1987 Champion Super Champ Restoration - Front Deck Panel

I have a '87 Champion SC I am working to restore and get myself off the bank. The floor, transom, and Johnson 110 are good just needs some interior cosmetics and seats.

The front switch panel plastic enclosure has seen its better days... it had some slight warping and few small cracks. Then I came along and wacked it around by accident with the polisher while buffing on the gelcoat. That didn't help.

I doubt I would ever find a replacement from a salvage boat so I figure I am going to have to fabricate a new enclosure. I could just mount it flush but would prefer to have the recessed enclosure if I could have one fabricated without breaking the bank.

I am fairly good with wood but dont think I could create such a thing with the front lip needed given the tolerances and widths I have to work with.

Any suggestions?

Does it HAVE to be recessed?? I know it'd be nice but....
I used a cutting board I bought at Big Lots for $8. Waterproof, UV rays don't affect it, will last longer than the boat. Cut to size, cut out switch holes & plug in for TM.

Cuts with regular woodworking tools.

I have an 82 184, got some thick aluminum and made a new plate.

mine is not recessed.

will find some pics or take a couple this weekend

Thanks for the responses.

Pictures always welcome for what others have done here.

I may end up just flush mounting the current panel to a sheet of aluminum or wood as suggested.

I spoke to a friend of mine who owns a sign shop that fabricates big custom signage for commercial buildings including local stadium venues here in DFW. He just might be able to fabricate a recessed box for me.

Got the old carpet taken out today and prepping floor and lids in the hopes of putting in new carpet over the weekend.

Need to sort out what seats to put in, all that is there is long since rotted away.

Thanks again for any and all input.

Just make a flat plate and change the switches out to rocker arm style so you won't bump them and break them off. You could also use something like fiberglass and reshape that broken corner.

satio I would take it to your bud, or small sheet metal shop. maybe offer a fish trip, for a discount ? also good idea on rocker sw. good luck, got a ways to go on my ride, hope it don't cost me big $$$

I need seats for my Champion also. I looked at bassboatseats.com and they have good prices but I don't see how they'd mount in my boat and I tried emailing them about it but they weren't very helpful. My response was that I'd just have to figure it out on what would fit because they didn't work on specific models. Someone told me about Deans top and canvas and they appear to have the appropriate seats for different years. You might look at them.

your friend should have no problem making one out of aluminum or might have a cnc and cut one out for you

deans for original seats. sorry, I forgot to get the pics but will this weekend.

I mounted bassboatseats.com seats in my 82, sit a tad high but overall I like them a lot.

The problem with my champ sets were the replacements all sat to high and my center folded forward so most don't work. Hate to lose the storage under the seat so I just put cheap seats till I can have someone make new ones

A small update on the front deck panel...

It's good to have friends that support your projects. He was happy to fabricate a nice new recessed mounting plate out of aluminum.

I have to drill out the mounting holes and get it put back together but I was very impressed.