Hi everyone, I’m new to the forum and a new owner of a 1973 Aristocraft 19. It is a total project

[Lewater]

 

[Lewater]

I’m currently rebuilding fuel system. I will be redoing ignition system next. Once I get it running I will pull the motor and out drive off and replace the transom, floor, and foam. Any information on this process will be much appreciated.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Looks like a fun little boat! Have you sourced a replacement windshield yet? Those can be hard to find and/or expensive…

 

[Lewater]

Looks like a fun little boat! Have you sourced a replacement windshield yet? Those can be hard to find and/or expensive…

Aristocraft is still in business, and windshields are still available. Once I’m to that point I’m going to order from there and maybe a couple tshirts

 

[JASinIL2006]

Aristocraft is still in business, and windshields are still available. Once I’m to that point I’m going to order from there and maybe a couple tshirts

Excellent! That's like winning the lottery!

 

[buxmj]

Welcome aboard to the madness, err, the joy of boat repair and restoration! Plenty of great project threads you can browse and plenty of knowledgeable people who are willing to share. Take plenty of pics and measurements when you start tearing it apart, it sounds like you will be doing a lot of fiberglass work so start buying PPE now. Most people, myself included, prefer a multi tool for deconstruction. Good luck and keep the updates coming.

Buck

 

[Buckischloo]

That will be another fine classic saved.

A thought I had about your windshield was about what I have experienced recently on other projects. If that windshield is really still available, once you are fully committed to this boat project, you may want to go ahead and get the windshield you need sooner than later. I have had parts I have needed be available until they weren’t. Seems like manufacturers these days are discontinuing older parts more often.

Also, if you have the seats done, I think it would be cool to try to salvage the embossed Aristocraft logos in the seats into the new seats.

Good luck with your restore.

 

[Lewater]

Welcome aboard to the madness, err, the joy of boat repair and restoration! Plenty of great project threads you can browse and plenty of knowledgeable people who are willing to share. Take plenty of pics and measurements when you start tearing it apart, it sounds like you will be doing a lot of fiberglass work so start buying PPE now. Most people, myself included, prefer a multi tool for deconstruction. Good luck and keep the updates coming.

Buck

Thanks Buck, I’ve been buying tools and watching YouTube and stocking the beer fridge to get ready to start working on this boat. I don’t have a heated garage. Illinois has been warming up some so I’ve changed the oil and filter, fuel filter, rebuilt the carburetor and cleaned it up really good. Pulled the gas tank and cleaned it up.
I’m replacing most of the ignition system this weekend and hopefully it will be running. Also will be building a gantry crane to pull it all out. Then I feel I’ll be 100% committed. Until then I’m watching YouTube videos on transom repair and pouring foam.

 

[JASinIL2006]

What part of Illinois are you in? I'm in west central Illinois, and with a couple of propane heaters in the garage, I was able to work through the winter to get my boat done. There were a couple of weeks when it was just too cold, but if the grinding is done outdoors, working in an unheated garage isn't too bad.

 

[Tatertoz]

I really like the look of this boat! The motor looks very close to the motor that is in my 89 StingRay that I'm willing to part out.

 

[mickyryan]

always liked the hardtops