Another BFN Rebuild

Hollywood wrote: What's up with the fishing seat, where'd the fiberglass pedestal go?

While the pedestal is being finished, I borrowed the seat out of my Bass Nautique.

Swatkinz wrote: TRBenj wrote: Hollywood wrote: What's up with the fishing seat, where'd the fiberglass pedestal go? While the pedestal is being finished, I borrowed the seat out of my Bass Nautique. Do you seriously have a Bass Nautique? How many CCs are you up to now?

Ha, no- I figured one smart azz comment deserved another! The fishing boat seat came in my Ski Tique when I bought it- the original frames had been cut down, so I bought new ones for when I reupholstered it. Repairing these have been on my to-do list for a while and Ill get to it eventually- but in the meantime, it makes a good "test seat". I used it to help me figure out where to put the pockets... and I was able to keep the original BFN seat out of the filthy boat for now.

Thanks Brad! We weren't very productive this weekend, as I was in my buddy's wedding on Sat... but yesterday we got back to work.

Dad installed the new (longer) clamp tube to go along with the longer throw steering cable. One more hole to drill out for the clamp block and the steering system is done.



HW helped me decide on how to best mount the tank last week. We were considering emulating the original configuration where the tank mounted to firring strips via the end tabs, and the strips were attached to the stringers. Instead, we chose to go with a solution that more closely mimics the later tank mounting style with straps and threaded rods.

Buffalo's '88:



The only problem was that we dont have a welder to attach the threaded rods to the straps, and didnt really want to deal with the hassle and cost of having something fabricated for this. Instead, I looked at this article where they made their own straps from 1/8" aluminum stock and secured the ends with T-bolts. Of course, the special T-bolts used in the article cost $30/ea, so that was a little pricey. McMaster didnt offer any other materials besides straight steel, so it was back to the drawing board. I ended up finding these SS specialty fasteners from a sail boat supply house. No need to bend the clamps around a T-bolt with these, even better.

We made new (longer) brackets for the tank to sit on. Just need to drill some holes to accept the clamps, and the tank is done.



The straps are the same, front and back. I have some 1/8" rubber to put between the strap and tank- with that installed, they fit nice and snug.

Its looking good Tim. Keep the updates coming!!!

Ha, thanks Joel. Not looking for accolades- just figured there would be *something* worth discussing every once in a while. Any questions/comments/concerns are always welcome! As proactive as we've tried to be, there have been plenty of "Hmm, we didnt think of that- now what?" moments along the way!

Tim, looking great! How did you fasten the straps on the rear of the tank? Will you put foam or rubber between the tank and angle iron to prevent chafing?

This really going to be a one of a kind! I bet you are pumped to get her on the water.

Again about the wheel!

Its good for testing the steering system for now... once we get closer to going in the water, an original 3 spoke wheel is going on (thanks to Chris/Storm34).

Tim, that's great work, with attention to detail!

Steve, Im not sure if I would tug the BFN to White Lake in a few weeks or not. We'll have to see how finished it is, and what my schedule looks like. Gonna be a last minute decision either way.

We made a bit of progress this week. We bedded and fillet the rear panel backers:



Once cleaned up, we got them covered in resin:







We covered the gas tank spacers in blue resin as well.



We also added a little more glass to the pockets, then cut and bedded a lip onto the edge. The thinking was that adding some thickness to this edge would make it easier to wrap the carpet around it (as well as look and wear better).





Once dry, we trimmed them up, filleted around the trim, and added a piece of glass over them. This may very well be the last piece of glass added to this project! Theres still plenty of resin coating/gelcoating left, unfortunately (panels, etc).





The only thing holding us up on carpet at this point is the fact that the rear panel backers will likely require at least one more coat (maybe 2?) of blue resin. In the meantime, we'll turn our attention to the motorbox, driver's seat pedestal, etc.

Ha, good question. Dad and I were discussing that very thing earlier this week. The pockets are currently sealed off, but the cupholders may be a potential intrusion point... so a drain is most definitely going to be added. Still have that hole to drill, as well as the access holes for the wiring going to the 12v outlets.

As soon as the carpet is in, the steering wheel can go! Im going to put it on ebay... I bet someone with a vintage Malibu is going to pay big bucks for it!

Aedes aegypti?   

Slicky slick Tim.

Looking real good Tim !!

And your helpers as well....

Nice colour match with the blue carpet and resin.

Come on Tim bolt that "Big Block" in and get this thing wet.

Wow Tim! That's nice work. That's all I can say. Wow!