Chaparral 2000 SL Sport floor, and more?? [SPLASHED Sept 2017]

[kcassells]

Now that has to make you feel good!

 

[mr300z87]

Nice job. I know when I got my engine installed it was time to celebrate that major milestone.

 

[tpenfield]

:thumb:

 

[ezmobee]

Congrats! That's a big step.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Thanks everyone, it really felt good getting that engine bolted down.

On Sunday I located the bench seat and figured out how I would secure it. I placed some composite angles strategically in key areas to keep it from sliding around. The bench will be bolted into the angles thus securing it in all directions. I used PL to glue the angles, and stainless steel screws to secure them. The PL will provide protection from water intrusion. I used 6 angles total. I'll bolt the bench down after I'm done with the motor.







I also cut and installed a couple dividers to better utilize space under the helms. This will make 10" pockets for storage.






The pocket walls are glued in using thickened resin with chopped strands. I won't be tabbing these in since they are not structural.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

I decided to start finishing the bow area this evening. I sanded the gelcoat from the holes I patched a few weeks ago. These holes were used to attach head rests the PO had custom made. The pads ere in bad shape, and not really my thing. Sanded and buffed out, it's hard to tell where the patches are. I'm very pleased with the results.

 

[chevymaher]

Nice job looks awsome.

 

[rad1026]

Really looking great! Yeah, getting the engine back in is a major step. But the best part is when that alignment bar slides in and out easily. That's when you know all your measurements were done right.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Psychologically speaking I needed to get something completed. So many things left open at this point, and one task waits on another. I decided to install the bow pads just to get one thing looking finished. I spent a couple hours on these. Honestly, they're not in the best shape. I think they'll be good enough to get me through the year. I definitely have some plywood backers to change out soon.





Aside from that I cleaned up a little and started sorting the wiring to better organize it.

 

[Corjen1]

Great Progress Chuck, she looks great!! Should be a splash in the near future!!

 

[Baylinerchuck]

I added some Bondo to the joints of the storage pockets I built to smooth out the hairy PB. After a bit of sanding they were ready for gel coat.




After a coat of gel things looked better.




Started working on getting the engine running. Throttle cable, exhaust manifolds, and new water line hooked up.




I'm still waiting on the 1/4" NPT brass plugs for the block. As luck would have it no one carried those plugs locally. I've heard from a plumbing supply co., it's due to fines imposed on distributors for selling brass, which contains lead, that gets used in potable water systems. They can sell other brass items, just are limited on NPT fittings. Fines can be up to 10k for the installer and whoever sold it. NICE.

 

[89 resorter]

Chuck, the gel coating looks great! Can't wait to see the pics of the splash ..... funny how something as small as a couple NPT fittings can grind progress to a halt like that.

Keep up the great work.... getting real close now

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Chuck, the gel coating looks great! Can't wait to see the pics of the splash ..... funny how something as small as a couple NPT fittings can grind progress to a halt like that.

Keep up the great work.... getting real close now

Thanks sir. I have to admit I was pretty dumbfounded to not be able to find these fittings locally, lowes, HD, Napa, TSC, and a major plumbing distributor. Unreal. I couldn't even find a tap to chase the threads in the block. All I can say is thank goodness for the wild wild web!!

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Great progress today. Had about 12 hours of uninterrupted work. I got the outdrive on. This was a real pain getting everything lined up by myself. I eventually got it to slide in perfectly. Cleaned up and installed the trim cylinders. Used thread sealant on the hydraulic fittings to hopefully stop them from seizing.



I also cleaned up a lot of wiring. I soldered a lot of connections and placed stray wires into the loom. I installed the bilge pump and soldered in the blower. There is still more to do, but this is a good start.




I also took the tank off the hydraulic reservoir and cleaned all the gunk out of it. Also cleaned the pickup tube screens. I cleaned the o-ring and reassembled. I should be able to hook up the trim pump tomorrow.



I'm beat......more tomorrow.

 

[chevymaher]

Now if that post isn't motivation to get out there and grind today, nothing is. Outstanding work marine.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Had about half a day to work today. I went to Lowes to get connectors for my trim limit and trim senders. I tinned the wires before crimping, then applied liquid electrical tape, then heat shrink.

I made a huge mistake yesterday in applying gel coat. I went to my work table this morning and there was exactly 6.2cc of MEKP. Sure enough, I added wax, but no catalyst. To fix this I made a quick kick batch of gel coat with wax, rolled it on vigorously, then added heat. Worked like a charm, gelcoat kicked great.

After that fiasco, I mounted the blower, and hydraulic pump. I mounted these to the deck using rubber feet, stainless screws, and 5200. I connected the hydraulics and all wiring.

I used my jump pack battery to test the trim, blower, and bilge pump. Everything worked well, no vibration.

 

[Corjen1]

Great work Chuck. You are almost there!!

 

[Woodonglass]

All this mechanical stuff makes my head hurt!!!:grumpy: But...It shore nuff looks GREAT!!!

 

[Baylinerchuck]

I received the illusive 1/4"NPT plugs for the block and elbows from amazon. I'm a bit concerned for how deep the plugs thread in, and hope I don't have leaks. They are not sloppy, but with NPT tapers, the more shallow the fitting goes in, the tighter the seal as the fitting is turned in. I used thread sealer to stave off any additional corrosion.

 

[Mad Props]

I can't believe you had to order those parts! I live in PA as well and can find brass plugs at ACE hardware, lowes, homedepot, etc... not sure whats going on in Chambersburg, lol...