1977 Stars and Stripes Restoration

[SWGA Boater]

Was able to do a little work on the boat today, pulled the engine and transmission. Separated the engine/trans and got the engine on a stand so that I can more easily work on it. Can't decide on what I want to do with the engine. The engine was supposedly rebuilt two seasons ago, but I have never seen it run. Probably will pull the valve covers tomorrow and see if there is any gunk and then go from there. Also, not sure what was going on but when I removed the oil cooler hose there was some pinkish gobs mixed in with the water from the hose. I wish I had taken a picture of the gunk. I was thinking transmission fluid mixed, but I pulled the transmission dipstick and it looks clean. I guess really the only way to tell would be to drain the transmission. Here a few pictures from today. Not the best quality as I forgot my regular camera and had to use my phone.






Stringers are completely rotted at all motor mounts/trans mounts

[thatsmrmastercraft]

I really miss my original exhaust manifolds....they are so sleek and clean looking. When I got my '77, the engine had been poorly winterized the prior year and one exhaust manifold was destroyed.

[SWGA Boater]

I was able to do a little bit of work on the boat this afternoon. Pulled all the exhaust out so I could check the transom better. Wood around the exhaust holes was wet and rotted. I cut a 2x2 square out of the transom shell about eight inches about the exhaust holes. Wet, rotted wood there also. Turned my attention to the bow. I removed the bow bulk head and started the foam removal. It is a slow go on the foam removal. Hope to get the electrical out and the rest of the foam cut out next weekend.

[mikeg205]

Originally Posted by SWGA Boater

Was able to do a little work on the boat today, pulled the engine and transmission. Separated the engine/trans and got the engine on a stand so that I can more easily work on it. Can't decide on what I want to do with the engine. The engine was supposedly rebuilt two seasons ago, but I have never seen it run. Probably will pull the valve covers tomorrow and see if there is any gunk and then go from there. Also, not sure what was going on but when I removed the oil cooler hose there was some pinkish gobs mixed in with the water from the hose. I wish I had taken a picture of the gunk. I was thinking transmission fluid mixed, but I pulled the transmission dipstick and it looks clean. I guess really the only way to tell would be to drain the transmission. Here a few pictures from today. Not the best quality as I forgot my regular camera and had to use my phone.






Stringers are completely rotted at all motor mounts/trans mounts

uh...that's not what you use a red solo cup for...

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Originally Posted by mikeg205

uh...that's not what you use a red solo cup for...

[mikeg205]

Decals on their way.... today... Merry Christmas and get that boat done... - Can't wait to see more pic's.... can't wait to do my resto one day... - My OCD kicked in so I laminated the decals with a UV coating so they should last darn near a decade if applied right and not left in the water for a season...

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Originally Posted by mikeg205

Decals on their way.... today... Merry Christmas and get that boat done... - Can't wait to see more pic's.... can't wait to do my resto one day... - My OCD kicked in so I laminated the decals with a UV coating so they should last darn near a decade if applied right and not left in the water for a season...

Wow, nice work!

[trickskier]

WOW - You have a lot of work ahead of you! Good luck and I look forward to seeing the finished product!

[SWGA Boater]

Progressing slowly. I removed the engine harness, steering and throttle/trans cables last night. I was only able to work a few hours today. More hacking, cutting and prying with the foam. I would estimate I have removed about half of the bow foam. Right side is not stuck to the hull so it is easier to cut out large chunks. Hope to finish up with the foam in the next day or so. I'll post a few images when I finish up.

Does anyone know if a new or reman engine harness is still available. The harness is not in too bad of shape, but has a couple of wires with bad nicks and splices.

[Cloaked]

Originally Posted by SWGA Boater

Progressing slowly. I removed the engine harness, steering and throttle/trans cables last night. I was only able to work a few hours today. More hacking, cutting and prying with the foam. I would estimate I have removed about half of the bow foam. Right side is not stuck to the hull so it is easier to cut out large chunks. Hope to finish up with the foam in the next day or so. I'll post a few images when I finish up.

Does anyone know if a new or reman engine harness is still available. The harness is not in too bad of shape, but has a couple of wires with bad nicks and splices.

http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=R121025A