FCT tower project!!
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: Anything Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=16225
Printed Date: December-21-2024 at 9:57pm
Topic: FCT tower project!!
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Subject: FCT tower project!!
Date Posted: January-06-2010 at 10:26pm
Been tossing around the idea of a tower for my 79SN and decided to go for it! With the help of a family friend "Chuck"(Meticulous fabricator/welder)I decided to build a tower for obvious reasons$$$ based off new dimensions FCT. So far we found some 11/64 stainless steel and now in the process of finding out whether a friend of Chuck's will bend the pipe("only guy I'd trust to bend up something like this" is what he said when I talked to him earlier. Some of the things we talked about were having the mounting feet, backing plates, ect machined, stainless hardware everything will be recessed, delron swivel from Overton's yada yada. Should be very nice when finished if everything works out accordingly. Chad from New Dimensions Towers(Great guy/very helpful/informative) wanted 1575(tower)200(powder Coating)180(to ship) Looking like $1200 to do it ourselves.
Any pre-build advice or opinions would be great! Shaun |
Replies:
Posted By: SN206
Date Posted: January-06-2010 at 10:57pm
|
I thought I recognized that red dirt in the background. ------------- ...those who have fallen and those who will. |
Posted By: SN206
Date Posted: January-06-2010 at 11:01pm
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Who's boat is that? ------------- ...those who have fallen and those who will. |
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-07-2010 at 12:02am
| No idea? Just what I'm using as a concept. |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: January-07-2010 at 1:22am
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I believe that boat belongs to Larry Camp, surroundsound64. If I recall, he was the first 81 and older SN to have a newdimension tower made. Towed the boat back to Tennessee to have the pattern made. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: quinner
Date Posted: January-07-2010 at 10:49am
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Shaun,
What's up, didn't we see you and your boat at Lake Clinton last Sept? I have a factory FCT on my 206, if you need any specific photo's or measurements let me know. One thing you may want to consider is adding a stern light to the tower and if you have any plans for future speakers pre drill as required. Good Luck with your Project. Chris ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1143" rel="nofollow - Mi Bowt |
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-07-2010 at 11:21am
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Chris,
Not much other than work, Clinton was our first time out and you guys made it a great experience. I was planning on running speaker wire with a grommet and sealing it with silicone so i could add tower speakers later but i hadn't thought about a stern light, that's not a bad idea. Alan is planning on coming over Sunday to get me headed in the right direction on the floor/stringer repair. So I guess it's time to buckle down and get some things done. Any dimensions, measurements, photos would be awesome. Right now I'm still waiting to find out about getting the pipe bent though. |
Posted By: Andy
Date Posted: January-07-2010 at 4:33pm
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Home playing snow hookie today too huh? ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=3721&sort=&pagenum=6&yrstart=1982&yrend=1982" rel="nofollow - My Blue 82 SOLD! |
Posted By: anthonylizardi
Date Posted: January-07-2010 at 4:51pm
I think you would spend more than $1200 if you plan to powder coated. If $1575 would buy the tower, not powder coated, why not put your effort in driving to pick it up. The difference is $375 and you know it will be perfect fit. I bought a use FCT and adapted to my SN 87. The modification were expensive but still I saved some money but not much.
|
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-08-2010 at 2:20am
| Every chance I get! |
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-17-2010 at 12:37am
Chris, Decided to take Anthony's approach. Found a great deal on a fct1, Thanks Kurt! Just brought it home tonight.
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Posted By: Andy
Date Posted: January-17-2010 at 2:34am
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So you're saying it was a good trip today for ya then? ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=3721&sort=&pagenum=6&yrstart=1982&yrend=1982" rel="nofollow - My Blue 82 SOLD! |
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-17-2010 at 2:45am
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Oh yeah, but the driving killed me:(
I'm scared to cut it up.. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-17-2010 at 9:51am
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Shaun,
Have you started on the stringer project yet? Has Alan had a chance to take a look at it yet? ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: gn6027
Date Posted: January-17-2010 at 11:10am
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Shaun,
I put a FCT on my '87 a couple of years ago... The following is where I got my inspiration: http://www.planetnautique.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=452&highlight= Here is what I did: http://www.planetnautique.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=3153&highlight= I know they are not the same tower or boat, but thought some of the techniques we used might be of some help. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to try to help. Good luck, and post pics when you're done!! Glen (PlanetNautique seems to be down right now, but the links are good) ------------- GN6027 http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2562 - 1987 Ski Nautique 2001 |
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-17-2010 at 11:31am
|
Pete,
Alan stopped by last Sunday and the stringers are solid for the time being seeing as I'll be using a tower but in order to repair the pylon and build a cradle he feels the stringers and the floor will be necessary. I'm thinking that will be next winters project. |
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-17-2010 at 11:34am
| Thanks Glen, I was trying to find a 2nd gen fct, but this was a deal I couldn't pass up. |
Posted By: malibud
Date Posted: January-17-2010 at 12:15pm
| My tower was built by the PO it looks sharp . when I pull it out of the garage I will post pictures. It is aluminum . If you use aluminum you have to get the right gauge I think it 4000. The hardest thing is finding a shop w/ a mandrel. Muffler bender will work but very tough. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-17-2010 at 1:56pm
4000 what? Gauge? Are you referring to a 4000 alloy? Just for everyone's information if someone is thinking of fabrication, a 4032 aluminum is: Medium hard, is just under the half way point of all aluminum's in yield strength, not a alloy that is recommended for welding, has fair corrosion resistance, very poor forming and workability qualities but does machine well. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
malibud wrote:Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-17-2010 at 9:19pm
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Pete,
Any idea what alloy CC used for my fct1 in case i need some tubing? |
Posted By: PLBC
Date Posted: January-17-2010 at 11:30pm
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Shaun,
Keep the pics coming as the project proceeds. You got a deal, I got a tower off my boat and cash, win win. See you around this summer. Kurt ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5164&sort=&pagenum=1" rel="nofollow - 99 |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: January-18-2010 at 12:09am
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What boat was this on Kurt? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: PLBC
Date Posted: January-18-2010 at 12:13am
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99 Air, now essentially a Sport ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5164&sort=&pagenum=1" rel="nofollow - 99 |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: January-18-2010 at 12:25am
|
Thats a pretty serious boat congrats, where are the pictures?
------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-18-2010 at 9:08am
I don't know what was used originally but I can take a good guess at it. 6061 is available in tube, would give you the weldability needed, a decent yield strength, mid range hardness and still be a alloy that can be bend without too much of a problem (with proper equipment/mandrels). It's corrosion resistance isn't as good as some others but still very good. If it was around salt water, it would need anodizing. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-18-2010 at 10:36am
|
Kurt,
Thanks for hookin me up! The tower was some good motivation. I Restored my mirror last night and spent 2 hours sanding on my swim platform. We'll definitely be seeing you around this summer, lookin forward to it. |
Posted By: Waterdog
Date Posted: January-18-2010 at 12:26pm
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6061 is a good choice how about 5052 ? ------------- - waterdog - http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=3896&sort=&pagenum=2&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - 78 Ski Tique |
Posted By: bkhallpass
Date Posted: January-18-2010 at 2:52pm
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I'm not seeing why you will need to add material. Looks to me like you are going to need to cut about 4 inches our of the top bar on each side of the tow mounts, and reweld the tubes together. Perhaps a little bedin on the mounting legs. BKH ------------- Livin' the Dream |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-18-2010 at 3:28pm
The 5052 may not be the greatest choice. It's forming and working is better but thats because it's yield strength and hardness is lower than the 6061. The biggest problem is you may find it's not available in many tubing sizes. It's typically used for small dia. soft tube applications ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-18-2010 at 7:06pm
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I guess why I asked about the tubing was because I'd like make the fabrication as unnoticeable as possible so i thought about possibly making a new crossbar instead of shortening and scabbing it together, just a thought probably not reality.
|
Posted By: gn6027
Date Posted: January-18-2010 at 8:11pm
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Don't confuse tubing with pipe. Tubing is traditionally thin wall, and pipe is thicker. Tube is also typically traditional in OD; 1/2", 3/4", 1", etc., where pipe is oddball in OD and comes in either schedule 40 or schedule 80.
Wall thickness on tubing probably doesn't get heavier than 1/16" or maybe 1/8". Pipe wall is typically thicker than 1/8". My tower was made from aluminum sch 40 pipe (OD = 1.900" which is 1 1/2" pipe). Your Gen 1 FCT tower might be made from tubing rather than pipe, I just don't know. If you have a set of calipers or micrometer, measure the OD. As for the alloy, I'd bet 6061. I agree with bkhallpass, I think cutting 4" or so out of the top & re-shaping the legs would probably do it. From my experience, cut off the mounting feet, and re-weld them to fit the shape of the deck of your boat perfectly. My $0.02. Glen ------------- GN6027 http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2562 - 1987 Ski Nautique 2001 |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: January-18-2010 at 8:59pm
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I love the two tone on your interior.
Nice. Donald |
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-19-2010 at 12:52am
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Thanks Guys
Sunday's progress.. Polished and repainted mirror/round 1 of many on my platform 
|
Posted By: PLBC
Date Posted: January-19-2010 at 1:27am
Here is where the tower spent its first 10 years, now jumping back 20 model years from a 99 to a 79. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5164&sort=&pagenum=1" rel="nofollow - 99 |
Posted By: Andy
Date Posted: January-19-2010 at 1:40am
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Umm maybe its just me. If someone brought me something in tube and I had to cut and splice it, I'd probably just sleeve it and not worry. A butt probably isn't the best solution, structurally. I'm just sayin'. Then you could sand it smooth and never see it. ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=3721&sort=&pagenum=6&yrstart=1982&yrend=1982" rel="nofollow - My Blue 82 SOLD! |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-19-2010 at 8:54am
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Shaun,
I suggest unscrewing the platform from the brackets and do the work on it off the boat. It will be easier and you'll be able to do all sides with the oil. Some have also had problems with getting the oil on the gel of the hull. Won't hurt it but a PITA to get off. Andy, Don't you trust your butt welding?  Pipe fitters do it all day long! Actually, sleeving isn't a bad idea but I would question getting a tight enough fit for it to do ang good without plug welding each end.------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-19-2010 at 10:25am
| I agree on removing the platform I'm planning on leaving it attached until most of the top and sides are sanded so I can put a little more elbow into it. I also want to polish the supports like I did my mirror brackets. It looks like theres a combination of sealants built up around mounting points any suggestions on removing them safely from the gel? |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-19-2010 at 11:02am
Shaun, Considering there's a combination of sealants, I'd have to say the PO tried to do a half a$$ job of sealing out water. They make not have even been leaking but the PO must have thought there was a problem. I suggest removing them completely and then refastening them with some decent sealer like 3M 4200. NO silicone!!! You can not seal a leak up by glopping stuff on the outside. Now, considering the condition of your stringers, there's a good chance that the wood behind the brackets is bad too. Pull the tank and take a look. The top fastening should be through bolted and the bottoms lagged or large sheet metal screws. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: storm34
Date Posted: January-19-2010 at 1:09pm
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Pete, Would using epoxy be sufficient when refastening a platform bolt? ------------- |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-19-2010 at 1:39pm
Chris, Are you asking about rebuilding the hole or sealing the hole? For sealing, I wouldn't use epoxy but rather something with some flex to it like the 4200 mentioned. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Waterdog
Date Posted: January-19-2010 at 1:57pm
|
3M makes a pin stripe eraser, it's a 1/2 X 4in. wheel you chuck in a drill. It dosen't harm the substreight under vinyl stripes on cars. Thou I haven't tried it on sealant, I think it would work. A fiberglass scraper will work. I don't want to tell you to use a putty knife but if you do be REAL CAREFUL. ------------- - waterdog - http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=3896&sort=&pagenum=2&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - 78 Ski Tique |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: January-19-2010 at 2:46pm
CC didnt always through bolt top of platform brackets- though I do agree its a good idea to do so when reinstalling. Thats assuming they enter above floor height- which they should (but it may be close!). None of the boats Ive taken apart have any plywood backers though. Depending on the thickness of the hull at that point, I may not even bother adding them. The Tique was about 1/2" thick (all glass) so I just used large fender washers. Thats all that was used on my '90 from the factory. ------------- |
Posted By: nau7iqu9
Date Posted: January-19-2010 at 11:24pm
Pete, this will probably be more descriptive
|
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: January-19-2010 at 11:51pm
------------- |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-20-2010 at 9:16am
Sure looks like the platform has been moved up on the transom for some reason. Wet foam so it was under water?? To plug old holes, the inside is filled with resin and the outside filled with gelcoat. Sanded flush and buffed out. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |