Project TTB-Foam removal time!

[Boomyal]

It must be spring time because it appears that a bunch of restorations are popping up here on the forum.<br /><br />I am no exception. I hoped to start this project, on my 29 y/o Gulfstream, earlier this winter but it was too cold, damp and lonely outside.<br /><br />Today, with sun shining, I pulled up the original vinyl flooring. At least the floor had a topcoat of fiberglass. There are several spots in the floor that there is nothing much left under the layer of fiberglass. I went to unscrew the midfloor panel that covered the gas tank and yep, you guessed it, there was nothing left of the screws that held it down so I just lightly pried it up.<br /><br />It smelled like I was at the beach. The top of the tank was covered with condensation and the bare wood/stringers surrounding it are soaking wet. I can also see standing water in the gas tank well while looking down between the tank and the stringer. I'll have to drain the gas tank to pull it and that will allow me to begin assessing the condition of the stringers.<br /><br />The next part is the scariest. I have to mark the floor to cut it out without cutting through the hull. I hope that I will be able to tell how the moisture got below decks as the floor has never been submerged and only washed out with the bow held high.<br /><br />One place of current suspicion is the cutout, in the floor at the rear bulkhead which is the access for the gas tank sending unit, filler and breather fittings. It is apparent that there was no attempt to seal that area or divert run off from the deck from dropping into the tank well.<br /><br />I am very thankful for all those that have gone before and posted their experiences and techniques here at Iboats.<br /><br />I will post pictures as I progress.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

I feel your pain brotha, I feel your pain.....

 

[dkwalker]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

hey, I'm out of the winter mood too. My Sea Ray is now opened up to let sun and wind dry things out a bit. <br /><br />I still need to drain over 30 gallons out of the fuel tank before I can get very far. A co worker suggested I use in my cars. I'd rather take the boat on the river and burn up that gas!<br /><br />Boomyall= do post those pics! And good luck.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

DBW, that's what I'm going to do with my gas, dump it in a vehicle or three. As for taking it out on the river, if my stringers look anything like my floorboards, I'd fear for my life at anything over 5kts.<br /><br />Get out those prybars and grinders and get to rippin'. <br /><br />Hope to see you out on the river before the end of summer. When my boat does hit the water it'll be with it's new 331 stroker motor. I just ordered the stroker kit and new cylinder heads and the machine shop is getting a spare block all cleaned and ready.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

Just to prove there's a wiseguy in every crowd... <br /><br />I've got a little dust to clean out of my '77 Starcraft SuperSport (aluminum) - I guess the shop vac will do fine!<br /><br />Grinnin' and runnin'

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

Hey Ed! How do you write the sound one makes when one sticks his tongue out through his lips and blows air?

 

[gewf631]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

is there anything holding this fuel tank in except adhesion to foam? I can see down between the stringer and the tank on one side and there does not seem to be foam around the other sides.<br /><br />I placed a 4 x 4 across the gunwales, hooked a come-along to the fuel discharge fitting but the tank does not want to budge, even a smidgeon. (tank is empty)<br /><br />My hopes were to pull the tank to get a look at the stringers before I started to rip everything up. Unless I'm missing something it appears I may have to cut away everything on at least three sides to get the tank out.<br />

 

[shipoffools]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

Glad to see I'm not the only fool out there. Spent the winter pouring over the archives looking at catalogs and thinking about paint.Finally the weather broke and my 79 Starcraft 18' bowrider is gutted in the driveway. Now if the weather gremlins will cooperate she will get new floor (I'm real glad I'm not dealing with glass there)seats and uphosltery misc. trim and fresh paint so far no major damage just the neglect of sitting in Dads yard a few too many years. Glad too see there's lots of help from those who have been there.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

Originally posted by Boomyal:<br />[QB]is there anything holding this fuel tank in except adhesion to foam? <br /><br />Evidently that's enough.<br /><br />If its done like our old Sea Ray Sundancer was--<br /><br />They probably dropped a big blob of 2 part foam in the hull at the factory and pushed the tank down into it as it grew.<br /><br />You might be able to get the foam carved & chipped away underneath enough to get that tank out. But you probably will need to have a few sandwhiches & something to drink close by...... because you're going to be there awhile.<br /><br />If it was me, I'd sure try to do what I had to do without pulling that tank.<br /><br />Ed.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

Dr Boomyal here! The patient has been exposed in the area of most obvious floor rot. The diagnosis is incomplete even after the exploratory incision.<br /><br />This is one well made boat underneath it's skin. It's too bad that it's creator didn't go the distance with stainless screws and wood preservation measures. It is obvious that water had been entering thru the holes that held the seats down (dark areas on foam) and there is standing water in the gas tank well. <br /><br />The problem is, without being able to get the gas tank out I cannot tell the state of the stringers at the bottom. The possible damage appears to be somewhat localized but if a stringer is rotted thru in one spot, it is as good as not being there. I am trying to do this one step at a time, as opposed to wholesale ripping it apart. It may avert a lot of unnecessary work by doing so.<br /><br />At this point I will rethink trying to remove the gas tank. As the underside of the floor boards were well adhered to the foam, I'm sure that is what is holding in the gas tank. It is surrounded on 4 sides with heavy timber so that precludes the ability to slide something in under the tank to break the bond.<br /><br />As I don my thinking cap, any opinions are certainly appreciated.<br /><br />

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

Its sure different having to actually work on your own boat than to just sit back and tell someone else how to do it huh? Are you having fun yet? Sorry to hear of your problem. I myself found a soft spot on the casting deck of my boat this spring, Im not going to get into it untill I replace my carpet though!

 

[bidlimit]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

Is there anything on the market, like acetone, that will dissolve the foam? I know foam is easy to dissolve with the right chemical. Acetone works for normal ol' styrofoam. You could try different things on that piece of flotation there. Its worth a shot.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

Bidlimit, I'm going to go right out and try some acetone on a piece of foam. If it works, I'll pour a bunch around the gas tank. It certainly won't hurt anything else.<br /><br />LubeDude, it's just starting. Late yesterday, I cut thru the glass covering on the floor, I had to go take a shower to get the fiberglass off of my skin. What's it going to be like if I have to start grinding fiberglass off the inside of the hull? Shudder, Shudder!

 

[bidlimit]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

I think gasoline will melt any foam you throw it at. Try it after the acetone.

 

[bidlimit]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

As for the fiberglass dust, you can wear a t shirt and wrap your arms in saran wrap. Put rubber bands around the arms of the 't and wear latex gloves with the cuffs over the plastic wrap. It costs less than a tyvek jumpsuit and isn't as hot. It worked for me.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

Bidlimit, I'll experiment with gasoline. Acetone and lacquer thinner did nothing to the chunk of foam.

 

[bidlimit]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

If any of those don't work, try letting them soak overnight or for a few hours. They may start to dissolve the foam after a few hours. Even if they don't liquify it, the foam may soften enough to allow you to rip the tank out with a come along or winch. Good luck with the gas.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

I think I should post a "no smoking" sign

 

[bidlimit]

Re: Project TTB-Foam removal time!

Yeah. If the gasoline doesn't work, you can try to use a hot wire. You can hook up a wire to a car battery and maybe you can loop it around and under the tank while it is glowing red. It will cut the foam. Or, maybe you could get one of those little "survival" saws. You know, the pieces of wire with a loop on each end and barbs on them. They usually come in those survival kits or knives. Any camping store should have them. This problem has really got me thinking.