1998 252 updating thread

[xlint89]

I did end up using the Loctite brand sealant. Half the price of 4200.

[xlint89]

Bought a new SS trim pump bracket since the steel one looked awful next to the new trim tab pump and bracket.

[xlint89]

I like these battery organizers for wiring. They are convenient and have fuses right there.

Temp installed the wiring to test the system.

I am absolutely shocked to find no leaks.

I think the silicone is actually sealing the brass fittings to the plastic actuators. All the hose connections are good.

Trim tabs move.

[xlint89]

A little out of order, but the kit requires the use of transmission fluid. It says to use any in the instructions. So I had these old bottles on the shelf (never opened) So it uses almost 1 1/2 qts after filling the reservoir, hoses and bleeding the lines.

Once the test was complete and no leaks found, strapped the hoses. The zip ties worked out great as they held the brass fittings from contacting the hull, and didn't put a lot of stress on the hoses. I also added wire loom to the hoses to prevent abrasion against any fiberglass.

[xlint89]

Terminated the pump ground wire to the grounding block on the transom.

Drilled a hole through the divider, ran the power and ground wires for the auto trim pro control box to the battery and terminated them to the battery.

Mounted the control box to the divider.

Coiled up the excess wire from the actuator sensors and the NEMA wire (this kit can be controlled through your NEMA system if you have that).

I had to add about 2' of wire extension to the control box leads that connect to the pump. Bennett lists this extension in their instructions, but they do not supply it. They do offer it as an option for an additional $45. (I am still absolutely pi$$ed about this)

Routed all the wires and made all connections necessary

[xlint89]

I found I had the clearance behind the dash to install the helm mounted controls

Drilled my holes and test fit the unit.

[xlint89]

I ordered some more 90* elbows to replace the ones I broke for the hydraulic hoses mounted to the trim tab pump.

I didn't wire the trim controls because i am in the process of replacing the dash panels

So, at this point the trim tabs are just about complete. Everything works and am heading on to the dash panels.

[xlint89]

Some behind the dash pics.

[xlint89]

Holy crap. That's a lot of wires.

Fortunately Cobalt did us a solid and made them all disconnect. I was able to just uncouple the wires, remove the nuts holding the panels in place and remove them as a whole.

Now I can install the carbon fiber onto the panels from the comfort of my home. I need to make the cuts for the depth and temp sender displays, plus drill for all the switches and breakers.

[xlint89]

That's progress baby...

[xlint89]

Started installing the panels I was able to make at home.

These are actually blue carbon fiber sheet. It doesn't show blue until it's seen in a specific angle. Pretty disappointed about that.

I looked for a very long time to find the right color blue to accent the dark blue piping of the interior vinyl. And it doesn't even show up in the pics. It just looks black and silver.

[xlint89]

Going to be replacing the gauges as I continue to work with the panels.

Had to replace the nav light switch while I have the panel out. Someone installed a plastic paddle type in place of the original.

I also rewired the windshield wiper switch (I don't have one) to work my speaker LED lights.

[xlint89]

Here's the place I got the carbon fiber from.

http://www.protechcomposites.com/blue-k ... m-x-610mm/

It's pretty nice stuff. It cuts with scissors, utility knife, or dremel tool. Scissors is recommended as it leaves the cut edges with a nicer finish. The utility knife left a slightly raised edge. They claim to just use 220 grit sand paper, but I found the fiber actually left "fuzzy" edges. I went one step further and mixed up some epoxy and sealed the edges of the panels. I don't know how water would affect the sheet if it was able to "wick" into the fabric. I watched a few videos and that was recommended for sealing the edges.

[AsLan7]

That is a lot of progress X!

Looking forward to the carbon fiber dash results. Great documentation my friend.

[capn272]

Any particular reason you went with the hydraulic kit vs their electric actuators?