cutting new holes for a cupholder

[scubblicious]

I have a 1990 SN and and installing a stereo on Monday, I also purchased an LED cupholder that i want to put in on the drivers side on the dash on the flat spot to the drivers right of the gauges.

Since there is no cupholer there im planning on getting the wires out of the way first, then using a router to make the hole in the fiberglass to insert the cupholer.

I plan to do the same thing on the dash to put in the head unit for the stereo, since there are no tunes in the boat ill need to do a 'virgin' install for the stereo and make a hole in the plastic.

as far as the routing of the fiberglass/plastic.....,

Has anyone done anything like this?
Could you tell me some tips/hints on the install?
Is a router the right tool for the job?

Thanks,

Tucker
1990 SN

[inboardsonly]

RE: cutting new holes for a cupholder

Hole Saw for the round holes.

Roto Zip for the other or a jig saw. mask off the area, keep a shop vac running and have the
nozzle right at the tool so as not to cover yourself with itchy fiberglass.

Make sure that the deck strength wont be compromised by putting a cup holder there...

[Rick]

RE: cutting new holes for a cupholder

You can rent a holesaw the right size for $10 or buy one for $25. It is much easier mask the area to cut out, it wil prevent chipping the gel-coat. Then measure 10 times, move the wires, measure again, move the wirtes again, and cut the hole!!!

[882001]

RE: cutting new holes for a cupholder

i added 8 cupholders to mine. holesaw all the way.

[Andrew]

RE: cutting new holes for a cupholder

do a search on ebay for holesaws. i got a complete set from 3/4"-5" for $.01+shipping which was sumthin like $10

[boatech]

RE: cutting new holes for a cupholder

nfw on that router cheif. apply masking tape draw outline of hole on tape find center and use a hole saw.

[MHayes]

RE: cutting new holes for a cupholder

Remember to run the holesaw in reverse when cutting through the fiberglass!

[mf01]

RE: cutting new holes for a cupholder

Would these work: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=36222

[scubblicious]

RE: cutting new holes for a cupholder

as far as the acrylic/plastic on the dash for the radio thats a router in reverse cut job tho right?
as well as the interior?
any quick ways to get the middle upholstery sections out?
as you know im new at all this, any advice really helps

thanks for the holesaw tip too, wouldn't cut into the fiberglass without proper 'hip hop' supervision!

[Miljack]

I found an adjustable hole saw with a drill arbor and two cutting blades which are adjustable on a beam. I used it to cut the hole for the pefect pass paddle wheel in the bottom of the hull. I believe I found it on amazon. It looks funny, but it works great, the blades cut on a bevel so the finish cut is great. I did take a dremel drum to bevel it a little bit more to reduce the chance of the gelcoat cracking later.

[TRBenj]

These guys have good advice. Definitely use a hole saw and run it in reverse until you are through the gelcoat. Once the hole is drilled, chamfer the edge so the gel doesnt chip.

There is no problem with putting a hole there. My '90 had a very small one when I bought it, and I went to a full size SS version. You have to be very careful where you drill the hole, though- mine is VERY close to the throttle mechanism and cables. Make sure you take a look under there and choose your drilling location very carefully.



In regards to adding the stereo, I assume you'll be mounting the head unit in the glove box? I would remove the whole thing to make it easier to work with.

[scubblicious]

i could put it in the glove, but i have also seen it done in the middle of the dash like a car almost.

i wanted to put a weather cover on it too and i don't think the glove box has enough room for the housing.

the only foreseeable pitfall of mounting it in the middle of the dash is that it puts the cd deck at a weird upward angle (not too bad) but will look good and flush, i think i am going to put it there unless you guys know a reason not to??

[TRBenj]

the only foreseeable pitfall of mounting it in the middle of the dash is that it puts the cd deck at a weird upward angle (not too bad) but will look good and flush, i think i am going to put it there unless you guys know a reason not to??

That and you have a huge hole in your dash that you can never get rid of. I have one and now that was added by a previous owner and Ill have to mount a radio there to make it look decent. For now, I just have an unsightly hole.

[jeepn]

in my 92, i have my head unit mounted under the steering wheel. it's in a plastic box i picked up at bass pro shops for $10. It doesn't get in the way and won't leave any nasty holes behind if i ever need to get rid of it. it's a little inconvenient for any body but me to change any radio settings, but that just means it stays at a volume i'm happy with more often.

[goodfoot00]

Has anyone added cupholders to the rear in the gunnels? I want to put one on each side, behind the bench seat and in front of the sunpad on my '95 SS. But I've always been afraid it would weaken the boat too much. Any thoughts?