1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

[barato2]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

ya know, you REALLY should not have posted that GA....what if the Admiral reads this and decides she's had enough of our MBS and wants to give us an un-subtle hint?

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Well mates, let's just say that if I don't get back to work on her boat..I mean our boat, there won't be anything subtle about it. Nor will there be any hints given before the "storm" hits....me. I'd better get outside and at least pull the tarp back so I can look like I'm looking for something to look at....I mean, work on.

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Question: do you have any suggestions for bringing the faded wheel off the helm back to "like new" condition. It's not cracked nor appears to be brittle so I'd really like to keep it on the boat. Anyone have any luck re-conditioning this item. Thanks.

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[barato2]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Well mates, let's just say that if I don't get back to work on her boat..I mean our boat, there won't be anything subtle about it. Nor will there be any hints given before the "storm" hits....me. I'd better get outside and at least pull the tarp back so I can look like I'm looking for something to look at....I mean, work on.

i trust you'll undersatand if we mostly feel jealous rather than sympathetic about THAT state of affairs....

there are steering wheel resto kits available. or you can do it the low tech way, filling pits with JBweld and then painting. the big issue will be neutralizing any rust that's started on the metal core so it doen't continue to crack the plastic off

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

thanks, barato2. I'd thought of using medium thick CA glue to fill any pits/cracks as it is easy to apply and dries quickly while allowing sanding within a short time. Checking for rust is a great idea. I'll have to pull the wheel before removing the helm structure, so I'll know what condition the wheel is today (if the rain and high winds stop).

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[barato2]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

CA would work great too. luthiers even use it to build up broken off spots on the "nut" (part at top of fretboard strings go over).

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Been using CA glues in model building, both for wood models and plastic models. Thick CA is also a quick route to filling plastic model depressions; put a drop on the spot, let it sit for a minute, then sand it down with 220 and 320 grits; the plastic sanding residue will fill any voids along with the glue. I have played guitar for many years. Have a 2003 American Fat Telecastor (neck humbucker and bridge "ashtray") played through a Fender Princeton Chorus. Plays rings around any Les Paul I've had, and I have had a few of those over the years. Thin CA works well for putting a hard, albeit thin, finish on the fretboard after it wears some; put a few drops on the fret space and quickly wipe it over the fret area and absorb the excess, let dry and it's good as new. I can guarantee I'll use some CA on the boat before it's launched while doing the resto.

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[InMotion]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Question: do you have any suggestions for bringing the faded wheel off the helm back to "like new" condition. It's not cracked nor appears to be brittle so I'd really like to keep it on the boat. Anyone have any luck re-conditioning this item. Thanks.

Safe boating,

Joe

The right steering wheel to me makes the boat.... but that's just MHO....!! That said give it a try.... I replaced mine and will in the Falcon as well as I like a nice steering wheel. Figure it this way... it is the one thing in the boat you hold onto continuously while in it... so why not make it nice! We as restorers create experiences --- whether cruising, fishing or other for family, friends and ourselves. It really makes the experience so much better holding onto the best wheel you can --- whether you restore it or get a new one! So either way I like your thought to bring the old one back to life --- or if that doesn't work --- flea bay!!!

Jim

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Good point, Jim, and one I have been considering for some time. This wheel, although faded over the years, is in good shape and yells "vintage" in the same way the original horn, lights and chrome pieces do; similiar in idea to keeping the original steering wheel in a 1940 Ford convertible. That said, I did find a nice style wheel that has the SS in the middle as an alternative. When the original is pulled, and the overall condition determined a choice can be made.

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

POR-15 has a steering wheel specific resto kit that might get the old wheel looking new again.

Flea-bay definitely has some great deals too.....

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Thank you, jb, that's the kind of wheel resto information I was looking for. All in one package for the DIY winter project.

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Was a beautiful day, and while the Admiral worked cleaning and freshening the flower beds (we had our first frost warning last night ), I worked on the boat. Decided to remove the helm dash, wheel and misc. items along with pulling all the wiring from the boat. Popped the wheel nameplate off, and the wheel center looked clean and intact. Removed the center nut from the wheel post and THEN realized I had loaned my wheel puller out and never got it back. And do you think that wheel would budge loose from the center post when I pulled on it.....? The wheel didn't but the whole dang dash pulled off the sheetmetal...hadn't even loosened the screws holding the dash plywood. It was about here I realized this was not good. The plywood was rotted to paper-thin likeness and just crumbled apart when touched. Sure glad the port dash is usable for a general pattern! Each dash item was removed from the dash, brushed off and set aside while I pulled the applicable wiring clear of the starboard gunwale. Finished removing all the dash items with wiring and thought I'd try to take the wheel assembly from the dash. Got to use my Dremel tool and a fiberglass cutoff wheel (from my RC model workshop) to cut a nut loose from a threadstripped bolt...first time I did that and it worked well. I was doing real good until, after not being able to separate the wheel from the dash, I got the brilliant idea that I could just loosen the big nut that connected the whole unit to this large round white line that went to the back of the boat...ah, into the splashwell...and connected to something back there...
It was exactly when that large nut cleared the last thread of the rear steering box...and popped loose...and I saw the steering cable exposed...and couldn't just slip the nut back on,...it was right about then I realized this was not good either. Two "not goods" in one day. And then, it was about that same time I put a slice in my hand near the thumb as a result of being too close to some sharp edged sheetmetal...and NOT wearing the work gloves I'd purchased for just that reason...it was then, as the Admiral went after bandaids and anti-septic ointment, I decided it might be best if the Admiral and I just pull the tarp over Joyride and send her to bed...again. Photos are included for you.

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Looks like a C4 demo, Joe. That Stbd. dash is rotted. There have been plenty of horror stories about steering removal, but I'm sure you took the cake. Sorry you left DNA tracks behind, probably more to come.

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

I appreciate the kind DNA thought, GA. As to the rotted dash, I have to say that the Admiral and I are really surprised at the amount of damage we observe on the wood items. Having never owned a boat before, we did not suspect such a poor condition. On the other hand, it speaks volumns with regard to having a forum like this, and new friends who are willing to help folks like us get this boat into nice condition. I can say my confidence level as certainly risen. We will feel much better having invested the time to restore the boat when we make that first voyage. In the meantime, it's remove and replace time.

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[classiccat]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

all of the wood is hosed but everything metal looks to be in great shape (just don't forget to wipe the blood off)...she'll be gorgeous when you're done!

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

I did wipe the blood off, BlueFin, with a white T-shirt. Not sure THAT was a good idea though, 'cause the Admiral saw me do it...

So far the metal looks promising and that is what is really important. I have little experience with aluminum metalwork so while working forward towards the bow I keep positive thoughts that all the metal will be in good condition. So far, so good.

Safe boating,

Joe

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

As long as the tin is in good shape, then you'll be OK. And it seems you have the right attitude. New wood is as close as the wood store.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Yah, rebuilding old alum boats and blood letting go together like peas and carrots. Just kinda the way it goes ya know

I think I've emptied out a few gallons over the past couple of projects. The "Fast Cure" version of 5200 sure comes in handy for these types of injuries:joyous:

 

[dozerII]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

Blood sweat and tears that's what rebuilding old Starcarfts is all about. I haven't worked on one yet that didn't draw a little blood. I get your steering wheel off, loosen the center nut till it is flush with the end of the shaft, pull on the wheel and give the end of the shaft a good hard wack with a hammer, they usually pop loose then take the nut off and remove the wheel.

 

[piperjoe]

Re: 1973 Starcraft SuperSport 16ft. restoration questions

GA, it's easy to keep a positive attitude when I look at the great boat projects you folks have finished. It will be an honor to join you on the water.

jasoutside, CA works real good for closing wounds, too...it was used in Vietnam for emergency wound closure on our troops, and thereafter.

dozerII, hey...that's a great idea for removing the wheel. I've got a "mighty hammer" (hard rubber mallet) on the tool shelf. Thank's for the how-to!

Safe boating,

Joe