Re: 1964 15' Starcraft Aluminum Runabout Project
Re: 1964 15' Starcraft Aluminum Runabout Project
I also put the windshield back on, this proved a little more involved.
I bought some Taylor windshield gasket for the bottom and had a heck of a time getting it on. It came in a roll curled up in a plastic bag and even after sitting out in the sun straight, weighted on the edge by a 2x4, it still wouldn't relax. Solution: had to tape it on every few inches and leave the tape on until it was installed on the boat.
I had also bought some new windshield brackets that I thought would exchange right into place, but while installing on the deck I discovered that they moved the windshield about an inch too far forward. I wanted to use the original mounting holes, so I dug out the original brackets and used them instead, even though they are pretty pitted. One had the bolt-protrusion broken off, so I had to cobble something up to go thru the plastic. Not all the fasteners I used are SS, so I'll be replacing them later. The deck hardware is laid out for positioning. It's beginning to look more like a real boat!
I had said I was going to reuse the original bow light, but decided it was too pitted, so I got one of the Perko retro style lights.
That gasket material is nice, but now I'm wondering if the windshield is original after all because its contour doesn't follow the deck very well in a couple spots and the gasket fits loosely, but is OK. Who knows. Maybe over time it will cook into place when the sun heats the metal up.
Other than the curl, the gasket is pretty easy to work with. Here's a little goof I made because something is out of whack. I mentioned earlier that I think a tree fell on this once and I had to spend a lot of time reshaping the frame, so that might be it.
And of course, the busted corner. I have one piece, but not the whole missing chunk.
