SS4x4, A themed build.

[Prepmech]

Thanks! You guys are awesome!


The port side turned out pretty good:


Still struggling with the starboard side:


If I reinforce it, it doesn't have to be perfect, can use filler to make it look good.

 

[g0nef1sshn]

Not to jack the topic and your build, but you just jelp me find a solution to my wind problem by seeing those mesh walls! Thanks and good to see ya back at it!

 

[Prepmech]

That's an old ironing board I use as a work bench.

Old ironing boards and bed frames should never be thrown away.

 

[Prepmech]

No more cracks or holes!



Excited because the splashwell is almost done, and it was the worst part of the boat.

Still need to reinforce it, but that will be easy enough.

 

[Prepmech]

Cleaning up controls a bit.


The lever is chrome, but showing some wear. Will be easy enough to rechrome or paint later, so I am going to leave it for now.

The cable swivels were wore, so got some new ones.

 

[Watermann]

Steady progress on the SS4x4, your repairs are coming right along. That's the most time consuming if done right. :encouragement:

 

[Prepmech]

Have been putting my minions to work.

 

[Prepmech]

Starting on transom attempt #2.

Using 3/4" marine plywood, titebond 3 this time.

 

[jbcurt00]

Use full coverage w the TB3 on the plywood

 

[Prepmech]

2nd attempt at transom went much better. Used the TB3, applied a thin layer and then smoothed it out with a paint brush. Was much easier to work with than the Loctite power grab stuff.

Using the old timer's wood sealer recipe to seal it up now.

 

[classiccat]

Nice! Your Minions had the magic touch!

 

[Watermann]

It sure does pay to go with the tried and true when it comes to such an important part of the boat. You can't go wrong with TB3. :thumb:

 

[Prepmech]

So, this is the current condition of my splashwell. See the area that has been sanded to bare aluminum on the grey primered bulkhead, it keeps warping and cracking.

I fixed all of the cracks, then noticed it had begun to warp. I braced it with some angle iron to get it back into shape, then warmed it with a torch to relieve the stress. A few minuted later, two cracks were back.

I have spent a lot of time on this splashwell, but I think I am giving up on it. It takes up a lot of valuable space, and without some major work will never support the weight of my kids monkeying on it.

Going to replace it with a smaller splashwell and a more usable platform.

 

[Prepmech]

Have coated the transom wood with the varnish/linseed oil/mineral spirits a few times. Seems to soak up a little more each time.

 

[Prepmech]

Haven't completely given up on splashwell. Cut a piece of scrap 3/4" ply to try to reinforce it. Way too heavy, but if I use 3/8" or 1/2" with some creative trimming (speed holes), I think I can get the weight down and get the structure I need.





Going to weld the crack one last time, and try to reinforce it with plywood.

What would work best to glue aluminum to wood?

 

[Prepmech]

The aluminum kept getting worse the more I worked it. Ended up getting it structurally sound, then used some JB weld to make it look better.

Been working on the plywood reinforcement. I think it will work out well.



The 1/2" ply will give me the strength I need without adding too much weight.

The auroco plywood is nice, I would say even better than the Marine plywood I used for my transom.

 

[Watermann]

Looking good so far. A word of advice on the transom, it's best to drill all the holes through and then seal it so the sealer gets in the holes too.

 

[Prepmech]

Fitting it all together, not as heavy as I worried it would be:

 

[Prepmech]

I swear I have a work bench, saw horses, etc... But it is just really handy to work on my old ironing board.

 

[Prepmech]

Trying to decide what to attach the plywood to the aluminum with. Right now contact cement is the top contender, as I could seperate them later if ever needed.