ignition key cover Catalina 30 1978 vintage

[mrreg]

Anyone have a good solution to building or purchasing an ignition key cover for the side mounted control dials and ignition key
for a Catalina 30 1978? The cover would prevent skipper and passengers from kicking a breaking the ignition key that sticks out into the cockpit area.
Thanks.

Russ Grant
russgrant43@gmail.com

 

[Leeward Rail]

A photo would help those who don't own a Catalina 30 or if the design changed over the years. I would assume aryclic sheet would work without seeing the controls.

 

[Benny17441]

Could always relocate the Key Switch from the panel to a more protected location. Can you really see the gauges down there?

 

[mrreg]

A photo would help those who don't own a Catalina 30 or if the design changed over the years. I would assume aryclic sheet would work without seeing the controls.

Thanks for the response. Here are a couple of photos. Once the key is in the ignition, it stick out into the cockpit area at leg level

 

[jeepbluetj]

1. Hinge a piece of plexi from the top (commercial unit shown, easy enough to DIY):

2. Replace with a new panel that already has a piece of plexi hinged at the top:

(This is what was done to my C-30 by a P.O. )

3. Remove the keyswitch and replace with an On/Off switch and a start button. Now you have newfangled keyless starting. After the keyswitch that was installed in the replacement panel failed, I made this mod to my C-30. No more lost keys.

 

[Richard19068]

I have a similarly recessed / exposed panel and have not had a problem in 20 years.
If it worries you I suppose you could just hacksaw off the overhanging outer end of the key so it didn't stick out as much.

 

[mrreg]

Thanks to all who replied. Great suggestions. Definitely an doable diy project
Russ