Got my first ChampioN

[jerzia]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by austinbassin &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I looked in the OEM section and did not see a place to get toggle switches, that match the originals. Any suggestions? The old owner added a chrome on/off switch and I want to replace it wwith one that matches the others. The rusted chrome just does not do it for me LOL</td></tr></table>
Post some pics of what you have, and what you are looking for, and believe me, someone will find a source for you.

[DrCFishing]

I know Ronnie. you must know John Givens I think he fishes with your club. Anytime you want to get together let me know. We might be able to help each other with the boats. My skills are electrical and detailing. A little mechanical but nothing major.

[DrCFishing]

I don't see a button. This baby is pretty rusted. I felt up under via the livewell and it is bad. Wondering if anyone makes a brass replacement for those???? I have taken some pics just need to figure out how to post them.

[electric fish]

I think I am going to hook up and go run Austin tonight to try and burn some fuel and catch a few fish. I will not get to go out again for at least three weeks because of work. I kind of do it all, elec. plumb. and mechanical. Just cannot stand to pay anybody else and no one is going to do as good of a job on your stuff as you do.
I do not know John Givens but I am a new member this year as I joined late last year.

[electric fish]

Pep Boys and Grainger have the cheapest and best selection of switches.

[Gunnar]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by austinbassin &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I looked in the OEM section and did not see a place to get toggle switches, that match the originals. Any suggestions? The old owner added a chrome on/off switch and I want to replace it wwith one that matches the others. The rusted chrome just does not do it for me LOL</td></tr></table>

Look here for a switch that matches and/or call Ms. Carol (The parts Mom) at C&O:

http://www.teamcandomarine.com...s.htm

[DrCFishing]

I hear they are biting up river near the fat farm. Go GET EM!!

[DrCFishing]

I found a guy on ebay that has the gas struts for the lids. Mike is his name. Not sure if he has a website but you can find him on ebay here

http://stores.ebay.com/strut-your-stuff-here. The right length and pressure. I found the ones at auto parts stores have to much pressure to work right.

My chance to repay for all the questions I have been asking.

Still can't get that rear pedestal seat out.

[DrCFishing]

That's the ticket. You da man. Thanks Gunnar!!!

[DrCFishing]

Trying to post a picture to see if I know how. If it works I will post some pics of the boat.



This should be a picture of the top cap that I am sanding/buffing/polishing. Hope it shows up in the picture!


Modified by austinbassin at 3:21 PM 11/1/2011

[DrCFishing]

Here is a picture of the switch panel with the one ugly switch. I think Gennar hooked me up with a place to get a real toggle switch that will fit in much better.

Some people will just do the least they can do to make stuff work. I like to do it right.



Modified by austinbassin at 3:22 PM 11/1/2011

[DrCFishing]

Here are a couple of shots of the back pedestal that I am having trouble getting out. I did not do the damage to the pole, previous owner did. I plan on replacing the carpet so I hope to find a place to get a new mount to replace this rusted thing. 1st shot is from the livewell area.


Any idea how to obtain a replacement pedestal base???

thanks&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Modified by austinbassin at 7:21 PM 10/26/2011


Modified by austinbassin at 3:25 PM 11/1/2011

[Lea]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by austinbassin &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Here are a couple of shots of the back pedestal that I am having trouble getting out. I did not do the damage to the pole, previous owner did. I plan on replacing the carpet so I hope to find a place to get a new mount to replace this rusted thing. 1st shot is from the livewell area.

http://i1110.photobucket.com/a...3.jpg

http://i1110.photobucket.com/a...5.jpg</td></tr></table>


Ouch!!!!!! Hope you can get that thing out!!!!! Also hope someone has a replacement. Back then, the diameter was 1.75". It later changed to 1.77, if I remember correctly.

[DrCFishing]

Here is a pic of the boat pretty much as I got it. I did do an initial cleaning but not much else. It had been sitting outside uncovered so I have some work to do, but got a pretty good deal on it. Sweat equity!!



I have done a little work cleaning the engine and wet sanding buffing and polishing. Lots of work but I kinda like seeing the improvements.






Modified by austinbassin at 3:27 PM 11/1/2011

[DrCFishing]

I am going to try and replace this floor area of carpet my self and see if it is a project that I think I can do. If so, I will move forward on doing all the lids and decks. Has anyone put the 24oz carpet in a champion? The lids fit pretty tight already, not sure adding the heavier carpet is a good idea??






Modified by austinbassin at 3:31 PM 11/1/2011

[bigfish1259]

If your replacing your carpet you may consider replacing the pedestal bases as well. If you go with the newer locknpin base you can avoid the stuck pedestal issue. The carpet replacement is not as bad as it looks, take your time removing the old and use it for pattern, be sure and add a good 1" to your cuts and trim after the glue has set up. Be sure and use a good marine grade glue and 20 to 24oz marine carpet will work. Good luck

[jerzia]

First off, when you want to post pics, when you are on photobucket, click on the IMG link and it will say copied. Post that and the pic will show up here.
I just did the carpet job this summer. As someone stated you can change to threaded pedestal bases as an option. I did not. I used some new Snap Lock bases. They work like a charm. I got them here. http://greatlakesskipper.com/c....html
Get the stainless. The galvanized is what was in there. Using that in a "wet" livewell area was a dumb shortcut the factory took to save a few dollars. Mine was rusted bad as well.
Once you get the old one out you will have to use some filler to smooth out the space on top. Use Bondo for fiberglass (marine grade) You'll see what I mean once you get carpet removed. The screws on top of that plate will have some filler in them. Take a small screwdriver and a hammer and get as much as you can out. There is also fiberglass around the lock nuts. I loosened mine enough to raise them a 1/4" or so and cut them off with a Dremel tool. Once you get to that stage, drop me a line and I'll offer any help I can.

[jerzia]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by austinbassin &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Here is a picture of the switch panel with the one ugly switch. I think Gennar hooked me up with a place to get a real toggle switch that will fit in much better.

Some people will just do the least they can do to make stuff work. I like to do it right.

http://i1110.photobucket.com/a...5.jpg</td></tr></table>
Well if you're going to do it right, the toggle switch is NOT what belongs there. The original Contura went bad, and the owner replaced it with that cheap toggle. Here is what belongs there. http://www.teamcandomarine.com...s.htm
2nd column down, 2nd from the left.

[DrCFishing]

That was the devil I was talking about. Thanks for the link and reply. Little by little I will get there. the old owner said his dad (who passed) put that switch in for an automatic bilge pump. Does not make much sense to me but I want to replace it anyway so it will match the other switches.

thanks


Modified by austinbassin at 5:15 PM 10/27/2011

[jerzia]

Absolutely. Take your time. Every little improvement you do will make owning a Champ that much sweeter. I'm finishing up year 3, and I still have some idea for next Spring.