1994 190 DCX project--dial up beware

[bassindan74]

I've had this boat for a few months now, I picked it up from a friend that didn't have the time or funds to put into it. It would've been better if it were taken care of but it was put outside in a field to rot, what a shame. I've already gone through the bilge area, all new pumps, wiring, flow-rite valve, livewell lights and gave it a good de-greasing. The seats were destroyed from the elements, I have a full set on order from Deans Top and Canvas. Tossed the old sonars, I have a Humminbird 787c2 for the bow and an LCX-15 for the console. I am pondering on the carpet, it is in ok shape, no tears and not pealing up but it is discolored and matted down. Most of what you see on the carpet is cat hair, they love bass boats. I am a little scared of the aluminum trim that is riveted around the whole thing. The gel coat is in good shape, I think a good cleaning and polishing should be all it needs.

[Lea]

Looks like a great project boat. Too bad it was so neglected! You will have a great rig when you are done...

Regarding aluminum carpet trim...that is one of the classy things we had hoped would carry forward to the Murfreesboro Champs. Still working on that. If there is any way possible (talk to folks in Resto forum) keep it !!!!! It is part of the authenticity for that rig!!!!!!

How cold does it get in Ukiah? That insulation blanket on your water heater (?) is "interesting"

[billybass]

That's a great looking Champ, congrats on the great purchase! Looking forward to seeing it when you're all done.

[oldsailor]

That is going to be one pretty boat when you complete the restoration......my '00 191 SC has the same color scheme ....you'll be very happy with it!!! Yes - we'll want to see pics when you're done!!

[bassindan74]

First things first. The water heater, I explained the cat hair in my first post and that would be them again. They use it to climb up to my shelves and sleep up there. Been wanting to replace that but I've got a boat to work on.
I want to try to save that aluminum but it looks like it will be a little bit of a pain. I'm gonna have to drill out all those rivets and and I guess all the scrap from that will end up in the hull. Also, I was thinking about changing the carpet color to charcoal but I don't want to re-do everything, compartments, inside of the lids, even the bilge area is carpeted so I will stick with red. You know of a place that can match the color best?
I have plenty of time the seats won't be here for four weeks. I will keep you posted. I'm going through the wiring in the bow panel tonight. There is quite a bit of corrosion on the connections. I'm thinking of flush mounting the 787c in the bow between the two panels, it looks close but may work. Anyone do this?

[Royjulius]

What's wrong with the aluminum? I'd sure try to leave that in. That's one of my favorite parts of my boat. Like Lea said, it's the one thing missing from the new Champs. That's gonna be a sweet rig when you're done!

[bassindan74]

I do like the strip, but it looks like i'll have to remove it, place the carpet and then put it back. I might be able to get away with butting the carpet up to it and cutting it just right but there are areas (corners) where the trim piece is riveted through the carpet so it just seemed logical to remove and replace.

[Tx Champ]

I re-carpeted the front deck of my 90 176 and pulled the trim, used the old carpet for a pattern then reinstalled the trim after gluing in the new carpet. It's not hard, just use a bit that will let you drill off the rivet heads without drilling through the trim. Kinda hard to see in these shots, but it is there. I used a singel edge razor blade to trim anything that tried to stick out past the trim.

As for matching carpet, you might try Bass Boat Carpet

[Royjulius]

[bassindan74]

I was just doing some research on Champs and I'm a little curious. Mine is a 1994, so does that in fact make it a 191? I assumed it was a 190, there is no markings on the boat that say for sure. And how can you tell if it is an Elite or CX

[Champster]

I have a 93 190 DCX Elite (recently restored) that looks identical except for the color.

[bassindan74]

What do you think about the seat pedestal mounts? Is it a good idea to change them when I do the carpet or leave them? The poles are in excellent condition, the hydraulics work great, but I don't think they make them anymore. R&R design.

[BILLY]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bassindan74 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> What do you think about the seat pedestal mounts? Is it a good idea to change them when I do the carpet or leave them? The poles are in excellent condition, the hydraulics work great, but I don't think they make them anymore. R&R design.


</TD></TR></TABLE>

I think you are right on the seat mounts, I would go with the other type. IMHO

[hardestyeric]

I just bought a 1995 190 with those seat posts in there. They do still make them but they are quite expensive. C&O has a link to R&R on their web site I believe. I had an adapter made to convert a regular drop in seat to this style and I think I kind of like it. Still not 100% sure yet since I have only had it for a few months but there is no chance of them coming out and they are easy enough to get in.
Eric H.

[bassindan74]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hardestyeric &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I had an adapter made to convert a regular drop in seat to this style and I think I kind of like it.</TD></TR></TABLE>

That sounds like a good idea. Because it looks to me that the cutout in the deck will be larger the the new style mounts.

[bassindan74]

I did a search on here for the Champion swim ladder and I couldn't come up with any good pics. This boat does not have one and I have a habit of going over sometimes. Plus, the kids want to go swimming. I found the ladder I think I need at C&O and was wondering if anyone had a pic of it. Thanks.

[champ12B]

That is going to be a really nice ride, in regards to the trim. I just replaced the carpet in my champ, just use a drill bit to cut the top of the riviot off. The back will more than likely fall out in the hull, but in time most will drain out I guess. I never hear anything clanging around in mine. This is really easy to do because the riviot are aluminum. One thing I would suggest is to put anti fatigue matting under the carpet on the flipping deck. I used some I got out of the Uline Catalog, I only wish I would have done the entire front deck. I just used the mat in front of the rod lockers. Doing it over I would have covered the entire front deck with the anti fatigue mat. Post pics as you go, I like watching other people's projects

[bassindan74]

Ok, I've been on vacation and haven't been able to spend any time on the project until yesterday. The carbs are done, the lower is in the shop getting a seal kit put in ( I just don't have the tools or capability of doing the lower myself). I found that the shaft on the lower throttle body was bent and not allowing the butterfly to close all the and I am guessinfg that would probably make it run rough. So I am waiting on that part still. How would that get bent? Anyway, pulled it out yesterday, washed it and started buffing, I am done with port side. I am using rubbing and polishing compound with a high speed buffer and it is working good, however, If I were to do it again I might try sanding. That gel coat is hard! So here are some pics. When I am done buffing I will pull it out in the sun and take some more. I am waiting on the carpet until the seats get here. What do you guys think of gray carpet instead ?

[billybass]

That's looking beautiful Dan! Something o be truly proud of!!! I think the rey carpet is gonna look great with the red and white hull.

[Tx Champ]

I agree, you've done a bang up job!! That's gonna be a great looking boat when you are through. Don't know what you decided on the pedestal mounts, but I would definitely change them. Personally I think Springfield has a better product than Swivl-eze.