3Squids '79 Center Console thread

[3 Squids]

My first post on this wonderful site was more of a "saying hello" thread that was turning more into a build thread so I figured I'd just go ahead and make a thread just for my maintenance and modifications to my '79 V20.

Here she is as I picked her up.



It was obvious the purple had to go. My first thought was the whole vessel had to be painted but as I removed the purple decals it became much easier to bear the green.



After the decals were removed I put a borrowed cowl on the motor to get rid of the purple existing one.


My immediate plans are:
Ditching the rest of the purple
Powdercoating the T-top white
Hardtop to replace the purple canvas
Then probably using it this summer. Next winters plans are TBD depending on how fall rock season goes which will mean I gotta find me a set of curtains.

Here's the rest of the pics I have of the boat to date. I will post more as I work on her. Should be a fun project.

[3 Squids]

Today I pulled the electronics box off to see what my options were to get the purple off. It's made of wood and seems it was glassed over and painted. I sanded down the surface good and put a coat of paintable bedliner with a fine texture finish. That's drying tonight and tomorrow I plan on painting it white. Depending on how much this hardtop is going to cost I may be wasting my time as the plan is to mold a box into the top. But I'm waiting on some motor parts to come in so I had to do something constructive.

[3 Squids]

The PO filled some holes on the top of the cap with what appears to be Bondo. My thoughts wet to sand that out, fill them with resin and roll off white non-slip to the tops of the gunnels. What are you guys thought on KiwiGrip? Looks like a good product. I've read a power washer could hurt it but I've never had to pressure wash any of my boats.

[3 Squids]

Got the electronics box done this afternoon. Just in the nick of time, thunderstorms started moving on in. Nothing more eerie then holding onto a stainless T-top while lightning lights up the sky. Anyways it's not perfect but it will hold me over til I can either buy one or get a hardtop made. Still haven't made that decision.

[the daydreamer]

my 1st v20 was a 79. I liked the two boxes in the front as they were a good place for the wife and her friends to sit. looks like a great boat and I am sure you will loce it concrats and keep the pic coming!!!

[3 Squids]

I thought the same thing for the front boxes. I have 3 small children so that would be a perfect spot for them to sit. I'm in the process of trying to design some sort of pad for them now.

[3 Squids]

Sad day. I had to put the boat on stands so I could put my Striper back on the trailer to try and get her sold. Don't really want to buy a trailer until the Striper sells. I found a few cheap ones that need work on Craig's but I'd rather spend a little more on a nice trailer. So don't look like she will be in the water soon as I'd like. But at least I got the Striper for now.

[draglink]

Squids, I am about 30 mins south of you. GREAT looking V. The green is growing on me! I usually boat in the York, but go to New Point every now and then, maybe I will see you out there!

LOVE my 79! (3 kids also)