1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

[splewis1977]

Hey Folks, first time posting for a first time boat owner. Please keep response to small easily searchable words for my tiny brain . I appreciate any and all help, you folks are by far the best message board going.

So, I am picking up a 1978 14 foot Chrysler Valiant Runabout (at least based on the HIN that is what it appears to be). It was FREE from a friend, so I couldn't say no as I always wanted a small boat to learn on.

It has sat for two years uncovered, so I am planning no doing a new floor and stringers. I am also going to inspect the transom and might just replace it anyway considering I am doing the floor, I was planning on one fell swoop repair. There is a few soft spots, so I know from reading here that it is a necessary task.

I am looking for suggestions as to the most effective way to complete it. I have read a TON of posts, but again I am new so I am just throwing out the feelers to get ideas.

I have read about the SEA CAST product for both the hull and stringers, dont know if it is easier or more difficult than marine ply and strings etc.

. I have a decent ability with tools and a decent selction of them (and never shy from investing in new toys. I am going to toss up a few pics from what I am getting.

 

[jonesg]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Perfect candidate to learn on, not too big.
Pop the cap and gut it.
Its not worth blowing your budget on an old hull like that with seacast, ext grade PT plywood will work fine, fully sealed it will outlast you.

 

[splewis1977]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Thanks for the info, that is what I was figuring. The hull itself is in GREAT shape. no cracks, gauges etc. so that is encouraging. Popping the cap makes me nervous, just from lack of expirience. But, I'll post progress pictures and my cries for help

 

[splewis1977]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Oh, and your from Boston as well, GO SOX! (I grew up in Malden)

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Welcome to iBoats!
Popping the cap is a piece of cake. Besides the boat was FREE!!!! You will have PLENTY of help here so NO WORRIES. Time, Money, BEER. That's all it takes and you'll be done in no time. Go to Harbor Freight Get a 4 1/2 inch grinder, some 60 grit flap pads, tyek suit, respirator, goggles and gloves. Get a drill and drill out ALL those rivets Pop That Cap, and then start ripping out the deck and start grindin.

I'm just sayin...

 

[splewis1977]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Thanks, I got a Harbor Freight about 15 minutes away, I had planned on opening a revolving account. I got the beer and time, $$$ is always the issue. Popping the cap and grinding doesnt scare me as much as working with the fiber glass and resin, however, a friend of mine is an autobody guy...so I have started stocking his favorite beer. Thanks for the advice, I am really going to get far into this. I am OVERLY excited about the boat, as I have been trying to obtain one for some time...so HERE WE GO!

 

[splewis1977]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Another brain storm, I am sure someone has used composite stringers...any feed back? I would guess it wouldn't matter after they are glassed in etc. but just wondering (I can't turn the brain off)

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Check out this guys thread. He used a product called SeaCast. It IS expensive BUT it WILL Last FOREVER. YOu will learn a lot from seeing what and how he did his boat.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=365820&page=8

I'm just sayin...

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Search share a project website, you will see my Valiant rebuild. Mine did not have a lot of rot, so I did not split the boat.

Love the little boats, they will move nice with 40-50hp.

 

[splewis1977]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Ok, so I FINALLY got the boat after work and logistics was screwing me up. So, after a power wash, it wasn't as bad as I thought. the hull has a couple of dings. but in great shape. I have a few things I have to do first.

1. Floor - it appears that the floor is not the orginal. Its ply and a layer of glass over it. It did rot through, so I am going to start ripping and grinding today. Though, I have pulled back some old floor, and who ever did the work was nice enough to COMPLETELY glass the strings. The "hmmer test" showed solid and no soft sports form what i can tell. So my plan is to replace with marine ply and a layer of glass or two. (any suggestions, I'll take). I do not have to pop the cap, as they last owner took out the kick panel. I don't know if I will keep it open, or maybe turn it into storage.

2. the throttle conrol box is off, all parts are there, and no REAL rust on the box. I was gonna wirebrush and lubricate.

My off season plan is to remove the old cover snaps and patch em. Patch the little knicks and bumps and replace all the lights, paint (might mock up the General Lee as idea's) and add a few guages and go from there.

I'll add a few pics so feel free to shout questions, comments and concerns. ALSO, if anyone can 100% identify the type and year (why not) I'd love to hear it.

 

[splewis1977]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

More Pics

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Have you drilled any exploratory holes to check the transom yet!
Just wondering

I'm just sayin...

 

[splewis1977]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

I haven't, rubber malleted and that appeared good. No dead spots, no movement. no holes in the area of the transom. The ever scientific grab and shake like hell came out ok...lol

 

[splewis1977]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Ok, started a little yesterday. Lucky for me it is not the original floor, and has been done once. The strings appear to have been full sealed and wrapped. I am debating pulling the now. they are solid so far (still have a little over half the floor to go but the middle is out and the other sports are showing to be solid. Decisions, decisions, decisions. I am gonna get the floor and old foam out and give the update on the strings. Also, not needing to pop the cap, since the old "kick plate" that seperated the front of the hull and the passenger area is missing, I can get at EVERYTHING just fine. I am PROBABLY gonna look for ideas at some point on replacing that or half of it, and using the other half for storage...we'll see.

 

[splewis1977]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Oh, and the transom was done already a few years ago, its solid still (that is proably gonna be as lucky as i get I'll take it)

 

[splewis1977]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Any trick on getting the foam out??? or just a chunk at a time?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Removing foam is a PITA. If you find a fast easy way please post so we can all be aware!!!!!

I'm just sayin...

 

[splewis1977]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

Heh, it is a TOTAL PITA I just learned. . Now I was zipping along (slowly, but without many issues....Then the defecation struck the oscilation...I realized that with my lack of skills and being a total NOOB, I may have sliced a few small holes in the hull. None more than a blade width and more than 3" long. So my question is:

How screwed am I? Is it time take take the engine off and make a planter, or is this a fairly easy fix?

Other than that, I did ok. I finally got a few hours to work and got most of the old floor and half of the foam up. I'll throw a few pics. Now, ugh I have a 8 day work grind (this is a bad pun right now) so I will not have much time for a while. Thanks again for any advice.

 

[splewis1977]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

I also forgot, that itwas 94 degees, in the sun. between the coveralls, the hat, respirator and such...I literally drank almost a whole gallon of water...GOOD TIMES, I love being a boat owner

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1978?? Chrysler Valiant ?? 14 foot Runabout repairs

How screwed am I? Is it time take take the engine off and make a planter, or is this a fairly easy fix?

Fairly easy fix and you're not even close to the first one to do it.