80 sportfire rebuild

[tazfinz]

Here is some pics of my 1981 sportfire that I recently purchased. I bought the boat for 1000.00 With the trailer and motor. The motor is a 1988 Johnson 150 punched out to 200. There was no interior with the boat. Since the purchase I have rebuilt the trailer with metallic blue paint, new rollers,winch, tires,rims,tounge jack,lights. I then gave the motor a once over with new gaskests and all new fuel lines. Also pulled the gas tank, new fuel lines, new bilge pump. Slowly it is starting to come around. Next is painting the motor and try to bring the paint back on the bow. Ordered aqua-buff. Read messages on this board and heard nothing but good things about it.

[tazfinz]

more pics

[tazfinz]

ok here are the pics.http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-462s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-467s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-469s.jpg

[175checkmate]

Nice job. Boat looks like its in great shape. Keep us posted on the progress.

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-473s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-476s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-477s.jpg

[Boston Predictor]

Hey there, looking good so far:thumb: .
I checked how thick the wood was on the seat and the sun pads on the rear deck of my Sportfire. The seat in mine is 1/2'' ply and the pads are a bit thinner.
Dose your's say Sportsfire on the coast guard plate?? Mine dose for some reason...I have no clue why?
Lets see some more pics, and keep us posted on the progress
Cheers my fellow Sportfire friend:cheers

[tazfinz]

spent today with the aqua buff and wax. Here are the results.


http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-479s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-480s.jpg

[tazfinz]

:eyecrazy: http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-481s.jpg

[Boston Predictor]

I bet it looks even better in person:lol:
Hey by the way i got those pics of the windshield you wanted, I ll load em up and shoot you a PM.
Do you have the original windshield or are you ordering a new one??

[tazfinz]

I have the original windshield but I am missing the side bar and what they hook into on the windshield All I have is the frame and glass

[Costa]

: Tazfinz, How was the application of the Aquabuff did it go on and come off easy? I am going to need to shine up the bow of my exciter and dont know if the Aqua buff is easier than compound. I also need to find someplace that sells Aqua buff. What did you use to apply Aqua buff? Does it need to be waxed after the application? Where do you buy the stuff? Looks like you got a really great shine to the old gel!!!! Great looking boat all around!! Keep posting pics and let us know how the project progresses.:thumb:

[Costa]

DUUUUHHHHHHH, just read the post about the missing gel!!!! Bummer. Still would like info on where to get the Aquabuff. Did the aquabuff wear thru the gel? If so I might want to stay away!:(

[Boston Predictor]

Ive used aqua buff 2000 and it works better than compound. The trick is keep misting the area with water and make sure you use a good rotary buffer over 2500rpm with a wool type pad. As long as you're carefull it shouldnt burn the gel. after the ab2000 I used a coat of wax and it looks fantastic

[tazfinz]

There is a web site to order aquabuff www.aqua-buff.com (http://www.aqua-buff.com). it was like $10.00 for a 16 oz container plus shipping. It was with a doubt the best stuff I ever used. I agree with boston. My boat was mistreated and I thought the whole paint was shot but this stuff really did the trick.

[Costa]

Thanks for the link, I just called and ordered a tub of each 1000 and 2000 and maybe in the next few weeks I will get her polished and shined.

[wickedrister]

Good job Taz it looks like new:banana: BLING:banana: BLING

[tazfinz]

OK here is the latest update on project sportfire. Just finished installing the stereo new faria gauges new switches and fuse holders and fuses. Installed interior chrome trim and just ordered the new ladder. Slowly but steady making progress. Spent today working in the rain under a tarp. You gotta do what you gotta do!!http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-486s.jpg

[tazfinz]

:banana: http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-488s.jpg

[wickedrister]

Taz it's starting to look like a brand new boat. Keep up the good work man. We can't wait to see some water shots. Keep the updates and pics coming:thumb:

[tazfinz]

OK update , just recieved the new ladder from the factory today and it was worth every penny. Also found the needed parts for my windshield on ebay and waiting on them. Should have more pics next week. I would like some input carpet Blue or Grey the interior is going to be grey with a blue and white stripe. Thanks for any input

[Boston Predictor]

Yeah the ladder is a must. Its alway so hard to get in the boat after a few hours of wiping out water skiing or whatever.;)
I would go with the blue carpet personally. I think the closer to the color of the deck as you can would look the best. you should try and take some more pics of the boat. we always love pics:bigthumb:

[wickedrister]

Taz, I went with blue carpet in my blue boat and I don't care for it. It's a much darker shade of blue than the boat. The next I replace the carpet it will not be that color.

[tazfinz]

Thanks bosten and wicked. That was the problem I was having with the blue was trying to find a color of blue that did not clash with the boat.

[tazfinz]

Spent today installing new ladder, started to paint the motor cowl and windshield frame , ordered the new steering wheel and water pump. Picked up the decals for the motor and the interior is due in next week. I need more hours in a day. Target date for the water is July 15. Cross my fingers http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-500s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-498s.jpg

[tazfinz]

Here are some pics of work that was done today.The windshield I had to basically build from scratchhttp://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-505s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-504s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-506s.jpg

[tazfinz]

The cowl before and after. I used blue and silver metallic to match the boathttp://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-460s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-502s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-503s.jpg

[tazfinz]

And you gotta have a new steering wheelhttp://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-508s.jpg

[Boston Predictor]

that thing is looking sweet:thumb:

[tazfinz]

Thanks Boston I could not have done it without your help. All of those pics were a life saver:cheers

[claupie]

nice steering...where did you get that...

[Chucker]

Looking awesome Taz!! I too like the wheel...Perfect match for your boat!! Great work!!

[tazfinz]

I bought the wheel from ebay. Actually ebay express

[tazfinz]

Thanks for the compliments guys I am doing the interior next. I just hope it turns out half as nice as Chuckers:thumb:

[175checkmate]

Boat is looking great. Nice job on the frame.

[wickedrister]

When will it be on the water Taz? We are ready for the action shots:banana:

[tazfinz]

It looks like it wont be on the water till around the first of Aug. When I got the helm seats in one of them had a scuff on it. I called the company I ordered it from and no hestitation they wanted it back to correct the problem. So it is a little setback.Just finished mounting the skipole and installing the carpet tommorrrow.

[wickedrister]

Sounds good man, keep the pics posted as you go.

[tazfinz]

Latest update- Got the steering wheel installed, The ski pole installed, cig. lighter, carpet started but got to freaking hot out, And got the wood cut for the rear pads. So close but yet so far.:thumb: http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-509s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-511s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-514s.jpg

[claupie]

love that steering, i got to get one..is it universal fit..do you know if it will fit on a pulsare....

[tazfinz]

It comes set up for the 3/4 round shaft. Mine had a square shaft so I had to get an adapter. Not sure about the pulsare

[claupie]

thanks for the info taz...

[tazfinz]

It has been a little while since last update. Well most of the interior is done. All I have left to do on Wed. is install the rear side panels and back pads on the rear deck. If all goes well she will be hitting the water on Thur. It is about time. So more pics soon to come IN THE WATER:cheers http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-519s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/checkmate/Mvc-515s.jpg

[wickedrister]

I can't stad it mam! Summer is 1/2 over and it's still on dry land! It's looking good my friend. I bet you can't wait to try it out:thumb:

[tazfinz]

I really dont even want to sleep at night . I just cant wait to get this thing in the water and see what she does.:banana:

[Boston Predictor]

youre gonna love it. Each time I go out it gets better and better. This hull handels very well especially when you dig the nose in a bit. you will not beleive the attention this boat draws either.
:cheers
get some videos of it too:bigthumb:

[Chucker]

Looks great Taz! Those seats look comfy! :)

[wickedrister]

My seats look like the kind you would find in a school-bus compaired to those :banana:

[Chucker]

My seats look like the kind you would find in a school-bus compaired to those :banana:

That's what I'm sayin'! Did you pull them out of your Caddy? :)

[tazfinz]

Actually I bought them from a company called Veada. They make a lot of pontoon furniture. I got both helm seats and for the rear I just got the cushion and made my own base. Also I got vinyl for the side pads aand rear deck- Same lot # all for a little over 600.00. The best part when I recieved the one seat it had a mark in it. They picked it up and repaired right away- no questions asked.

[Asolek]

hell yeah dude aqua buff is some good stuff. Diplomat told me how to do it. Aqua buff 1000 followed by 2000 then buff with Flitz, then follow that up with Maguiars Machine Glaze. I have all the product right now. It takes a long time to do it right. So far ive done 2 buffs with aqua 1000 tomarrow im gonna start with 2000. Probally take some pictures shes gonna look mint. Nice boat too cant wait to see her floating! Do you think your windshield will fit on other boats like my v-mate ll, maybe?

[tazfinz]

The sportfire is finally ready for water but I am not. Got the sportfire done but just found out that the kidney I recieved from a transplant is not co-operating with me. I have to go for test tomorrow. Well anyway here are some pics.http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/Mvc-524s.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/Mvc-526s.jpg

[Boston Predictor]

hope that things turn out well.
its looking pretty nice. next pics should be in the water. btw where did you find the ski pole?

[Johnny HotFoot]

The boat is looking sweet... let's just hope you start feeling as good as it looks!!

...where did you get the ski pole??????

[tazfinz]

Sorry it took a while to reply. I just got out of the hospital. Found out that I am going yo lose my kidney- My body wont accept it. The ski pole came from ebay. 140.00 brand new.

[Boston Predictor]

Im sorry to hear that Dennie, I hope that things get better for you. I can understand what you are going through.
I hope that you are able to go for a cruise in your Sportfire before surgery.

[wickedrister]

We will be thinking about ya buddy. We hope that every thing goes well.

[tazfinz]

ok here it is. I took an experimental medication and so far it is doing pretty good. The sporfire is offically hitting the water tomorrow. I will post some pics tomorrow night. Man I feel like a virgin on prom night . I am so excited- cant wait to hit that throttle for the first time:banana:

[t town]

Glad to hear you are feeling better!!! Good luck on the water.

[Adam L.]

Glad to hear the meds are working for you. Its been 2 months since my surgery and both my Uncle and I are doing well. I will keep you in my prayers.

Cant wait to see the Sportifre in the water. It has been a long time coming for you. Godd Job my friend.

[tazfinz]

It is official. The sportfire hit the water. Boat cruised at a smooth 60 mph. My 5 year old son was in seventh heaven. Here are some picshttp://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/MVC-536S.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/MVC-532S.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/MVC-537S.jpg

[tazfinz]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/tazfinz/MVC-539S.jpg

[Boston Predictor]

Beautiful. It was worth all the work in the end. Isnt it a nice riding hull?
Glad to hear things are looking up:thumb:

[tazfinz]

Yeah Boston it was very worth it in the end. A special thanks to you for all of your help and pics:cheers

[wickedrister]

She looks like a new one Taz, you did one heck of a nice job. I bet you get plenty of looks and thumbs up from the other boaters. Now you can take it easy and enjoy her for the rest of the summer. Have you had any offers to race yet? I bet you will get plenty of chances the way it looks. Glad you are feeling better with the new meds! Keep us posted on every thing.:thumb:

[petersfield]

looks awsome great job!