1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

[MichaelP]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

It's good to hear from all of you and thanks for the praise.
Rich - -I didn't use anything under the stand-offs. Figured that since the factory didn't then I shouldn't worry. I'll keep an eye on that.

Last night I got the windshield in but it was too dark to get pics. Tinted glass all around looks pretty stealthy and that's the look I'm going for. More to come soon.

 

[MichaelP]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

OK here are the promised pics of the Chief with her new windshield. It was much more difficult to install it than it was to make it. I simply bought some 3/16 smoked polycarbonate, cut out the profile with a jig saw using the old one as a template and had it bent in a press break. Total cost was only $60. I also found some vinyl glazing to go around the edges that was a sufficient match for $14 (info in an earlier post). The whole thing is beded in DAP 50 year white sillycone.

This weekend I'm focusing on the hand rails, hatch and then seat boxes. This afternoon my wife is throwing a small bash for my birthday (actually the 19th) so I'll have to quit early. The way things are going it's tough to stop!
Have a great Saturday folks.
Mike

 

[bouttime007]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

Looks quite regal MP! Nice work.

Happy birthday when it gets here!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

The Chief is looking great MP, really nice work you are doing

I like the light tint on the cabin glass, should keep it a bit cooler in there.

Looking forward to seeing the rest

 

[ricohman]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

I think you are doing an outstanding job on your Chieftan. Thanks for the big pics and sharing them!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

Mike - All I can say is WOW. I'm totally impressed by the good work you are doing on the Chief. I caught your peeing* out of the port window.

EDIT - * oops, dropped an "r"

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

Man, she is getting close!

 

[MichaelP]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

Thanks for all the support fellas. Things are really happening fast right now.
GA_Boater--You may have had it right the first time. My wife was a bit slow with the camera.
HA--I'm sure this tinny is going to get hot inside, maybe the tinting will help a bit.
richoman--Good to see you here!
bouttime--I like the way she looks too. It's all working out.

More progress yesterday. After toiling over how I was going to bend the hand rails for months they're finally done. Played around with a hand pipe bender and a piece of 3/4" EMT. Got the hang of it after a while and just went for it. I can't believe I got 2 quotes for $300 to make these bends that I did in 1 stinkin hour! NO kinks! I'll drill the mounting holes on a bridgeport this week. The hatch is secured and functional. Applied the Starcraft stickers. I had a delema on those - Make them parallel with the gunwales or the strakes?. Went with the strakes. Looking for some input on this, I can always strip them off and get a new set for $20 if it bothers me.

Today is seat box day!

 

[MichaelP]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

More pics.

 

[bouttime007]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

The StarCraft logos look fine the way they are MP.


The pink and purple Load Rite logos on the other hand..... ummmm.......LOL

 

[Teamster]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

Looks AWESOME!!,.......

I didn't go back to read it all,..........What kind of power are you hanging on the back??

 

[MichaelP]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

Yea bouttime I agree. I might pressure wash those things off.
Teamster - Good to see you man. The boat came with a 1990 90hp rude. I repainted it the original dark blue. It would be nice to hang a black engine instead but this one is paid for.

Good news---Due to the generous severance package I got from my previous employer I can now buld a new Starcraft hanger to replace the old one. It will be the same size 24' x 32'. I want to splash this boat before I start on it so I'm wicked motivated.

 

[Teamster]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

Cool, Should move yous around just fine,..........

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

That 90 looks brand new! And a new home coming too. Great news! 24X32, um - MBS setting in?

 

[MichaelP]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

Too late. This is already SC #2. I'm running a 16 SS at the moment with no plans to sell it.

 

[craigweaver]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

She's looking awesome! You do great work. I like the logo's as they are. Parallel to the gunnels would look a little off I think. I can't wait to see how quickly she gets wrapped up and splashed!

 

[Brenn]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

I just read through the whole thread and youre doing a great job,keep up the great work

 

[rheagler]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

Very nice Mike. The Chief is looking great!

 

[ShowMeGuy]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

Lookin good man.... Lookin real good.....

Thing looks like a new one for sure....

 

[MichaelP]

Re: 1974 Starcraft Chieftain 18' OB refit

It's been a while since last posting but be assured that progress is in fact being made. Seat boxes are almost done and the hand rails have been dry fitted. I was hoping to reuse the holes on the gunwales but nope, gotta fill and repaint. My bride has started the new cushions but doesn't feel comfortable using pipiung around the edges. So be it. I think it will be just fine.

The hardware bill is piling up fast. That's one expense I grossly underestimated.

Pics soon.

Mike