• Welcome to the Checkmate Community Forums forums.

    You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions, articles and access to our other FREE features.
    By joining our free community you will be able to:

    » Interact with over 10,000 Checkmate Fanatics from around the world!
    » Post topics and messages
    » Post and view photos
    » Communicate privately with other members
    » Access our extensive gallery of old Checkmate brochures located in our Media Gallery
    » Browse the various pictures in our Checkmate photo gallery

    Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

    If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact support by clicking here or by using the"contact us" link at the bottom of the page.

Restomod?

machone

machone

Member
Need some opinions. I restore Mustangs, and with those anyway I'm of the opinion that they should be restored, for the most part, to original, as with most Mustang nuts. I also own a small custom metal finish business that I run out of my home, Powdercoat, Ceramic, etc.
I just bought my first "real" boat, an '87 Diplomat I/O that's in fairly good shape, but needs some TLC. My question is, and this is for opinions, should I restore this boat to original, or should I customize it? (some powdercoating on the hardware, upholstery changes, engine mods, etc.) I know how 'Stang owners feel about it, just curious how my new-found Check family feels about it. :D
Machone
 
If it were a classic wooden boat, the answer would be 'original'. A figerglass Checkmate it is not quite in the same category. For one thing it is not like a Mustang that you can turn into an ugly monster with after market bolt ons. Boats of a particular vintage almost all used the same hardware. Upgrading the hardware is usually seen as a positive thing. Powdercoating etc. would just class it up. The one thing that you do need to be careful with is that the interior doesn't look too out of place (eg. off shore bolsters). Most guys want the finished product to look upgraded but still Mate. Look through Picture This and Overhaulin' and you will get a pretty good idea.
 
Thanks mark. The only thing I was looking at doing with the interior is going a little less detail on the vinyl. It looks pretty much like your avatar with the stripes & the elongated buttons,(is that a diplomat?) all the vinyl is trashed, I got a quote to redo it all, sight unseen, for 25-3500. I'm thinking once they saw it, it might go up. I've already replaced the carpet to it's original black (actually had trees growing out of it) other than that a little wet sand/polish on the gel coat & we're good. Any input on the vinyl would be appreciated.
Thanks again!
Machone
 
Yes, mine is a Diplomat. The factory will do an interior for you cheaper than what you were quoted. They can also give you an upgraded motif. Both my Mates have had new interiors, one factory and one local and they are about the same. Personally, I would update it.
 
machone said:
Need some opinions. I restore Mustangs, and with those anyway I'm of the opinion that they should be restored, for the most part, to original, as with most Mustang nuts. I also own a small custom metal finish business that I run out of my home, Powdercoat, Ceramic, etc.
I just bought my first "real" boat, an '87 Diplomat I/O that's in fairly good shape, but needs some TLC. My question is, and this is for opinions, should I restore this boat to original, or should I customize it? (some powdercoating on the hardware, upholstery changes, engine mods, etc.) I know how 'Stang owners feel about it, just curious how my new-found Check family feels about it. :D
Machone
Click to expand...
Unless you have a very rare Checkmate, then change whatever you like.

I got rid of all my 'vettes cause I couldn't stand all the numbers guys, that told me I should change nothing that I can't put back to stock.

We could have used you around here last year bdusted440 and I had a 1967 Mustang Fastback for sale. The guy that bought it drove in from UTAH.
 
I am in the final stanges of my trimate overhaul. Everything on this boat has been modded somehow. From the interior to the engine to the hull. Its going to work or look great going 40 mph. I say mod on.
 
I was actually kinda hoping you'd say that! It gets a little old sometimes going by the book. In my real-life job, I'm a toolmaker for Ford Motor Co., I do the coating on the side. It'll be nice to use a little creativity on my own stuff! Thanks all for the input. Now, I think I have some work to do.....:bigthumb:
Machone
 
Interior

Coop, just spoke with Mike from the factory. Gonna get the whole shot for WAAAY less than I was quoted. Thank you so much for the info! Maybe one of these days I can buy you a beer!:cheers
Thanks again
Machone
 
Similar Question

I recently picked up a 1980 Entertainer I/O. The boat has been in my family since it was new, but it has been sitting under a cover for about 8 or 9 years. Other than having the gel coat wet sanded and polished to remove some oxidation, it's in amazingly good shape. The seats were replaced in the late 80's, but the rear bench seat got torn by a ski rope. Can anyone tell me if Checkmate can still supply the material to recover the interior (seats/side panels) and what cost I might be looking at? Or am I better off looking for after market vinyl?
 
I'll be the first to pipe up on this one (thanks to coop) I called Mike from the factory today, he informed me that they have ALL the patterns for the interiors. He said they don't use the beads anymore, but now they double stitch. It looks cleaner, lasts longer. (ever had the bead get rubbed off somehow, then have to tear apart the whole seat to repair it?) The price he quoted me was WAY lower than the $2500+ I was quoted from a local shop. I'll let you know how mine turns out, but at this point I'd highly recommend the factory.
Call Mike at 419-562-3881 & tell him Coop sent ya!
Machone
 
Seats Dip. IO

MACHONE
Are you getting the complete interior. If so I will be making all of the wood parts for your boat. When I am done I have them coated with resin and then I take them to the upholstery shop to have them covered. Either way wood or just skins I hope you like your new interior. HAPPY BOATING
Alan
 
Thanks haftoo! No, I'm just getting the vinyl. There's a few pieces that I'll have to rebuild, like the WHOLE back seat, but along with all the other crap I do, I have all the wood working equipment I need, too. most of the wood that needs replacing is still intact, and what isn't I can take the pattern off the other side. sheesh. I'm gonna need another job to support my boating habit! Anyone wanna buy a 'stang? :surf:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top