14' Mirrocraft Deep Fisherman Restoration

[Pweisbrod]

I hear that, Minnesota's weather is getting annoying.

 

[DOBSONFLY]

I was able to get the mounting holes for the emblems TIG welded shut and sanded back down.

 

[DOBSONFLY]

Prep work finished and primed the boat today.With the prime done maybe shoot color next weekend.

If I had to do it again, I highly recommend not using the rattle can method. The cost savings of the cans versus going to Variprime is overcome by ease of application with being able to shoot variprime with a gun (just my 2 cents, 2 guys 8 rattle cans and 2 hours later we had it done inside and out). So looking back I would have bought the Dupont 615 and been done in minutes versus hours and had better coverage. Again thats IF you have the resources to shoot it and the proper PPE.

Anyone else have any comments on Variprime vs rattle cans?

 

[fool4fish1226]

lookin great - keep up the good work

 

[DOBSONFLY]

Thanks Fool4Fish! I hadn't mentioned this early. Before I primed the boat, I did double check the seals since I had never had her on the water. Used my folks' pond and ran around a bit with paddles, no leaks! 8)

 

[DOBSONFLY]

Handles and hardware ready after the new paint.

 

[wihoulihan]

The handles and hardware look great I was debating something like that what kind of paint did you use?

 

[bigwave]

Man I sure wish I had a shop like yours......I would shoot every project with a gun in a shop that big. Having the dust free environment like that with good gun and compressor would make shrot work of anything. It makes all the hours of prep well worth the end result. =D>

 

[DOBSONFLY]

The handles and hardware look great I was debating something like that what kind of paint did you use?

Thanks! Even though these are bare aluminum, I didn't use the zinc phosphate primer (figured they are easy enough to drill out the rivets again another day if they ever need it). I used a leftover can from paintin some exhaust, it was aluminum color high heat rustoleum automotive. I was impressed with how close they came out to looking like brushed aluminum.

 

[DOBSONFLY]

Man I sure wish I had a shop like yours......I would shoot every project with a gun in a shop that big. Having the dust free environment like that with good gun and compressor would make shrot work of anything. It makes all the hours of prep well worth the end result. =D>

Man I wish that shop was mine too!! I owe it to friends in the right places. My friend is the manager of the body shop and his folks are the owners.

 

[DOBSONFLY]

Was able to score some pretty nice vintage/new old stock life vests and a preserver at an auction gave $3 for the bunch. They are Swan Brand Type 1 Buoyant Vests Model AK-1 Adult.

 

[DOBSONFLY]

I have cruised the forums and after seeing other mods have came up with the following for a seat mod. I think it will be simple, functional and retain a stock appearance. May stash a removable radio in one also (still up in the air).

 

[Bsmith3244]

Looks like your build is moving right along! Great work, keep it going fishing season is upon is!!

 

[jvanhees]

Nice build so far...amazing how that CLR worked so well....I never thought of that. Will be trying that this weekend!

 

[DOBSONFLY]

Appreciate the comments, and can't wait to get it on the water. Paint is going to have to wait another week, body shop friend is busy this weekend.

Nice build so far...amazing how that CLR worked so well....I never thought of that. Will be trying that this weekend!

As far as the CLR goes I sprayed it on and let it sit for a few minutes. Next, used some scotch-brite wetted down. Kind of made a silvery foamy looking substance and I would recommend using some gloves. Smelled pretty rough too so wouldn't want to breathe that stuff in too much.

 

[DOBSONFLY]

Here are the PDFs of the prints for what I am doing. The top view of the seat dimensions are original sizes. The floatation foam part dimensions are undersize slightly from originals so those dimensions are close to the original.

 

[DOBSONFLY]

Paint done and baked, but still going to wait until tomorrow to put it back on the trailer.

 

[bigwave]

Looks great......after the paint is done you get to start all the fun stuff.

 

[DOBSONFLY]

Looks great......after the paint is done you get to start all the fun stuff.

Thanks bigwave I will be glad to start on the "funner" parts, the ones like when you bolt in something and just stand back in admiration for a few minutes. :mrgreen:

 

[DOBSONFLY]

More photos. Also, I decided to go with Burgundy instead of a blue for the stripe per my girlfriend's eye. I think it was a better choice!