88 Capri Restoration (Splashed 08/2022)

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

I made alot of progress today. The outside of the transom is finished as well as the engine area, seating area.
The rest will be easy lol

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

A little more progress, the weather is cooperating a bit.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

I unfortunately have to take another break from her but for a great reason this time being my youngest daughter is getting married.!
I have my lists made and am at least window shopping at the moment .
I want to go over the engine again since the poor thing has been collecting dust for 2 years.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

I pulled the walk through interior so I could seal the wood underneath and I'm glad I did. It will be gelcoated like everything else. I don't think there is much else I can do in this area.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

The gelcoat is finished. I touched everything under the dash that was wood related. Damn it's brilliant lol.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

It's a small step but reassembly is starting.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

I cleaned the front upholstery and middle seats and came out better than expected. I have to work on the seat fitment with Bayliners awesome setup....um no.
Gave her a complete bath also and even the blue came out a bit.
I know may be a bit early with still needing to install the mechanicals but I've been waiting 2 years to see this!

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

I'm starting the cleanup, painting of the outdrive components.
The transom plate came out nice and will work on the upper drive unit tomorrow.
If I can paint enough of everything I'll pretend I have an alpha unit

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

I wanted to pass along some information I learned today as far as the piece pictured.

This is located on the inside below the transom plate and if it appears bent or deformed in any way ( especially by the bolt holes) it's a sign of a rotted transom. OMC and Volvo/Penta have the but unsure of other makes.
It should be flat making contact to the transom.
Hope this may help any other new boat owners to the used boat world.
I forgot to add that mine was deformed and my transom was rotted but this part can be straightened and reused.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

Good morning,
I attached the transom seal after a failed attempt earlier.
Because it isn't molded to the shape of the Seal area I put some sealant every couple of inches and secured it with painters tape to hold it in place while the sealant sets up enough to get it installed, I've had it setting up for 24 hrs and should be good to go. I tried once before without the tape and nothing but a big mess.
The engine is pretty much ready to go. I installed a new timing belt, inspected the wiring, plugs and wires. Still need the replace both filters and thermostat plus pick up an alignment tool.
When I had it running a couple of years ago I noticed that one of the hold down for the distributor cap had the screw stripped and after an attempt to repair it (which failed) I was fortunate enough to locate one of these NLA pieces.
Getting anxious, that light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter!

 

[JASinIL2006]

That transom seal can be a bit of a pain.I think I held mine in place with a thin bead of bellows adhesive applied to the groove.

Looks like you’re getting close!

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

Hi all,
Bonding cable installed as it should be with new anode.
I have installed all new steering seals, bushings and shift cable which will be adjusted once engine is installed this week. I have everything here or on order to get everything installed, I even bought a new float for the fuel sending unit. The alignment tool should be here early in the week.

 

[Express13]

A little more progress, the weather is cooperating a bit.

That white looks great. Can you tell me what product you used? How is the finish compared to a marine paint? Thanks

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

I took a picture of the engine and trim pump original bolts which were obviously steel against the new stainless replacements.
Just a comparison for anyone with an old boat that may want to check these items to see if theye may be compromised and it will tell you if you might have moisture in these areas.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

That white looks great. Can you tell me what product you used? How is the finish compared to a marine paint? Thanks

Good morning Express
Thank you for the compliment. I used white gelcoat and not marine paint.
I put two coats of the unwaxed down first and then one coat of the air dry gelcoat so it would cure and harden.
I must say it is extremely tough and smooth so walking on it while wet is tricky but I plan on replacing the carpet that was originally on the floor etc.
I had considered using the paint on the non-floor areas but due to budgets (if there is such a thing with boats) I decided to stick with one product.
MadProps who is a member of this site has some videos on YouTube of him using paint which might help you with your comparison.

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

Just a little update. Transom and transom plate installed, steering connected along with the exhaust but I still need to bleed the trim system. I am hoping to get the engine set in today also, hopefully I'll have proof of that

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

If it's black does it mean mercruiser?

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

Proof lol! Lots of adjustments to come.....

I'm tired time to relax

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

Alignment tool came today but I must say the videos I have watched just don't tell you the chunk of steel you're ordering!
Oh and that lower unit is never going in the basement again, I forgot how heavy it was lol

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

I am pleasantly surprised that I had no water mixed with the oil in the lower unit as well as not having alot of debris on the magnetic plug.
I wasn't in a hurry to drain the oil so I made a little dripper so the oil didn't run all the way down.