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1987 BFN Restoration

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tbeard View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tbeard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: 1987 BFN Restoration
    Posted: January-27-2025 at 3:17am

I bought the boat in December 2024. This is my 4th BFN. It sat for years indoors and then moved outside with a tarp that leaked but the plug was out….LOL

The boat needs a lot of work. I started taking it apart last week so I could get a better assessment and get a game plan to restore it.

Engine rotates fine with plugs out and lubricant in cylinders. The floor and all Stringers need replacement. Upholstery is mostly there but will be replaced 100%. The Gel Coat is semi good…..Well see if it can be brought back.The Dash is 100% complete and pretty good condition.I removed the windshield, dash pod, interior, all accessories, fuel tank, prop, deck ect. Disassembled the motor down to the short block with everything ID.



Thanks.......Tom
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Kristof View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kristof Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-27-2025 at 3:45am
Another classic CC will be saved... You just gotta love it.

Just flood us with pictures Approve
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MartyMabe View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MartyMabe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-27-2025 at 7:07pm

 Email me

mtmabe@northstate.net

I'll look in my stash and if I have a set of these BFN Trailer Decals. If so I'll donate them to the restoration process !

But you'll  also need manufacture decals and New Dash Plaques.




















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If you're not living in NC, you're just camping out!
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tbeard View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tbeard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-28-2025 at 12:55pm
Thx Marty...I have purchased the Dash Plaque and Decals from you in the past! I will have to review all the decals I need and let you know. 
Regards.....Tom
Thanks.......Tom
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tbeard View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tbeard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-29-2025 at 1:39am
Update on the tear-down. I'm at the point of pulling the engine/trans. It easy to tear one down.....Putting it back together is another story......


Thanks.......Tom
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tbeard View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tbeard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January-29-2025 at 10:07pm
Started to tear down the 454 so it would not be so heave lifting out of the boat. Good news the Top end came apart no problem......Bad news is the Block is cracked. looks like a Freeze crack. I am kinda not surprised due to the poor care of the boat. I have found another  Gen 4 - 454 Block that is fresh machined .030 over and 4 Bolt mains. The seller also had a nice set of 336781 Heads that I                    purchased which will make more power.




Thanks.......Tom
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tbeard View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tbeard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February-12-2025 at 12:59am
Removed all the wood except for the 2 Main Stringers. My plan is to support the hull using 5 point contact 2 at rear edges and 2 just in front of the dash outside area and one support under the Keel.........while taking pressure off the trailer. Trailer will stay under the boat but semi loose. (BTW I am open to input with this if there is a better way)!!!!!

Thanks.......Tom
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Jonny Quest Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February-12-2025 at 9:13am
You got this.  Keep posting pics!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote 63 Skier Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February-12-2025 at 9:21am
Looks like a great project!  You mention the "new" 454 will make a bit more power, any plans to go further with that?

I've got so much respect for people who take on projects like this, really impressive.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote pjsmoreno Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February-12-2025 at 3:26pm
You're moving right along with this project! Now the fun part of putting it back together. 
Like the idea of a fresh 454 four bolt main and 781 heads!
You got a date you shooting for to have it completed?
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tbeard View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tbeard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February-12-2025 at 9:52pm
Thanks for the input on this project. Hopefully mid summer it will be done. Im not going crazy from a schedule standpoint plus the boat is in our carport which I hung heavy plastic up so I could work in the weather elements. But the high today was 40 degrees. I'm tackling the Floor first to get that job out of the way so weather plays a big part due to warmer temps for the Epoxy work. 

For the Big Block I have a very nice set of 781 Heads which will get everything new.... 1.880/2.190 SS valves & matching springs. Plan to increase the pistons from flat top to .150 dome which will be right 9.5 compression. Plan to call Howard's Cams and work with them on a cam. I do not want a radical camshaft that makes driving the boat unwieldy.....but will improve performance throughout the range.  I also plan to have the Borg Warner 1:1 Trans rebuilt.

Motor changes:
  1. New heads
  2. Cam Shaft
  3. Pistons/Rods
  4. HEI Distributor
  5. Slight mods to a Holley Carb.
  6. Balance Rotating assembly

Thanks.......Tom
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote samudj01 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February-13-2025 at 4:15pm
Not sure the temps you are looking for but for reference we used US composites epoxy and were in my garage in the dead of winter.  It did well in 55 degrees in the garage.  We would run some propane heaters to get it to 55 minimum.  If anything, it gave us a little more working time.  Great looking job so far and I look forward to seeing your progress!  
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tbeard View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tbeard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February-13-2025 at 8:44pm
Thanks, Yes I am actually making a supplies list for US Composites this week. The carport works great for this type of dirty work. After I enclosed it by hanging the heavy plastic on the inside I can run a space heater and it will warms it up no problem. DO you know how long the Epoxy has to cure with temps above the 55 degrees? Thanks.....Tom
Thanks.......Tom
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote samudj01 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February-14-2025 at 9:44am
We were laying it in the evenings and by the morning it seemed pretty cured...that said, at 55 deg, it wasn't workable as I recall.  By the evening it was ready to clean the amine blush off, sand, and lay more glass.  This is memory from a few years ago.   
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Previous - 99 Sport Nautique w/GT40 and 87 Martinique w/351
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