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Hello, What a beauty! Dale's comments on rivets are spot on. I'd only use blind rivets where the originals were also blind. The tools for solid rivets are inexpensive, and the process is easy to learn. Have earmuffs for both you and the helper. That instrument cluster on your dash is the...

I'd love to hear more about this boat. I'd love even more to see some photos.

Hi, Nice set-up! I'd add that you could easily check total weight/tongue weight ratio once you've got the bunks sorted out. Load it up like you're going to tow it, and head over to the local junkyard or transfer station. Most will let you weigh the boat and trailer. Back at home, measure the...

Oh, forgot to mention it, but maybe you could consider inverting the paint job. Paint the bottom, and polish the top. :P

Hi I'm satisfied with the appearance of my polished hull using a Turtle Wax spray and wipe every few trips. Each spring I take a buffer and clay-bar to it. I could shave in it right after that, but it isn't realistic to think it'll stay that way for long. The shine decreases gradually as the...

Hi, Gotta have a systematic approach. Maybe 1000 on a random orbit 4" or 5" sander. Follow with successively finer grits until you're happy, or until your buffer and compound can give you the finish you want. A final wet pass going horizontal gives a nice look. Good luck Ron

That green stuff works pretty well, and smells nice if you don't quite rinse it all off. Soylent Green?

Hi, Beautiful boat! If towing weight /battery/ trolling motor is a concern, why not carry that stuff in the Honda en-route, and set them in place before you launch? Just a thought...

Hi, Re-buck 'em! Get a friend to hold a small sledge face against the inboard end, and give the outboard end a few hits. If you only have a few to do, you can make a tool by drilling the appropriately shaped dent (to match the rivet head) in the end of a 6" piece of steel rod. This is really...

Hi, I also think Rustoleum doesn't get the respect it deserves. I've painted everything from canvas canoes to the hull on my aluminum runabout. Cheap compared to the "marine" products.

Hi, Sounds like the venting cap on your fuel tank may not be venting. The tank will develop a vacuum condition and the fuel pump can't pull against it. See if it'll run ok with the cap off. Happened to an old 6gal metal tank I had once. Just a thought.

Hi, Many car wash places have empty detergent barrels that are very sturdy and they'll usually give them away.. They're smaller than 55gl. so they're easy to set up at the transom and fill in place.

Hi, All good advice here. Also keep in mind that the axle can be adjusted forward or back to adjust tongue weight if you've moved the boat back in order to support the transom at the end of the bunks. There's a formula for tongue weight vs. total weight, and it can be easily done with a visit...

Whatever it is, it is gorgeous!! Shine her up!

Hi, I can't really see in enough detail to be positive, but I would encourage you to go ahead and drill out any rivets you need to in order to disassemble that transom. Re-riveting afterwards is well within just about anyone's abilities, and only requires about $50 in tools and materials. If...

Thanks! Still deep in winter here. Sent for a retro-looking GPS speedometer, and at the end of last season I mounted a 40HP Johnson from '62. Much better performance with four passengers. I'll do a paint/decal job in the spring. (already did waterpump, carb rebuild, fuel pump overhaul) Come...

Hi, You might find that the gunnels bend enough for your purposes without steaming. Try clamping them in place "dry" first. If needed, the "foodsaver" bags from Walmart are perfect for this application. Cut a piece long enough for the wood, and tie one end in a knot. Try boiling water first...

Before and after

Hi, If that mess is below the water line, and appearances aren't a huge issue, I would consider riveting a small plate over the whole area with a gasket sandwiched between. That would afford a clean area for mounting a new device if you wished. Could be done cheaply and would look OK as well. Ron

Seriously!? 9.9 restriction but they don't care how many you mount on the transom? I think our Marine Patrol officers would laugh while writing the ticket. Sounds cool! I've got a pretty nice old 28 Johnson, and could probably find another one. I think they'd outweigh the 40HP I'm running by...