Installing Gauges on B3030 with cab

[ficord]

I didn't like the plain plastic panel above the factory gauges so I added a clock oil pressure and volt meter to fill the void on the factory panel, I moved the wiper and work light switches to either side like on a car. I tried to made it look factory by using a 3/4 in abs plastic board I used a heat gun to duplicate the finish on the original panel. Now I'm wondering if its too much. A new panel is 12.00 if I want to put it back the way it was. I figured I'd try it if it didn't work out i would just buy another panel.

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/6/0/8/2/4/5/webimg/100587627_o.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/6/0/8/2/4/5/webimg/100590838_o.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/6/0/8/2/4/5/webimg/100587642_o.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/6/0/8/2/4/5/webimg/100587690_o.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/6/0/8/2/4/5/webimg/100587674_o.jpg

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/6/0/8/2/4/5/webimg/100587663_o.jpg

 

[smfcpacfp]

You did a great job!! When can you do mine.

 

[ficord]

You posted great pictures of your 3030 smfcpacfp, it looks so good out there in the snow.
Isn't it just a great tractor I couldn't be more pleased with mine.

 

[mjncad]

It looks factory to me. Excellent job.

The heat gun technique sounds interesting to add texture to the plastic. You could also look for hair-cell ABS, which has a texture similar to what automotive plastics have. The term hair-cell is what the plastics supplier I buy from calls the stuff.

 

[smfcpacfp]

You posted great pictures of your 3030 smfcpacfp, it looks so good out there in the snow.
Isn't it just a great tractor I couldn't be more pleased with mine.

I agree it is a great tractor. Where did you get the gauges? the material to make the case? Did you just cut the center out of the piece of plastic that held the switches? Did you take a few other "in process" pictures? I really like what you did and would mind replicating it.

 

[ficord]

I agree it is a great tractor. Where did you get the gauges? the material to make the case? Did you just cut the center out of the piece of plastic that held the switches? Did you take a few other "in process" pictures? I really like what you did and would mind replicating it.

I got the Gauges from JEGS they shipped out the same day , very good service.
I'll send you and email and explain everything on how to make it.

 

[jimainiac]

Wow, what a nice looking job! I can't imagine why you'd want to undo it. Thanks for posting the pictures.

 

[bialecki]

Watch out Kubota will be taking your lead and offering the panel & gages as an option. Wait and see!

 

[ficord]

What's nice about this panel is that it fits right over the factory panel using the same two mounting holes. Why wait for Kubota. I'll take orders for the panels - you guys pick your own favorite gauges and install them in the pre made panel.
But I'm only limited to the first 8,000 orders.