the fun of refinishing a predictor [Archive]

illMATTic

12-07-2004, 11:46 PM

well i have just started on the fun. got tired of sitting on the couch so i went out to the garage and started removing anything that stood in my way. since i havnt found a motor yet, i guess i should start on the looks. i plan to refinish the exterior of the hull aswell as the inside. last year i did some polishing on the hull to give it some shine. i also redid the interior. now its time for the floor and finish what i started on the hull. feel free to give your thoughts and concerns at any time.

this is the hull before i did the first sanding last year.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/IMG_0747.jpg

this is after the sanding in its present state. i did some probing and i think i can sand out all the yellow gell to get back to the black.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/bow.jpg

here is what i have to deal with inside. the back 2-3 feet of the floor are gone. trim mount and batt. mount are gone as well. the transom however, is very strong. no flex at all. i also found that my trim lines had come loose and leaked into the back.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/floorbat.jpg
i have a buddy who works at a boating store a mile from my house so i can get all the materials at a price. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

matt

merc245

12-08-2004, 02:49 AM

Don't forget the trailer, rebuilding and refinishing should be the easy part of the of this job.

illMATTic

12-08-2004, 08:53 AM

my buddy is going to media blast the whole trailer for me. what should i re spray it with?

Chris E

12-08-2004, 10:28 AM

as a base coat, i have had great luck with Petit "Trailercoat". Its one of those epoxy-poly whatevers. It is designed for trailers and is a great primer. I use it on a box trailer i have that does get used in the winter so it gets salt and sandblasted when it's behind the van. I used tremclad over top of it and it was fine (it is a box trailer after all). It is expensive ($30 canadian/quart) and it stinks, but i think it is well worth it. Just make sure you get it shaken up first - it settles in the bottom of the can.

illMATTic

12-08-2004, 08:43 PM

so i got this far till i realized i had no trash bags or cans.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/floor1.jpg
all of this garbage is covered in oil and water. the one stringer i did have just fell apart as i pulled on it. im not sur if im going to pull the whole floor up. i dont want to wreck the carpet i just installed last year. the floor is solid about a foot past where it is busted up in the photo. how should i clean all the oil out?

Duane

12-09-2004, 12:36 AM

if your stringer is that rotted, I think you have a bigger problem then destroying your new carpet...

jrs1958

12-09-2004, 01:19 AM

When I did my floor, I also had some oil under the floor from a leaking fill cap gasket on my trim pump. I ripped everything out and then poured some sawdust in there and left it sit for about a day. Then I scooped out the oil soaked stuff and kept adding fresh sawdust every day. It took about 4 days before the hull was dry to the touch. I got my sawdust from my local lumberyard.

1984 Predictor 1968 Mercury 1250 I-6 125 HP

illMATTic

12-09-2004, 01:43 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Duane:
if your stringer is that rotted, I think you have a bigger problem then destroying your new carpet... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
well the carpet cost a $100. whats the worst that that will happen from not replacing 3 ft of a single stringer? im not too worried about it.
jrs.... i will try that saw dust. it sounds much cleaner than any solvent i was thinking of.
thanks guys

cooperider

12-09-2004, 02:32 PM

Hey I'm gonna do a step by step on Bdusteds boat when he finally gets it here. If you want to re-gel I can help you through it.

illMATTic

12-09-2004, 06:37 PM

you know i'll be watching that thread

illMATTic

12-21-2004, 12:29 AM

so its been too damn cold here to hang around in the garage. the heater i have cant hold up to the -1 degree f temp we have had here.i have been online reading so much info im about to bust. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/zx11pissed.gif i have to realay some of this to my boat.

cooperider

12-21-2004, 11:23 PM

The colds gonna slow me down too. Longer if I get snowbound away from home. But I do have a big tank of propane on the way. To keep me warm when I get snowbound at home. Got that heater cause I just got fed up with woodburning stoves. For every 4 hrs working I spent 1 stoking the stove or stacking the wood or looking for kindling. Much better with a furnace. Next thing I need is and insulated garage door. So it stays warmer longer.

jrs1958

12-22-2004, 12:30 AM

I’ve got a big garage, 6 cars. I hung up some tarps I got from Home Depot to reduce the area that I have to heat. I used 1 x 2’s to screw the tarps to the ceiling and I have short pieces of clothesline sandwiched between the tarps and the ceiling. I can roll the tarps up and tie them in the spring so they are out of the way. I use blocks of wood to hold the other end of the tarps at the floor. I have a little portable forced air 30,000 Btu propane heater. Last Sunday it was zero outside but inside the tarps it was 55 degrees F. I don’t seal the tarped area up tight because I don’t want to get ‘gassed’ out by CO2. There has to be some air leakage. The floor was cold, about 40 degrees F, but up at the ceiling it was cooking. I also have a little fan that turns slow to help move the heat off the ceiling. This set up works pretty good until the outside temp gets down to about –15 degrees F.

DONCONVINCER

12-22-2004, 10:54 AM

I feel for you guys.. I hate the cold.. I'm glad we don't see temps below freezing durring the day very often.. Our weather is up and down.. Saturday it was near 50, Sunday night it snowed 2" Monday morning it was 12, Thursday's prediction is windy rainy and 50... Christmas day it'll be sunny and in the 30's..
I keep my garage confortable with 2 ducts from in the house and a kerosene space heater that probably would'nt even raise your temp 1 degree..
The A/C from the house in the summer is nice too..

illMATTic

01-26-2005, 01:40 AM

well i finaly got off my ass and started to work on this thing. i went out and purchased some new power tools to help with the restore. i picked up a dewalt angle grinder for taking down the old glass and resin and to clean up the trailer with. i also picked up an 18 volt drill and circuler saw combo. i still have to get a shop vac. i found i needed one tonight when i was pulling out all the wood chips and shredded foam, most of wich was frozen to the hull. i guess there is still moisture from that time i forgot to put the plug in http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/sssh.gif good new is everything is solid.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01031.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01033.jpg

175checkmate

01-26-2005, 07:27 PM

Cleaning up nice. Its funny how the right tools make the job so much easer. When dealing with the fiberglass dust and a shop vac, do not buy a good one. The dust gets in the motor and will kill it slowly before the end of the project. I am on my 2nd shop vac.

The Mate

01-26-2005, 10:52 PM

Looking good! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif I have a feeling I will be doing that same thing soon! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Chris

01-26-2005, 11:20 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 175checkmate:
Cleaning up nice. Its funny how the right tools make the job so much easer. When dealing with the fiberglass dust and a shop vac, do not buy a good one. The dust gets in the motor and will kill it slowly before the end of the project. I am on my 2nd shop vac. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I've had the same luck with the shop vacs. Mainly, that I'm forever burning out the motors. I was talking with one of my good painters, discussing my lack of luck with shop vacs and she was telling me that she bought a Rigid shop vac and it's been bullet proof. I asked her about sucking up drywall dust and such, and she said she does it all the time and has had zero problems. She also told me she had the same issues with the shop vacs, but the Rigid has been great.

illMATTic

01-27-2005, 02:05 PM

so i purchased a small inexspnsive shop vac. i went right out and started using it yesterday. i pulled it out of the box and sucked up the very large pile of dust i had swep up. just as fast as it was picking it up.... it was going right out the backside of the vacume and all over my garage. well.... apperently they do not come pre assembled. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/brickwall.gif sure enough the wheels, filter and instructions were inside the vacume amidst all the garbage. i have never cussed so much in my life. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/zx11pissed.gif

cooperider

01-28-2005, 06:27 PM

http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/lol.gif http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/xxrotflmao.gif http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/lol.gif
I think the motor unit is the same size for all the tanks so if you get the big one first and the motor goes out on you go and get the small one next and just swap the powerheads.
Air powered tools are best for fiberglass and you can get an air powered vaccum but you could use 3 or 4 shopvacs up before you could come close to the price of a good airvac.

All my electric tools that I use on fiber glass when they die I toss them into a box and get another off the shelf. I keep the junk ones incase I need a part off one or something.

illMATTic

01-28-2005, 07:58 PM

it dint take me long at all to pull everything off. the motor is sold. new one will be in my possession next week. notice all the dust fron the vaccume on the dash and carpet.whoops. im going to tack up a bunch of drop cloth to keep the rest of the garage clean. im starting the sanding and grinding in a couple days.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01039.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01035.jpg

175checkmate

01-28-2005, 07:58 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by illMATTic:
so i purchased a small inexspnsive shop vac. i went right out and started using it yesterday. i pulled it out of the box and sucked up the very large pile of dust i had swep up. just as fast as it was picking it up.... it was going right out the backside of the vacume and all over my garage. well.... apperently they do not come pre assembled. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/brickwall.gif sure enough the wheels, filter and instructions were inside the vacume amidst all the garbage. i have never cussed so much in my life. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/zx11pissed.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh that is to funny.

JUPITER PULSARE

01-29-2005, 02:47 PM

illMATTic

02-08-2005, 07:49 PM

damn i have been lazy. i just didnt want to go out and see the mess i had made with the vaccume. i finaly went out and picked up some supplies to get started on the floor. man, the west system epoxy is not cheap. its a good thing i know a guy..... i can get it at a price. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif i picked up a gallon of resin and the nessesary parts to go with it.

Chris E

02-08-2005, 09:19 PM

it may be pricy but it works great! as usual you get what you pay for.

jrumon

02-09-2005, 03:01 PM

Matt... You ought to get it CHEAP... It's MADE right near you! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/bounce.gif

Like the other guy's said... and I'll add that it's the BEST on the market and EASY to work with!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

bakedgoods222

02-21-2005, 03:54 PM

I'm a West System dealer and it is made a 1/4 mile from our marina. It dosen't get any cheaper if your close, but it works great and like you said you get what you pay for.

supergenius74

03-16-2005, 07:55 PM

Looks like a great project, check out my site to see what a little hard work and determination can yield you. Shane

illMATTic

03-30-2005, 10:32 PM

well i got a couple more here. now keep in mind this isnt done. it finaly warmed up here.
i still have to build a bit around the bilge area.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01123.jpg
dont worry im going to cut that part out to let water flow. i figured i would put two stringers in. cant hurt.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01121.jpg
here i ran the stringers 10" up where i cut a portion of wood to block off the water flow to the front. the front half is pretty solid yet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01122.jpg

jgreen

04-01-2005, 11:28 AM

Looks like its comming along real nice. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

orangecrush

04-02-2005, 08:50 AM

Excellant job .looks great giving me insentive but its pouring outside and my yard is soft was going to pickup my other enchanter and park the black one at my friends shop .have to weld broken shock mount on van. caught hell last week for messing up lawn with the black. later Oc

175checkmate

04-02-2005, 10:51 AM

Doing a great job. Looks real good.

illMATTic

04-07-2005, 10:13 PM

well i have the stringers and some braces glassed in. how many layers of glass should i do? this is one layer.

this is hard working at these angles. my legs and knees are killing me.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/glass1.jpg

jrs1958

04-08-2005, 01:36 AM

When I did my floor last summer I did 2 layers of glass mat on everything. I used an old bed comforter that I folded to match the angles and topped it off with an old bed pillow to kneel on. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

1984 Predictor 1968 Mercury 1250SS I-6 125 HP

04-08-2005, 10:52 AM

Went throught the exact same thing with my 83 exciter get all that foam and rotten stringers out dead weight. I used 3/4" cabnet grade for my stringers and glassed it all in . And useed 1/2 salt treated for the seat boxes you look like me 5 months ago .... Good luck ....

85Predictor

04-08-2005, 09:42 PM

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif
Great info and pics!!
I am faced with the same job this year.
I have already saved all of your pics for reference!! Thanks!!

Lookin GOOD!!

illMATTic

04-09-2005, 03:00 AM

you may want to replace the whole floor... i didnt. i did just as much as i could get away with not wrecking all the carpet i had just put in last year. keep in mind, this is the first time i have ever done this. ask me if it worked in the fall.

ILL

85Predictor

04-09-2005, 09:48 AM

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
I pulled the carpet out last Fall so will have full view of the entire floor. In fact, I do think the whole floor should be replaced. I am planning on setting up a thread like this one so everyone can see what I have. Love to get advice and comments from other members!!

jrs1958

04-09-2005, 11:52 AM

Start doing your floor now if you want to run it anytime this summer. It’s a very time consuming project. If you think something will take about 2 hours to do, it will really take 5 hours to actually do.

Remove the motor before you take out the floor. Get a good shop vac with replaceable filters and a good face respirator with replaceable filters; this is a dusty project. Take your time and make sure everything is right the first time. I replaced my floor up to the toe board under the dash. I put a splice on the center beam and bonded the new section to the hull with kitty hair and glassed it in. I replaced the foam and also enlarged the bilge to hold a bigger pump (800gph), and a float switch.

If you take out the flotation boxes in back, now is the time to check your wiring. It’s easy to get to with the boxes out. My engine wiring harness fell apart along with the control harness and I didn’t have to replace my boxes; that made it tougher to run the new harness. It’s also time to replace your original nylon thru the hull bilge fitting to a stainless steel one. My original nylon one had snapped off inside the hull at the nut. So I drilled it out from the outside and replaced it. It was a long reach inside with the box there.

1984 Predictor 1968 Mercury 1250SS I-6 125 HP

85Predictor

04-10-2005, 09:43 AM

Was wondering about taking the motor off first. What is the reason? Is it because you are removing support by removing the floor etc and do not want too much stress on the transom? I am not sure what condition the transom is in. I hope that the trailer will keep the hull in check during this process. I am guessing that after the floor and stringers are removed the hull might want to flex.
Thanks!
Great Info! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

85Predictor

04-10-2005, 09:50 AM

jrs1958,
Did you replace the two floatation boxes in back?
Mine are not in the best of shape.
Also, did you happen to take any photos of your project for us to enjoy?

04-10-2005, 09:53 AM

All that hard work is why I bought a Vector AFTER it was all completed http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

Did NOT put the old floor back in. It's just a lake rod, not going to take passengers or use for recreation.

You're probably putting the floor back in, so make sure you build the stringers up same height as the old ones so you can re-install a floor back into the same location..................

jrs1958

04-10-2005, 11:57 AM

I got lucky and didn’t have to replace the boxes. My floor rot in back was mainly from the prior owner who stored a loose anchor under the seat. I had a little rot in the floor up by the captain’s chair and the foam was damp but not soaked.

I took the motor off so I could check the transom bolt holes for rot and it was out of the way. If you leave the motor on the boat it will get very dusty. My transom was OK. My crossbeam in back was only rotten where the drink holder was mounted in the center. I left the crossbeam in place and installed the new floor under it. Then I cut & spliced a new piece into the crossbeam. I also had some extra holes filed with caulk from a different motor that was mounted on it. I plugged the extra holes with resin soaked dowels bonded with MAS epoxy topped off with kitty hair. I brushed resin into the other mounting holes and then ran a drill through them after it cured.

Bag you motor. Put a trash bag over it to store it.

I didn’t start taking pictures until after I was done with the floor. I've posted some pictures of how it turned out in other threads.

1984 Predictor 1968 Mercury 1250SS I-6 125 HP

85Predictor

04-10-2005, 07:19 PM

jrs,
Saw your electrical work(gauges) on the other posts. Looks very nice! It sure is a good idea to check all of the wires when re-finishing. Can you tell me where the signal wire from the tilt position sending unit hooks up?(Brown/Wht? '87 Merc 115) I am guessing it hooks up to the gauge but is only 3-4 ft long. Was probably modified by previous owner!! My trim gauge does not work and would like to get it working. The owner before me worked in the electrical field. You would't know it if you saw the mess I found under the dash! I am also in the electro-mechanical field. As far as I know, all gauges are original.
Thanks!!
**Glad to see more and more Predictors on the board http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

jrs1958

04-10-2005, 11:16 PM

Sorry, I don’t have a trim gauge on mine. You can check your Speedo & Water Pressure gauges with air pressure. Take a pressure regulator and hook it to the hoses, I think 30 psi equals 60 mph on a Mercury speedo. Increase the pressure slowly and watch the gauges. Both my speedo and water pressure gauges were bad. The speedo was dead and the water pressure was off by 4 lbs.

illMATTic

04-19-2005, 09:50 PM

well i have the floor back in and the carpet down. now im just trying to get the motor all buttoned up. i have been waiting for my jackplate from rick racers for a month. i finaly called bobs and they told my that it hasnt been built yet. i ended up upgrading to the heavy duty model. im hoping it will be in next week. i didnt want to run any wiring till i had the motor hung.

as for the finish of the hull........ i think im just going to run it as is. next year i can drop some coin on a new paint job. im way over budget this season.

illMATTic

05-01-2005, 01:51 PM

ok i have all everything i need to put this thing back together. lets see how long it takes. im planning on two weeks.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01202.jpg
here are the gauges i picked up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01201.jpg

illMATTic

05-03-2005, 12:48 AM

well motor is back together. i had to replace te trigger. the lil tab on the side broke off. 100 bucks for that damn thing. lower unit is together and mounted. i plan to hang the motor this week. the gauges will get mounted after i clean up a bit in there. photos soon.

ill

Duane

05-03-2005, 02:29 AM

niice man, good to hear its coming together, you are doing what I would like to do with a predictor.
I need to get my 13 footer re-done completely and powered up.

illMATTic

05-11-2005, 12:57 AM

well i finaly got the motor mounted. it wasnt to hard. i think it would have been easier if i had a 1 pc jack plate. making sure it was all squared up took the longest. i still had to womp out the holes a bit.

now i have the fun of running all the wires and steering. the steering cables i have are a bit long. i plan to run them out the side of the hull above the bump strip. this will take up some slack and give me the correct angle so there is no binding. i have two lil clam shell vents i will use to cover the cables where they exit the hull.

with this motor hanging on the back the bow all ready lifts off the ground. i still have to put 150 lbs of fuel in it. i was thinking i could get 3 or 4 of the big round 45 lb weights and mount them to the underside of the trailerjust behind the tongue.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01230.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01231.jpg

jrumon

05-11-2005, 12:59 PM

NO weights... Just move your axle back about a foot! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

illMATTic

05-11-2005, 01:43 PM

Originally posted by jrumon:
NO weights... Just move your axle back about a foot! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

no can do. i have a trailer with fenders and steps in front and behind the wheel.

JUPITER PULSARE

05-11-2005, 03:43 PM

Originally posted by illMATTic:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by jrumon:
NO weights... Just move your axle back about a foot! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

no can do. i have a trailer with fenders and steps in front and behind the wheel. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

ILLMATTIC, TRY MOVING THE BOW STOP FORWARD ABOUT 6" AND THAN SLIDE THE BOAT FORWARD ABOUT 6" AND YOU SHOULD BE FINE!!!

merc245

05-11-2005, 03:44 PM

Did you adjust the front mounting point leting the boat to move foward on the trailer. Every bit helps.

illMATTic

05-11-2005, 08:47 PM

i will have to try it. thanks.

jrumon

05-11-2005, 08:58 PM

Just don't go past the end of the rear bunk supports... http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

If that don't work... It's time to cut & grind... move the axle/fenders/steps back, and reweld it all! http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/brickwall.gif

Brian

05-11-2005, 10:21 PM

Matt I had to move my boat forward more on the trailer as well when I put the rude on the back, only 2 inches though. Looks like you got an awsome ride there, good luck, and remember "God hate's a coward!"

illMATTic

05-11-2005, 10:36 PM

well i think ill wait till i get everything in. im putting the battery up front so that will help a bit.

05-12-2005, 08:50 AM

Remember, any weight you put forward of the seats will kill top end speed.................

illMATTic

05-12-2005, 02:50 PM

i guess at this point i just want to get it in the water. the only thing up front will be the battery. i dont think it will effect me untill i get hungry for that xtra mph.

illMATTic

05-13-2005, 01:39 AM

isnt it sweet http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif this is with all the wires and cables going to the motor. this is all you will see.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01234.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01233.jpg

Duane

05-13-2005, 11:59 PM

I can't wait to hear the performance results, you shouldnt have too much trouble if you move the trailer winch forward like 6 inches or so, and sitting in the water I wouldnt worry about the extra 70? lbs of the V-6

illMATTic

05-17-2005, 12:31 AM

well i have most of the wiring done. all i have to do is connect some misc. wires under the dash and connect the battery and i think im ready to start it.

oh man i cant wait. http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/bounce.gif

85Predictor

05-19-2005, 09:15 PM

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
Let us know when the big day is. (First Run) I want to go outside and listen for the Sonic Boom!!

Looks Great!!

illMATTic

05-20-2005, 12:44 AM

sonic boom..... i like that.

i am waiting for the rain to break. i cant run it in the garage.

illMATTic

05-20-2005, 10:30 PM

ha haaaaaaaa i started it today. after sealing up all the lil fuel leaks it fired right up. now just have to put the finishing touches on it and get wet. http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/beer1.gif

JUPITER PULSARE

05-21-2005, 11:33 AM

GETTING IT WET ALWAYS EXCITED ME!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/devil.gif

illMATTic

05-23-2005, 07:55 PM

here are some of the finished product. its raining again so i couldnt get any in the water.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01250.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01252.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01253.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01254.jpg

175checkmate

05-23-2005, 08:15 PM

What a job, looks outstanding.

illMATTic

05-23-2005, 08:42 PM

by the time im finished with it this will be a three year project. i plan on doing the exterior next year. i gotta have money for gas this summer.

orangecrush

05-23-2005, 09:19 PM

Very nice job. the wiring was outstanding, keep up the excellant work. OC.

175checkmate

05-23-2005, 09:38 PM

3 year project huh. Wow I have one of those. lol

merc245

05-24-2005, 12:23 AM

Need to bring it down to sandusky bay in july

boatman4021

05-24-2005, 12:40 AM

could anyone tell me how post an add in parts dept. not sure how this site works

Dr. Phil

05-24-2005, 08:09 PM

Looking good.... After you sand down.. how do you refinish it to look so nice? Just paint? Clear coat? Can you re-gell it?

illMATTic

08-26-2005, 06:32 PM

just bringing this to the top. it seems as if there are many new predictor owners on here.

cooperider

08-26-2005, 08:59 PM

I just bought a '78 Predictor, I think its the twin to this one. http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/surf.gif

badassb

08-26-2005, 11:08 PM

wow what great job where did ya get the seats.
only hope my predictor looks as pretty as yours when i get done. sucks looks like alot of rain tommorow hope ya stay dry in oscoda. looking forward to seeing you on the saginaw river soon
going to wixom lake sunday wife wants to tube

Boston Predictor

08-26-2005, 11:13 PM

Is that bakedgoods predictor?

badassb

08-26-2005, 11:40 PM

was bakeds predictor

illMATTic

08-27-2005, 02:38 AM

hey coop, how many boats do you have? can i see a foto of the predictor?

cooperider

08-27-2005, 04:14 AM

7 boats going on 8, here is the Predictor.
http://realityboatcompany.photosite.com/~photos/tn/5067_1024.ts1123655376558.jpg

cooperider

08-27-2005, 04:15 AM

http://realityboatcompany.photosite.com/~photos/tn/5064_1024.ts1123655244996.jpg

Boston Predictor

08-27-2005, 04:27 PM

Nice one man. Looks like Illmattic's.
what are your plans for it?

illMATTic

08-28-2005, 02:53 AM

hey coop, whats the story with all the potted plants hangin around outdoors?

cooperider

08-28-2005, 12:05 PM

I have no idea, those are the pics of the boat where she is, I still have to go get it. I may have Mooneys pick it up for me if I cant get over there soon. Then go to his place to get it.

illMATTic

02-16-2006, 08:18 PM

ok well i have decided not to paint it at all. i did some sanding and polishing on a test area. i think i can get it back to black and silver.

i weighed my options of tearing it all down and dropping more cash into it or spending some money on a nice perf. prop and pushing for 80.

i went with the speed. besides, after doing all the sanding and polishing all i will have into it is paper and some polish. a hell of alot less than a paint job. and hey, it cant look any worse when im done.

i will have some more fotos in a week or so after it warms a bit.

illMATTic

03-27-2006, 09:20 PM

ok take what ever i said in the previous post and throw it in the garbage. i have a habit of making these rash descisions before i think about them.

i picked up the paint today for my boat. oh yeah, im going to paint it now. i am usng the interlux brightside paint. i hope i have enough. i have 2 quarts each of primer, black, white and a pint of red. i picked it up at boaters world here in town.

the plan is to make it look like the pic in my sig.

any tips or sneekypete tricks you may have are welcome here. http://checkmate-boats.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif

Boston Predictor

03-28-2006, 06:42 PM

Cool Im glad to hear your going through with it. I think It will be well worth the time spent to paint it. from what I understand the prep work is how you get a really good shine. wet sand wet sand and wet sand. good luck.

illMATTic

03-28-2006, 11:38 PM

i was just out in the garage yanking stuff out of the boat. i forgot how much fun this stuff is. i have been lazy all winter.

not any more..... im baaaaaack

wickedrister

03-29-2006, 10:22 PM

Good for you , glad to see you back at it!

Adam L.

03-30-2006, 10:38 AM

It sure if fun. Are you going to spray the paint?

illMATTic

03-30-2006, 06:47 PM

yeah im gonna spray it. i painted a couple cars in the past so i figure i can tackle this. its 65 here right now so im gonna spend all night in the garage. i want to get everything pulled off tonight. then i have to get after the mota this weekend.

Adam L.

03-30-2006, 10:21 PM

ya it has been real nice here the last couple of days. THe ice is now out on the lake. I am going to shoot the red on the bottom this weekend.
Be sure to take pleanty of pictures of your progress. I love to see other Predictors

Boston Predictor

03-30-2006, 11:21 PM

this is gonna be one Ill paintjob

illMATTic

04-02-2006, 02:24 PM

he he thanks geoff

illMATTic

04-10-2006, 09:28 PM

well i got everything out but the motor. i have to bribe a couple buddies with some beer to lend a hand. that should be off tomorrow. not fun.

after that i have a bit of hull repair to do. there are a couple chips here and there. then sand sand sand.

Boston Predictor

04-10-2006, 10:41 PM

Do you know if your boat has a hook?

illMATTic

04-10-2006, 11:04 PM

no hook.

wickedrister

04-11-2006, 05:33 AM

Shoot us some pics when you get the chance ill.

illMATTic

04-11-2006, 08:38 AM

theres nothing really to look at right now but a rotten looking hull.

wickedrister

04-12-2006, 11:23 PM

We don't mind looking at the rotten hull pics, Bring them on.

illMATTic

04-13-2006, 09:58 PM

i finally got the motor off and started sanding. man that dust gets everywhere.

see how high that motor stand is? thats a prime example why you measure twice.:sssh:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01789.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01785.jpg

wickedrister

04-14-2006, 12:04 AM

You will be shooting color before you know it:surf:

175checkmate

04-14-2006, 09:04 AM

You will be digging that dust out of places in the shop for years to come. Stuff goes everywhere.

illMATTic

04-14-2006, 01:47 PM

AAAHHH SEE, I SANDED OUT SIDE IN THE DRIVEWAY. :p

illMATTic

04-18-2006, 10:13 PM

man i have to go out of state for a week for work. this leaves me with only 3 weeks to get my boat done.

its just about ready for primer now. i think ill just lock myself in the garage for a week, then run out for some more beer and then back into the garage. i usually work better and faster under limited time.

illMATTic

05-11-2006, 01:51 PM

i got the garage all taped up. all i have to do is give it a once over to get all the dust out and im ready for primer on saturday.

Adam L.

05-11-2006, 04:50 PM

Have fun!
Make sure you got some air flowing through there otherwise you wont be able to see in there with all the overspray in the air. I cut a 4" x 12" holes in the plastic and covered it with cheese cloth. This allowed air to flow in from an open door outside the plastic. Then had a couple of box fans blowing out 2 windows. It allowed air to flow through the spray booth, but it also kept any dust from getting in.

Have a blast and be sure to post pictures of your progress!

This picture kind of shows you what I did. Its a 2 car garage but I only used 1 side. On the right of the picture you can see the cheese cloth. The opening in the back is to let the heat in from the baseboard heater. I did not have that open when I sprayed.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b202/aaleland/Boat%20Stuff/100_1770.jpg

illMATTic

05-12-2006, 12:12 AM

well its not much but here it is. its all wiped down vacumed and clean. too bad i wont be able to primer until saturday.

man it take sooo long to get all the plastic up and all sealed. shoot i have like 5 hours into that alone.

how long does the interlux primer and paint take to cure? i will be doing 2-3 coats. is 24 hours good for applying tape?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01862.jpg

Boston Predictor

05-12-2006, 01:03 AM

Matt, glad to see that things are moving along. It will all be worth it when you can say that you have the badest predictor on the net!:cool:
:cheers

Adam L.

05-12-2006, 08:57 AM

Looking good.

I am not sure about interlux, but with the Bluewater paint I used you could re-apply after 15 minutes. The can should say how much time is needed between coats. I wouldnt think the primer would be cured enough after 24 hours to apply tape. I can remeber exactly how long I waited to apply, but I know I only waited 24 hours to pull tape off. It was extremely hard to wait that long!

illMATTic

05-14-2006, 11:38 PM

ok so i have a story to tell you all about my first day primering the boat.

i got up on saturday morning and headed out to the garage. i went through my checklist to make sure i had everything to start painting. all i needed was a water trap to work with the compressor i barrowed. i went to the store and picked one up. ok now im ready.

i kicked on the compressor and started mixing the primer. i was using an older gun i got from a friend. i figured it would be fine for primer. well after a couple test sprays i noticed it wasnt shooting too well. i messed with it some more and could not get it right. just now the compressor tried to kick on and the lights dimmed and then went out. so here i am in the dark with wet paint on the walls and stuff in the way. i made it to the door for some light. i found out the garage that was just built two years ago has a fuse box not a breaker box. :confused: WTF it had 30 amp box with a 20 amp fuse that was popped. and of coarse i dont have any replacements.

this is when i went into the house and took a time out. i was soooo mad i was about to pop like that fuse.

after the time out i went to the store and picked up some 30 amp fuses. i also picked up a new primer gun and some fittings. i put the fuses in and bam the compressor kicked on. i was like sweet time for primer. i mixed up a second can and start spraying. all was well until the compressor tried to start again. out went the lights. ok now i have paint on the boat, its dark, and i am at my whits end.

i checked the fuse and it was fine. i went into the house to find the garage wired to a 15 amp breaker. are you @#*$ing serious i said. so now i have all this primer mixed with some on the boat and can not use it. :pissed: :pissed: :pissed:

well after a steak dinner and a couple beers:cheers i cooled off. i decided to roll on the primer. i picked up all the supplies and started into it. it went on ok. i got the whole thing rolled on in no time.

today i wet sanded it all down and am pretty pleased with the results. one more coat will do.

I sure hope this isnt a sign of things to come this boating season.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01863.jpg

Chucker

05-16-2006, 12:21 AM

Hey Matt, if you need electrical help, let me know. I might even be able to get a different compressor that would work in your situation.

Adam L.

05-16-2006, 10:58 AM

hey matt,
sorry to here things didnt go as planned for you. I rolled the primer on the bottom of my boat and it came out fine. Keep up the good work and keep the pictures coming!

illMATTic

05-17-2006, 01:42 AM

well here is a foto of with one coat of white and one coat of black. the tape is still on after the black. i messed up on the taping though. see if you can find it from my drawing. i didnt realize it until i cracked a beer and came back out to grade the job i had done.

i must say i am in a way better mood than i was on saturday.:thumb:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01866.jpg

wickedrister

05-17-2006, 02:01 AM

Good work, looks like you may be back on the water by Memorial Day.......................................if the power will stay on:banana:

cooperider

05-17-2006, 10:41 AM

OH. I know. You forgot the RED.:bounce:

cooperider

05-17-2006, 10:42 AM

It needs another color.

illMATTic

05-17-2006, 03:45 PM

yeah it is missing the red but i messed up on the taping. i wanted the red to be rounded where it meets the black on the bow in fromt of the windshield. i made it a 90 degree angle. i noticed it after i had it all painted. i should be able to fix it though.

Boston Predictor

05-18-2006, 12:21 AM

that should be an easy fix. are you using a spray gun or roller?

cooperider

05-18-2006, 12:49 AM

It looks like a completely different boat.

illMATTic

05-18-2006, 01:11 AM

well i put a second coat of white on tonight. i will do one more black and then the red.

the white is not laying as smooth as i would like but oh well. it looks 100 times better than it did. the black looks like glass. i would like to start putting it back together on saturday.

i picked up a pvc rubrail on ebay. it is pretty stiff. i hope i can get it to bend around the bow.

at least the weather is all crappy here so im not in too much a rush to get it done.

Boston Predictor

05-18-2006, 01:57 AM

I cant wait to see how it looks when you're done:surf:

illMATTic

05-18-2006, 10:20 PM

got a couple more here. i need to do the red tomorrow.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01876.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01875.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01872.jpg

Boston Predictor

05-18-2006, 11:26 PM

thats what Im talking about! I love the contrast. the red is going to set it on fire:lol:

illMATTic

05-19-2006, 01:49 AM

thanks geoff. i hope it looks as good as it does in my head.

i have a buddy who can cut me the checkmate graphics.

what style should i go with? i like the 70's with the knight in the middle. i also like the style in like the late or mid 80's where it is kinda big.

Boston Predictor

05-19-2006, 02:05 AM

go for the same ones that adam got for his predictor. I think those are the best looking. Im looking for that style but in yellow to match the racing stripe on my merc. should stand out nice

I dont want to sound like im brown nosing but when your done painting and you put your new seats back in, that is going to be the best looking predictor around:surf:
The 78 looks much slicker than some of the later years

Costa

05-19-2006, 03:19 PM

Wow it looks great! With the addition of the red it's gonna look kickA$$:thumb:

tazfinz

05-19-2006, 04:01 PM

ITS LOOKING SWEEEEET CANT WAIT TO SEE IT WHEN IT IS ALL BACK TOGETHER. EXCELLENT JOB!!!!:banana:

illMATTic

05-19-2006, 06:35 PM

thanks guys. i just layed out a coat of red. it looks like its going to take a couple to look good. the red is a bit thinner than the others.

i was thinking of trimming all the lines with a silver pinstripe. or maybe just where the red meets the black. i guess ill have to look at it after the tape is off.

as for the red stripe on the side; i think im going to do that with a 1/2" stick on pinstripe. masking it off and staying a 1/2 inch wide exactly was too hard.

one more coat of black and then sunday is crunch time. i think i can get it all together in 2 days. i know how its all supposed to go so..........

Adam L.

05-19-2006, 08:49 PM

Looks SWEET! Isnt it fun. I am already wanting to start another project. Have you already painted the bottom?

175checkmate

05-19-2006, 11:02 PM

Outstanding job. Boat is looking great.

illMATTic

05-21-2006, 02:08 PM

time for final assembly. paint is done. it could use a buff here and ther but that is the last thing on my plate right now. i hope to have it mostly together tonight.

enjoy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01895.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01896.jpg

wickedrister

05-21-2006, 08:34 PM

The red really sets off the black and white, nice work illmattic:thumb:

illMATTic

05-21-2006, 10:00 PM

today i got all the gauges, steering, jackplate, and some trim mounted. tomorrow i want to hang/wire the engine and get the rub rail mounted.

i made a transom plate out of a stainless tailgate cover from a truck. we had one laying around at work so i was able to grab it for a price. it took me around 2 hours to get it all cut and looking good. i should have done more tonight but i was on it for 9 hours already. im pretty burnt out.

Boston Predictor

05-21-2006, 10:13 PM

looks faster :bigthumb:
maybe you will reach 80mph now:surf:

Adam L.

05-22-2006, 10:12 AM

Great job!!!:thumb:

Have you decided on Checkmate Decals yet?

illMATTic

05-22-2006, 09:47 PM

i am having a buddy cut some like in the 90 spectra. i think they look like yours adam.

illMATTic

05-23-2006, 02:49 AM

i got the rub rail on today as well as the engine. its all wired up. fuel tomorrow and it should run.

i had to use my old outboard hoses. rick racer has yet to send me the new 2" kit with polished trim rings. these old ones look like garbage. i threw away the boots to mount it to the boat planning on using the new kit.:o

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01912.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01923.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01919.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/boombip/DSC01920.jpg