SE Edition - XMD3 remote panel

[Mikeski]

Finally remembered to take a picture of the panel I made to replace the key/safety panel. This was my second attempt, I am pretty happy with the result.

The square unit is a digital voltmeter to monitor the stereo battery voltage. The switch is the stereo power conveniently located at the key.

[gotwake]

RE: SE Edition - XMD3 remote panel

Nice work! Do you have a link for the volt meter guage?

[scottrob]

RE: SE Edition - XMD3 remote panel

Mikeski - Man, I like that!

I'd like to get details on what you do to make it. I would like to mooch off your solution....

[Mikeski]

RE: SE Edition - XMD3 remote panel

Here is the link for the gauge: http://www.lascarelectronics.com/pro...TOKEN=49933503

Be careful some of the panel meters are designed to only be viewed from below (since they are designed to be used in handheld instruments).

This is actually round III with the panel, I am happy with this result. The first one was built out of particle board, bondo, resin, then paint. Round II was done with 1/2" plex, it just looked cheap since it was too thin to match the panel on the opposite side (plus the paint ran). Everything considered the plex is quicker to work with since it's paintable and waterproof.

Round III is 3/4 plex. I first cut the outside shape to match the factory panel, next rout the circumference with a 1/2" quarter round bit set shallow (I actually mounted the bit in the drill press to do this), next partially drill the key outline with a hole saw, then completely drill the key and remote holes, next rout out the key and remote recesses (again with a router bit in the drill press). Slightly undersize the remote recess with the router so you can use a sanding drum to clean it up. Finally sand the whole thing with 220 then 400. Then prime and shoot with auto paint. It took a couple tries to get a match on the auto paint. I ended up mixing two different colors to get the paint to match, that's a very bright silver with a touch of bronze (5:1 ratio).

[gotwake]

RE: SE Edition - XMD3 remote panel

Thanks. I just had one of those plates CNC'd, to hold the pioneer remote and a switch. (LOL I think I used the same toggle) We cut it out of aluminum and shined it up like a mirror. Problem, the starter panel is chrome and has a yellowish tint to it. So I'm having another one made and sending it to be chromed. Yours looks awesome and I never thought to try to paint it to match the silver dash. DOH! Anyway thanks, and nice work!