1980 Ranger 275V...Restoration-ish

[Daabeast]

Hello everyone,

I just purchased a 1980 Ranger 275v with a 175 evinrude on the back($1,000). I plan on taking it in to the shop to have the engine serviced. Other than that i will be doing all the additional restoration myself.

I read through the resoration tips provided for the paint/gel coat. I am new to boat repair and am unsure if my boat really qualifies for this repair. The underside of the boat looks pretty good with minor scuffs and such that may need some filler. Top side is a different story. There apears to be a film flaking off the surface? Is this what needs to be sanded off using the methods posted or am I past the point of being able to sand and buff the boat back into 2010?

I will post some pictures in a few hours as I am at work currently and unable to upload photos. Hopefully, I can rely on all of your prior experience/mistakes to make this restoration successful. Thanks in advance for any advice given.




Jonathon


Modified by Daabeast at 4:48 PM 3/29/2010


Modified by Daabeast at 1:22 PM 3/30/2010

[Daabeast]

Photos posted as promised. Please provide some feedback....

[basshole45]

You might wanna start with a tougher grit like an 800 and work up to 1,000 ,1500 it will get alot better but probably not perfect,All in all doesn't look too bad of a project..That trailer looks like its made for alot smaller boat though,But yeah search up at the top threads and work your way through the steps and youll be off to a great start

[Daabeast]

Thanks,

I realize that it wont be perfect but i am really just trying to make it look presentable for this season. I will probably get it repainted this next winter.

Can a job like this be done in a weekend or two?

[Socal Bassman]

I don't think it looks too bad. Actually, I think it looks better than my '82 when I first bought it. I can't really tell by the pics the film that you said is flaking off. Might be an automotive clear coat that the previous owner sprayed on. If so, I think that has to be removed before you start the wetsanding process. Here is a before and after shot when I did mine.


Before



After

[Daabeast]

I put the boat in the shop to have the engine serviced. Lookin at two weeks now to get all the supplies ready to start on the restoring of the paint job.

I am still wondering though about how long it took some of you to restore the paint. Can it be done in a couple of weekends?

[Socal Bassman]

Since this is my first boat, I took my time doing the wet sanding process. I can't speak for others who have done this before, but it took me about 50 hours to do the whole boat. If you're just doing the top cap though, I think it can be done in a couple weekends.

[stifflersbro]

I just saw the photos that you posted of your top cap...looks awesome! I just bought a '96 Savage 884 that has about the same amount of oxidation and was worried that wet sanding and polishing wouldn't work, but you've definitely brought me some hope. Can you please tell me how to go about doing what you've done? Which products to use and in what order? Thanks A Ton!

[Daabeast]

Guessing you are talkin about Socal...cuz my boat proj. just started....

I started here http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread/311487

Step by step to restore shine!

[Daabeast]

So the guys at the local marine shop called me today and.....my 175hp 2 stroke Evinrude needs some work....

6 new coils
3 carb rebuilds
1 engine servicing
and...replacing all the rusted/corroded nuts and bolts on her

Total price:

$1074.....

My eternal boat motor happiness=====priceless...(didn't work with the wife)lol

[Daabeast]

OK,

So I will be getting my boat back next week. Just wondering what you all think i should work on first...

The boat will be ready to fish on when it gets outta the shop...so everything that needs to be done is cosmetic...

Would you suggest that I work on restoring the paint first or carpeting? None of the gauges work either except for the Tach. work on the gauges first?

THOUGHTS???

[Socal Bassman]

The link that Daabeast posted is where I got the info from. Although most of the stuff I used are intended for cars because it was what I had on hand when I started. The products I used was 3M wet/sand sandpaper (600, 1000, 1500, 2000), 3M rubbing compound, Meguiar's Show Car Glaze, 3M Finishing Polish, and a carnauba paste wax which I bought at West Marine.

[stifflersbro]

I'm about to begin my 2nd restoration. I was worried the gelcoat was too far gone...felt like I was touching the flake. I washed off about 10 years worth of funk and wet sanded a test spot real quick...low and behold, there's some life underneath. Can't wait to get the entire boat done, then polished, glazed and sealed. Here's photos of two test spots. br>

[Big Bass Man]

[Daabeast]

Alrighty,

Got the boat out of the shop today! Now they say i need new throttle/shifter cables....I will make a date of it this weekend and replace them myself. Shop wanted 170bucks to replace them.

Also they said I should get the starter rebuilt.....ughh

Good news though, My new MinnKota trolling will be here on Wednesday!

Hopefully,

She can taste the water this weekend...*crosses fingers*

[Daabeast]

I started pulling the carpets out this evening and low and behold a small crack was found...it is located just by the rear floor drain. I removed the drain and to my dismay the wood around the drain is a bit brittle.

I will post pics tomorrow...I am looking for some feedback as to whether or not I should just throw a layer of resin over the cracked area or if I need to cut the floor out...

Picture added...The floor feels solid everywhere else except right where I am pointing.



Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!


Modified by Daabeast at 6:13 AM 4/13/2010

[Daabeast]

Bump for suggestions...

[sarmst100]

You say the wood is brittle. Do you mean rotten? If it is I would cut it out and replace the area. Make a backing board totally coated with resin. Run screws thru the floor into the backer. Make a patch to go back in the cutout area. Cover with fiberglass (if you don't it will crack) and resin to seal.

[Daabeast]

Thanks for the reply...yeah it seems to be dry rotted. I will take your advice and cut out the bad part....Hopefully i don't find anything ugly under the flooring.


I just replaced the throttle/shifter cables on the boat about 20 mins ago...I was a much easier than expected swap. I would say any do it yourself'er could do it....I know ZERO about boats but I finished in less than 2hrs.

[Daabeast]

OMG!...I decided to wetsand a test spot on the old boat and WOW is all i can say only used 1500 grit in about a 1 foot section I sanded for about 10mins....It is already as smooth as glass almost...WOW....

One question though....It doesnt seem like the 1500grit is removing the oxidation only making it smooth to the touch. Does this mean I need to start with a rougher grit like 800 then 1000 then 1500 etc?


Help.