1964 MirroCraft Restoration

[apprentiss]

I have a 14ft 1964 MirroCraft Ski 'N' Troll w/a 1964 40HP Evinrude motor. I brought the boat last year for about $400 to get the motor for another boat I have, but decided to keep and restore it. I haven't decided all the details yet as far as color schemes and any additional changes I'm going to make, but I'm going to get starting removing all the stuff I know I'm going to get rid of. I do know that I'm going to repaint the boat, repaint and rewire the trailer, put in new interior and replace all the wood that currently in the boat (its not that much though). I also must say, that this will be my first restoration and my first time doing any work like this so it should be an interesting experience. Here's some pics of what it looks like now:

 

[apprentiss]

I also wanted to added a couple of pics of the trailer. If you guys have any suggestions about the project, please feel free to send them my way.

 

[Tnstratofam]

That's a nice looking project you have there. I really like these old tin boats. Nice lines, and they look good going down the lake. I like the color. Are you going to keep it or change it? I've also seen some nice two tone paint schemes that looked good on these. I'll be tagging along if that's okay.

 

[64osby]

I was trying to figure out what the original seat configuration was and saw this.

Nice tin. :joyous:

 

[apprentiss]

Thanks tnstratofam and 64osby. I'm still thinking about the color. I keep going back and forth between the original color or a lite yellow with black interior, all white with black interior, or the bottom polished aluminum with solid color on top. Still thinking it thru. Feel free to offer any suggestions. And.d thanks 64osby for the vintage ad...it give me a few ideas to think about.

 

[Woodonglass]

I'd strongly advise against a Black interior. It would be VERY Hot!!!!

 

[apprentiss]

I got a chance to do a little work on the project today. Here's a few pics of the progress:



I'm still trying to decide on the wiring and how to run it so it does look as bad as it do now (see photos below). The boat doesn't have a floor so there not too many places to hide it. Any suggestions??

 

[64osby]

http://www.fiberglassics.com/wiki/images/1/15/Mirrocraftb60003.jpg

This is the link to the full size literature page.

As Wood plainly stated, don't do black, unless you only go boating when it is cloudy, raining and cold,

Have fun and will look for updates.

 

[Woodonglass]

Will you be putting a floor in her? I Highly recommend that you do. You could route some of the wiring under there. You might also consider fabricating some side panels as well and then you'd be able to easily hide the wires and cables. You could use 1/4" epoxy coated plywood or Aluminum plate for the side panels. Old Intersate Signs from the Scrap yard are great sources for cheap Aluminum panels.

 

[Tnstratofam]

You could Fabricate some side pieces with some 1/4 inch plywood and some vinyl.

 

[bonz_d]

That 50 year old MirroCraft looks to be in fine condition for it's age! There were a number of those running around when I was a kid. I would sure try to keep it original. Trailer looks to be original also and in VG condition. Those short bunks on the back should pivot to aid in launching and retrieving, and yes that is the way it was designed!

 

[Moonystar]

No Title

I also have an old mirrocraft that im restoring and i am doing a two tone color with it,

 

[ssdale]

Excellent project! Great that you have the original trailer also. What a beauty she will be Just my opinion,-On a classic like yours, stick to the original design with regard to seating and paint scheme. Pick your own colors, but usually the original designers hit it on the head when they laid out the lines for the two-tone paint schemes -Just my opinion! The literature section here on iBoats is awesome. Keep the great pics coming!

 

[apprentiss]

Thanks guys for all the great comments. I'll been reading up on some of the other projects and trying to learn as much as I can before I get started with the major stuff. Hoping to get back working on it next week and finish taking it apart.

 

[apprentiss]

It warmed up here in Chicago to about 30 degrees today so I was able to get out in the garage and do a little work on the boat. Spent much of the time building the outboard motor stand and disconnecting all the wiring. I was hoping to get the motor off today too but it was a little too heavy for me to manage on my own. Hopefully, I'll get my brother in law over in a couple of days to help with with that. Once the motor is off, just have to remove the steering and disconnect one more gauge before I can move to the next phase which I think will be working on building some bench seats. I actually can't wait to work not the seats. Here a couple of updated photos:



And its always nice when the wife supports the project:

 

[jbcurt00]

I think the note earns her a promotion to full Admiral

 

[Tnstratofam]

Support from the Admiral is what keeps allot of us motivated. Looking good on the tare down.:thumb: I'm looking forward to watching the resto continue!op2:

 

[Scott Danforth]

tagging along if you dont mind. Grew up with a '74 Mirro Ski-n-trol, and these little boats bring back memories

 

[apprentiss]

Just wanted to post an update on the project so far. As of today, I've been able to finish removing 99% of the stuff that was in the boat. All the gauges and electrical wiring is removed. The motor is off the boat and on the stand. And I have started to build the bench seats that I'm planning to put in the boat. Here a few photos of the progress:








The Bench Seats - Built the bases and started to dry fit the foam and just need to finish cutting it to size.





And was able to pick up a nice Morse sewing machine. Now I just have to learn how to use it.



Hopefully in the next few days or couple of weeks, I'll start playing around with this and can start sewing the vinyl for the seats.

 

[jbcurt00]

Nice looking Morris

Have you put that bench up on milk crates or something and taken a seat on them? Might be more comfortable if the back wasn't at 90* to the seat, but leaned back a little.