1968 Glastron V-174 Resto-Mod

[Dangerwil]

Hello iboats.

Starting up my second boat restoration project. Earlier this year I completed a two year total restoration of a 1968 Correct Craft Mustang. New stringers, floor, gelcoat, engine, the works. I did everything but the engine myself. Did a lot of reading in this forum. Posts from Woodonglass and Frisco Boater really really helped!

This new project will likely be the same. New transom, stringers, floor, gelcoat and some extensive custom modifications. It took quite a bit of searching to find this hull, but I had to have it for my project. I currently have most of the interior stripped out, pulled the lower unit and trying to figure out whether to restore the old engine or repower.

Here are a few pics of the Mustang and the V-174 so far.

 

[Bayou Dave]

The Mustang looks great! Good job.

 

[Dangerwil]

The first thing that had to be done is a new trailer. The trailer the boat came with looked to be the original trailer. It sat up too high, I had to use a step ladder to get in and out of the boat. It was rusty and crusty. I did not think it was worth putting any money in it.

I watched craigslist for several months and found a trailer that fit really nicely. I had to replace a couple of rollers and repack the wheel bearings. I also put some much nicer tires and rims on it.

It was pretty scary floating the old boat off the old trailer for the first time. It floated just fine! So nice to see it on the water. May have been the first time since 1993! Now its easy to climb in and out and do the work it will need.

 

[Dangerwil]

I have most of the interior stripped off. I removed the original 160 pre Alpha outdrive. Came off much easier than I expected. I also did a compression check on the inline 6. It looks good and when I poured a little gas in the carb it fired right up!

I bought a junk 1986 Sea Ray with a 3 liter inline 4. Completely stripped it out and kept all the hardware. I am planning on using the thru hull and lower unit from that boat to replace the obsolete 160 parts.

I am not sure what I want to do with the engine. From my research, it should be possible to fit the newer bell housing on the 1968 engine and get it to mate up with newer out drive. That engine would then get a full rebuild. It would be close to original.

I could put in a newer 4.3 liter v6 and add quite a few more ponies. That along with a captains call exhaust would make the project fast and loud. I am not sure which direction to go. For now my plan is to add in the mounting areas for the v6 when I do the stringer work. That would give me the option to use either engine later on.

[/IMG]

 

[Corjen1]

Welcome Danger!! Small world we have, I was reading your thread on the correct craft forum this morning.. I am looking at a 61 CC and started researching. I have to admit I have a weakness for the Glastrons and Im looking forward to watching this build! Great group of guys here and are very willing to help!!

 

[Woodonglass]

You are planning on removing the old stringer channels...right???

 

[Dangerwil]

WOOD: I think what you are referring to is a picture of the hull of my Mustang just after the stringers were removed. Shows how badly they were delaminated. I cut off the tops with a vibratory tool and the stringers popped right out with just some prying from a small bar.

Here is a picture just after they were glassed in. It was soo sticky my sandals stayed in the boat!


CORJEN1: Go for it! Its going to be way more work than you want it to be and going to cost way too much. They only made that hull for a few years, it was handmade and it deserves to be saved. Once it is done you are going to have a beautiful boat and and all the headaches will be forgotten. One of my favorite sigs that i have seen on the forums says something like, But honey, I could easily get $5000 for this $10000 project boat.

 

[Woodonglass]

OK, my bad!!! Nice Glass work!!!

 

[Dangerwil]

Got a bit done. Engine is disconnected and ready to be pulled. Stripped out the dash. Moving along. Anybody have a source for restoring vintage Mercruiser gauges?

 

[Dangerwil]

Some more progress today.

The two pieces that cover the inside sides of the boat were a pain in the *** to remove. Lots of blind fasteners. They must of had a guy who worked at the plant with 8 foot long arms to get to a couple of them.


How does the throttle handle come off of the control box? i removed a large allen screw but I still can't get it off of the spline shaft.

 

[Woodonglass]

Anybody have a source for restoring vintage Mercruiser gauges?

Your wish is my command...:lol:http://www.bobsspeedometer.com/1/120/index.asp

 

[Dangerwil]

Pulled the engine today. I had the guys at the local powder coat shop use their forklift set up. Went perfectly and the engine is now safely tucked away on it's pallet.

 

[Dangerwil]

Been very busy working and crummy weather. Did get a cover up over the Glastron. I also got the new trailer registered. NEVER buy a trailer that does not come with a current registration!

 

[52FordF2]

On your throttle assy look into the slot or hole in the bottom should be a set screw. It may be an Allen style set screw. After that lubricate shaft and pull apart. There may also be a screw under that black cap. Mine had both.:facepalm:

 

[Dangerwil]

Wow! 2 months flown by and not a spare moment to work on the V-174. Hopefully that will change this weekend! I have had lots going on. Got my Correct Craft Mustang cleaned up and went on a run to The Mt Dora boat show in February. There I found a part of the bow light I need for the Glastron. I also got to see a gorgeous Scimitar and a CV-27.

My engine mechanic called me and said, "There is a free ski boat at this marina, just go hook up to it and it's yours." Turned out to be a 1989 Mastercraft Prostar 190 with a 351 Windsor. Should have the title in hand soon. Been in the weather for a few years but does not look too bad.

Now to get focused back on the Glastron!!!!

 

[Corjen1]

Man, how come I cant come across those kinda deals!!!

 

[Dangerwil]

oops

 

[sphelps]

Very cool Glastron Dangerwill ! I'd like to tag along if there's room ...
I see your in J-ville .... Howdy neighbor !

 

[Dangerwil]

Hello! Progress!

Very busy Feb, March and April. I took the parts boat engine down to my Uncle in Tampa for some help. With a little work we got it up and running. So I now have a running 3 liter that needs a carb rebuild and fuel pump.

I gave the Mastercraft to one of my mechanics. Was sad to see it go, but PO would not take the time to apply for a lost title. My mechanic called me a week later and gave me a mostly complete OMC 5.7 liter Chevy 350 that was stuck.

Took it down to Tampa this last weekend and tore it apart. Manifolds must have gone bad. Heads were rotted out on one side and pistons were stuck in cylinder. So not much sense in doing anything with that. It did supply some good parts to use for the engine swap. Intake, bell housing, flywheel and rear gear. Should be enough parts to make ordering a long block a choice.

 

[Dangerwil]

More progress to report. I got the donor boat transom assembly taken apart and put away. The three liter engine is now securely mounted to the roll around pallet so I can start it periodically until I sell it.

I peeled back the cover on the boat and removed the throttle handle. Turns out the black center button was the nut that needed to come off. Everything came apart easily after that. Then I climbed into the bilge and started at the transom assembly. Totally amazing almost no corrosion and everything came apart like it had just been put together. It is now removed and the transom looks in way better shape than I thought it would be.