1981 Starcraft Super Sport 180 - Gonna try a Restore

[Candutch]

Hey all. Does anybody have an idea of what length the wiper blade and arm are? I have an order to put in for parts but don't want to do it incase the wiper blade, 11", and arm, 8.5 to 12", that I selected won't work.
Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Grandad]

I don't know for sure, but I don't think there was an Starcraft OEM wiper. I think they're all add-ons, so each might be a custom fit depending upon the the motor placement and size of windshield. Mine had 2 defunct wipers when I got it, with the placement just off-center of each pane, but some might prefer the motor to sit in the corner. - Grandad

 

[Candutch]

Thanks Grandad. Mine is mounted in the middle and it is quite the hack job, leading me to believe you are right about it not being OEM.

 

[Candutch]

Made some decent progress this weekend. Got all my vinyl cut for the decks, gunnels, side wall and console. Still too cold to put it down though. Made some rod holders out of black hdpe to augment the two store bought ones, cut the three hatch covers and the console fronts and filled all of the countersunk rivets with epoxy. wood filler. I also started sanding the exterior so I'm ready to paint when it's warm out.
View attachment y4m9ByxMPSlidyGgD-oOoYTzWHHn8Y2lSHzsihSIuCmfaScYQepZYhDt7cjdBCT8KRBN-795DBFEN8Tsrhxdp23YuqffPlc23yNU
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View attachment y4mCgVsp_sgDpJdfT3p7GjRNtxSf7Rd2jq1StKCV6SgZxOBD9SllGCm3XaOV_VtqojlCAVXkEDHrWcA8BdRBG2hxoj30evrvpRcL
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[oldhaven]

Good indoor progress being made there. Waiting for sealer, filler and paint suitable temperatures is frustrating and contributes to a lot of clutter in the inside work area at the end of winter as the indoor projects accumulate. I will be so glad to put things back on and in my boat which is outside now, and I bet you will be happy to get yours out of the shop and into some sunshine. Everything looks great.

Ron

 

[classiccat]

Excellent use of space there Canduch; You've got the room of a 22 footer!

I think my 8-foot, 1-piece pool-cues with Penn320's would be right at home in those rod racks

It's really coming together!

 

[Watermann]

Great layout and use of available space, it's nice having 18' to work with. Will be looking forward to the upcoming finishing touches. :encouragement:

 

[Candutch]

Good indoor progress being made there. Waiting for sealer, filler and paint suitable temperatures is frustrating and contributes to a lot of clutter in the inside work area at the end of winter as the indoor projects accumulate. I will be so glad to put things back on and in my boat which is outside now, and I bet you will be happy to get yours out of the shop and into some sunshine. Everything looks great.

Ron

Thanks Ron, I spent at least an hour moving crap around today so I could get at the sides to sand. I can't wait to start getting stuff back into the boat. It's supposed to be 19 degrees celsius this Saturday but of course I'm working.

 

[Candutch]

Excellent use of space there Canduch; You've got the room of a 22 footer!

I think my 8-foot, 1-piece pool-cues with Penn320's would be right at home in those rod racks

It's really coming together!

Thanks CC, the port side will hold my 9 foot salmon/ steelhead rods. The starboard side will only hold 7 footers because of the control cables and wiring.

 

[Candutch]

Great layout and use of available space, it's nice having 18' to work with. Will be looking forward to the upcoming finishing touches. :encouragement:

Thanks Water, I really like the room on the 18. Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for that v5 of yours.

 

[dozerII]

Great progress Rob, I like the rod holder made from hdpe, are you just using the poly cutting boards that Crappy Tire puts on for $3. a piece?

 

[Candutch]

Great progress Rob, I like the rod holder made from hdpe, are you just using the poly cutting boards that Crappy Tire puts on for $3. a piece?

Thanks Glen, I almost did buy a cutting board at crappy tire but it wasn't on sale and wasnt thick or long enough. I actually bought a 1' x 2' x 1/2" cut off piece at an industrial plastics place. It feels a little harder than the cutting board plastic, more like the starboard rod holders I bought.

 

[Grandad]

Ya, I found cutting boards are a good source for more than just plastics. I made these steps from solid bamboo hardwood cutting boards that match the trim in my boat. - Grandad

 

[Candutch]

Those look fantastic Grandad! It sure is a lot more satisfying when you re-purpose stuff.
Being my last day off I decided to take on a fun project on the boat instead of sanding and feathering paint. Built my tackle box tray today. It took a lot longer than I thought (5 hours) but I'm really happy with how it turned out and compared to a store bought one it cost peanuts.

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Here it is in its home

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Now I need a some more Plano trays.

 

[PikeHunter431]

You've got some great metal fabricating skills Candutch. What do you use to cut the aluminum angle and sheet?

I really like the rear deck design and how you raised the sides of the transom.

 

[Candutch]

Thanks Pike. To cut the angle I just got a 7" metal abrasive saw blade for my mitre saw, it's a little slow and you have to file off the rough edge but it works fine. To cut the sheet I just used a metal cutting blade on my jig saw and cutting lube for the thick stuff.
This is my first attempt at working with metal and it wasn't too tough. Just remember, measure twice and cut once, slow and steady wins the race.

 

[Grandad]

I've always used the same carbide blade for aluminum as I use for wood in my tablesaw. Go easy and wear eye and ear protection. - Grandad

 

[Decker83]

I have used the same carbide tip blade in my mitre saw as well..
Your work is awesome..

 

[Candutch]

I've always used the same carbide blade for aluminum as I use for wood in my tablesaw. Go easy and wear eye and ear protection. - Grandad

I have before as well but I only have my good one for hardwoods right now and I don't want to wreck it. This blade was 10 bucks vs 30 for another carbide tip.

 

[Candutch]

I have used the same carbide tip blade in my mitre saw as well..
Your work is awesome..

Thanks Decker but I think the pictures hide the many imperfections.