros for a starter switch.

I should be able to build an entire panel for 150 euros.

Exactly my sentiments. I did find the diagrams interesting to say the least.

[Roy M]

Make your own.

[Wireless1]

Originally Posted by Roy M

Make your own.

Agreed. Get yourself a piece of Starboard and make your own. Starboard is easy to work and cuts just like wood. You can cut it, route it, bevel it etc., but is a plastic (maybe PVC?) and comes in white, a beautiful light gray, or black and lasts forever in the sun. Just move your old parts over to the Starboard piece and you're all set. Cheap!

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by hpeer

I may have answered my own question.

Found something on e-bay, just needed the right search words which I got from the Volvo link above "Marine Instrument Panel."

$450 - a bit pricey but maybe....

Volvo Marine Instrument Panel Custom with Wiring Made in U s A | eBay

wait, if it doesnt sell, send them a message and make a lower offer. Works alot of the time.
Regarding makng your own, if your key switch has a small notch in it to keep it from turning when you twist the key , try to incorporate that into the hole you make. One panel I made for a 12V gen set was a PITA because the key switch kept wanting to rotate, even with a star washer on it....