Re: 1979 Ranger Bass Boat 1600V-I
OK, next step is the big one...to do or not to do...
Even though the transom feels solid, unless it has been replaced in the last few years and was done correctly, you need to assume that it will get replaced also...
Alrighty then...if you have made the not-so-easy decision to restore this boat...the first thing you have to do read through a couple of good restoration threads...
I am going to include mine, because I have been going through pretty much everything you are about to go through...the link to it is below in my signature...note...look at the signatures of others who post here for their threads on restores...
I don't recommend reading as much as just flashing through it and looking at the pictures...if absolutely necessary, read about the pics...but most of the basic info you will need, is in the pics...you know what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words...
There are so many excellent restoration threads going on, that almost any of them will help you...
Another thing to do is use the search feature for specific things, like..."stringers", "Paint", etc. etc...
Here are a couple of links that are similar to your boat...don't worry about them being exact...most boats are built using the same basic construction methods...
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=510077
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=234392
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=523969
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=530203
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=511063
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=543698
Like I said, there are a ton of them...
One of the very first things you will need to do is make sure the hull is properly supported, then you'll be removing the "cap", and then you will begin the massive demolition...
Just so you are forewarned, this is not an easy under taking, but it isn't rocket science either...take your time, ask a million questions, try to do a little bit every chance you get, and with the help of the Iboats nation...you will end up with a boat you will be proud to own and operate...
I'll be tagging along and helping out wherever I can...if you run into a situation where you can't get a response and it has been a couple of days, just PM me, and I'll try to help...
Just keep in mind, that because there are a mountain of restores going on, and most of the knowledgeable guys here want to help...sometimes we can't get to everybody...
That's another reason we want you to try and learn as much as you can on your own by reading through some of the threads...
L8r,
GT1M
