Holes In Instrument Panel

[RUSSELL]

I have a Moyer instrument panel enclosure and am preparing to install gauges and switches. I will have volt meter, water temperature, oil pressure, ammeter, and tachometer. I foresee a blower switch, ignition on switch, and starter button switch. Finally, I foresee the panel for the Dutton early warning system.

I penciled in the layout on the back of the enclosure panel. How do you go about making the holes? I am little nervous about just pushing forth with hole saw bits on my drill. I don't want to mess up the new enclosure.

Thanks!!

[Easy Rider]

Russell

I'm sure some of the guys here who have done this will soon be on to tell you how they did it. If it was me and I had no advise I would be thinking about placing the new panel face up on a good flat wood surface and secured so it doesn't slip or move around. Lay it out again just to be sure. I would then drill a small pilot hole first and then use the hole saw, not forcing it through or letting it get hot. If you drill from the backside there is a possibility that you could damage the finished surface on the good side. Just my thoughts. Wait until you hear from someone who has actually done it.

Chuck

[BunnyPlanet169]

You've got it. Go slowly, and undersize, and you can always file to fit. If you're concerned at all about layout or technique - get a piece of cheap plywood and try it there first. HD sells 2'x2' project panels of birch ply in 1/8' nominal (3mm). You can test out your hole sizing and gauge mounting with no risk, and get a little practice too.

I found the mounting clamps on the gauges to be the "oops" factor. Make sure you leave enough room center to center for the legs that hang out a bit wider....