60's and 70's fiberglass buckets
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Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: Anything Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=26703
Printed Date: March-06-2025 at 11:31am
Topic: 60's and 70's fiberglass buckets
Posted By: TRBenj
Subject: 60's and 70's fiberglass buckets
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 12:15pm
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For several years, Ive been promising to start reproducing the bucket seats from the late 60's and early 70's... and I finally followed through. Many thanks to John B for kicking my butt into gear! The first set shown here will end up in his Mustang. Im pretty happy with the way they came out- theyre a little rough around the edges- but no rougher than the originals (and they'll be covered with vinyl and foam anyways). The shape is correct for the '69-70 boats, an original factory bucket is shown in the pictures next to the new pair. There's a slight improvement in the thickness and strength, though!    There are several more of you who have expressed interest in these seats, so I am tentatively planning to produce some more. I can make them "finished" as shown in the pictures, and could also sell them "shape only" (fresh out of the mold, very thin layup) for those who may want a pair at a lower price point, who dont mind doing all the extra reinforcing themselves. A few more things Im working on... I have a set of the aluminum frames at a fabricator, so Im hoping to be able to offer those as well. I also recently disassembled a slightly newer bucket (offered '71-74) and I should be able to recreate this shape as well, with a little more effort. '71-74 version on the left, '69-70 version on the right:  What I still need is a Ski Nautique bucket from the early-mid 70's... when I was able to check out Jackie Dean's '75 at White Lake, I realized that this bucket was a little different from the others. Likely a similar base, but the back was round instead of squared off, and it appeared a little taller. If someone has one of these that I could use as a template, please let me know! I would just need to borrow it for a short time (and could return it in same, or better condition). At this point I have an idea of what it will cost to reproduce these seats, but would like to get a few more sets made before I publish any numbers. What I DO know is that I will be VERY slow in getting these made- they take a good bit of time, and thats something I dont have a lot of right now. If youre interested, feel free to email me and we can discuss: TRBenj@gmail.com Those of you who have expressed interest previously, feel free to ping me again! |
Replies:
Posted By: 75 Tique
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 1:12pm
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Tim, I have no need, but they look great. Well done, sir. I'm sure you will even be forgiven for the schedule. ------------- _____________ “So, how was your weekend?” “Well, let me see…sun burn, stiff neck, screwed up back, assorted aches and pains….yup, my weekend was great, thanks for asking.” |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 1:56pm
 ------------- /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: nautique frk
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 2:04pm
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The seats look great, How much for 1 or pair ? I have a rounded bucket in my 71 Separator that I need a replacment for if you are going to make. One thing that could be helpful is to have a photo of the shell and one upholstered side by side and the years,models they cover. I may could loan you a shell to make a mold off of. |
Posted By: skutsch
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 2:07pm
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Tim - understanding how CC worked back in the late 60's and 70's from other posts here, I wonder if the seats were made by CC for CC, or if they were outsourced from a supplier. The thought being, might their be other boat restorer's doing work that might be able to use the seats. The seats you reproduced above are beautiful and just trying to help to expand your market. ------------- Our http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4669" rel="nofollow - 98 Sport Nautique My Dad's 63 Ski N |
Posted By: nautique frk
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 2:09pm
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some Donzi Sweet 16's used similar buckets too. |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 2:22pm
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Thanks guys! Steve, I have looked high and low for these seats and have never found the same ones in another type of boat. I am pretty darn certain that CC made them in house. The slightly larger/rounder buckets (there were a few different styles of those) that Ive seen in the Separator/Torino, M17, Southwind, etc, may have been a different story- I wouldnt know as I havent been paying close attention to those! Mike, from the pictures Ive seen, the larger/rounder buckets made for the Separator, etc were totally different from these. I think they would require a totally new mold. Thats a bit beyond the scope that I'd be willing to take on at this point. Heck, it took me several years to get these done, and I know of several people who need them (and I need them myself). Shoot me some pictures of those seats anyways- and if you have any dimensions, I can compare them to these. If youre interested in a set of either of the styles pictured above, let me know and we can talk options. ------------- |
Posted By: nautique frk
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 2:37pm
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Tim, I will shoot some photos and send to you with mesurements on the one from my Separator. |
Posted By: turningpoint84
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 5:25pm
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Tim, Great work, honestly some great looking seats, my currently being reapolstered and fixed, so i probably don't have a need, but maybe someday. ------------- Proud 1968 mustang owner and now http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6454&sort=&pagenum1" rel="nofollow - 1970 Mustang |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 5:48pm
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Great job Tim! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: turningpoint84
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 6:50pm
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I know most of you guys are big on keeping the boat are original as possible, but has anyone, ever tinkered with making the mustang "shotgun" seat a love seat? Stretching out this bucket seat to be 2x it's width? ------------- Proud 1968 mustang owner and now http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6454&sort=&pagenum1" rel="nofollow - 1970 Mustang |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 7:26pm
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TIM, Mrs. B hasn't been able to wipe the smile off my face since I heard they are on the way. They look beautiful in the photos, probably even better in person. As I had mentioned before, when I started to look for my perfect boat a couple of years ago I had decided to go with a Donzi Sweet 16. I had a beautiful one picked out and was ready to buy it when daughter 1 and Mrs B put the brakes on it due to their dislike of the styling. Not to offend anyone but they said something about me having to grow lots of chest hair, wear a banana hammock, and heavy gold chains when I drive it. None the less, the Sweet 15 will always be my #2 favorite bleach bottle. Well, there is the Torino, Seperator, Skier, Classic, and Ski Nautique, but the Sweet 16 is up there. In retrospect, I am very fortunate they nixed it. Although the Donzi needed nothing, and they seem to have a good network with the Donzi Registry, I doubt very much that I would have found the people, knowledge, and expertise in all facets of the hobby like I found here. I just couldn't have imagined that someone could, and would, make these seats for me. I will post more photos of the seats when they are fitted and upholstered, but right now I have other Mustang details to attend to. Thanks again Tim!. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 7:51pm
My 77 Tique doesn't have the buckets but yes, the "shotgun" has been stretched in width by the PO. Check my diary. ------------- /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 < |
turningpoint84 wrote:Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 8:16pm
I sort of did it,this is an old picture but the seat has not changed. The Mrs hates it and due to other reasons I am changing it back to the bucket.  ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 8:37pm
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John, dont mention it- glad theyre going to someone who will fully appreciate them! This project was in the works anyways- just needed a fire lit under my a$$! Like Pete said, yes the wider observer's seat has been done. I stretched the one in my (former) '78 Tique as well. You cant go 2x the width though- theres just no room. At best its a 1.5x seat... so you can fit 2 small children in it. Or maybe 2 really skinny girls. But not 2 normal sized people. So its kind of useless. Mine came out nice (Pete's looks awesome as well) but its really no more functional than a bucket... and I probably wouldnt do it again. Definitely not one of these fiberglass ones either- too much work and it'd look weird! The square wood based buckets look much less out of place.  ------------- |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 8:51pm
I certainly hope the "other reason" is to to be more original!!  ------------- /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: john b
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 9:02pm
Pete, is there really any reason to keep them exactly original other than personal satisfaction? Do they judge these boats? I see some at the Blackhawk shows, but they mostly feature furniture. How do you get a bleach bottle in one of the shows anyway? I saw a nice Meteor at one, but I'm afraid that most feel we polymer people have Cooties! Sorry to derail this thread, but I want to show off TIM's work when it is done. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 9:44pm
They can think that we have cooties but if they want to continue as a organization they will have to accept glass boats. I believe most have,because they see the hand writing on the wall.If they don't, as they die off there are only going to be few left showing their boats.Don't believe me go to a Model T or Model A Ford meet and see who's left. I had gone to the Mt Dora show this winter and even they said attendance was way down.My guess is if you counted just the wood boats in the water there compaired to a GL event,the CCF crowd has nothing to be ashamed about ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 9:44pm
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John, Classic glass is always welcome in our shows and yes, they can be judged. The more original they are the better. I've been called on frequently by other judges for advice on Correct Crafts. ------------- /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: Riley
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 10:21pm
| Telling the ACBS/wood boat crowd you have a Correct Craft gets about the same reaction as telling the Correct Craft crowd you have a Malibu. The Mountainview Woodies chapter in Maine puts on a show every August and has allowed classic glass and metal the past 5 or so years, but there aren't many of them. |
Posted By: peter1234
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 11:36pm
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there will probably come a day when wood boats in shows will be the minority . remember when car shows and cruise nights had a large number of model ts and a,s ? now most of them are worth a fraction of what they were then. for the under 55 crowd they seem to be but a curiosity . ------------- former skylark owner now a formula but I cant let this place go |
Posted By: 62 wood
Date Posted: June-28-2012 at 11:46pm
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Tim, Does my 73 have the style bucket your looking for?  Have you ever taken one of these apart? Are the bases/ backs 'glass? BTW... NICE LOOKING!!!! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1117&sort=&pagenum=6" rel="nofollow - 64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 8:45am
Bruce, Your local chapter must be a bunch of Chris Craft snobs! My Atom has received 2 "best of shows". Back here our group knows what a Correct Craft is!!  ------------- /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: Riley
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 11:07am
It appears so. I have heard that participating in their events is not nearly as much fun as a CCF Reunion. |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 11:16am
Thanks Steve! Yes, your '73 has the bucket I'm looking for. I'm pretty certain its construction is similar to the ones I posted above just with a different shaped back. I would love to borrow yours but the upholstery is probably way too nice! ------------- |
Posted By: 62 wood
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 11:59am
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Cool, if you ever start making these , or happen across a spare, I might be interested in one. Pam likes the observers seat facing forward when we're out cruising (90% of the time)... kind of looks wrong... I thought another bucket would look better. I'll try and post a closer pic over the weekend.. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1117&sort=&pagenum=6" rel="nofollow - 64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 12:41pm
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Oh geez, don't be putting a forward facing bucket in a SKI Nautique! JBear has been asking me for a bucket and I'm certain that style is what he really wants.. If the time comes to replace your interior let me know- ill need an example on hand in order to recreate it. ------------- |
Posted By: turningpoint84
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 5:15pm
Yeah don't do this, i think you could come up with a mor comfortable way to keep the seating facing towards the skier. I mean 99% of all SKi boats made today face this way. ------------- Proud 1968 mustang owner and now http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6454&sort=&pagenum1" rel="nofollow - 1970 Mustang |
Posted By: 62 wood
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 8:37pm
I already told her a forward facing observers seat in a SN is sacrilegious. She really does not care, she still likes it forward. Hey, gotta keep momma happy... you know what they say is she aint happy.....  ...besides I could swap it back in a matter of minutes. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1117&sort=&pagenum=6" rel="nofollow - 64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: cphase
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 8:44pm
Make it a swivel seat ------------- Thanks, Jeff http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6549" rel="nofollow - 82 SN http://www.archlinux.org" rel="nofollow - Arch Linux |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 8:47pm
Not being very original here are we???? ------------- /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: cphase
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 8:57pm
Hey...its not my boat Pete. I promise you would NEVER catch me doing anything like that! I promise!!!  I always ask myself WWPD! ------------- Thanks, Jeff http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6549" rel="nofollow - 82 SN http://www.archlinux.org" rel="nofollow - Arch Linux |
Posted By: 62 wood
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 10:43pm
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Tim, here are some pics of the seat in the 73...   Wish I could see what the bottom cushion's - front and side frame is made of.  I'm guessing the 3/4" board was added between the base and seat to raise it?   Its hard to see what the back is made of as well. I love the way the seat fits and looks, very comfy... ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1117&sort=&pagenum=6" rel="nofollow - 64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 11:36pm
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Steve, Our buckets look very similar to this one (pic below) Except for: They do have the raised-lip around the front , like Tims. Before it was altered, it was an early Separator style seat. My thoughts are: CC aquired them from the same supplier that supplied them to J C Whitney etc... (not our style, the Sep. barrel style) I do still have the other Separator barrel type, but it too has been altered slightly. |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: June-29-2012 at 11:39pm
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Posted By: john b
Date Posted: July-08-2012 at 2:18am
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Tim, I just got home from the cottage and opened up the box with my new seat frames. I have a dilemma. If I tell you how much I like them, and how good they look, I won't be able to afford them. But seriously, they are beautiful! Your fiberglass skills really show. The frames are very strong and very high quality. They will be the finishing touch on the Mustang. Just wondering, how much to build me a new 69 blue Mustang SS? Maybe I can borrow Gary's Mustang to use for the plug. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: July-09-2012 at 1:59am
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that is EXACTLY the seat I am wanting Tim...sorry Pete. Did I understand correctly..you are gonna reproduce the aluminum runners to mount the seat also? That would be almost to much to ask but...if so I am in for a set of those as well. john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: July-09-2012 at 2:10am
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See what you have been missing? You going to be home this week? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: July-09-2012 at 2:18am
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yeah..almost let this slip by.. We will be home till thursday. Then its off to Norris..with a lunch stop south of Atlanta. New boat of Steve's is beautiful..huh? john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: July-09-2012 at 2:31am
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Tim, If I had thought of it I would have had you sign and date the fiberglass frames with a fat black Sharpie. I found it a nice touch when I found that some of the team that assembled my convertible had done this. I will print your name and the date on them before I have them upholstered. I am a little unsure of how the original plywood base would have been done. It was missing from the frame I gave you. I think a piece of 1/2 or 3/4 ply with the foam cushion and skin on the top side, screwed to the bottom, and possibly another sheet on the bottom to staple the skin to? I don't know the spacing of the holes for the frames either. I want them to end up in the correct position. Any advice before I play it by ear?  ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: July-09-2012 at 2:48am
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John when I get back you'll have to come over and we will go take a ride in mine before I pull the floor out. You can look my original seat I got from Steve, take measurements off of it and see how the wood fits. I made new copies from what was left ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: July-09-2012 at 2:50am
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jbear I'll give you a call before you leave ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: July-09-2012 at 11:29am
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John, glad to hear that you like them! I just disassembled a pair of the 71-73 buckets and they had pieces of 3/8" ply on the bases- one above and one below the glass base. That gives you a total of 3/4" and something to hold staples on both sides- so that seems like the way to go. For the drains, I want to say my Skier just has a single (~1.5" diam) hole right in the center. The other buckets I just disassembled had a series of smaller holes. I'll leave the choice up to you! On the spacing of the bracket, I assume you mean the width? Are your aluminum frames individual, or are they connected? Ive seen both. I can grab a width measurement off my Mustang or Skier if thats helpful. John (JBear), yes, I am having the aluminum bases made up as well... so stay tuned. If you can find someone to loan me one of those Ski Nautique buckets, let me know! DrCC, I assume that bucket you have pictured above came out of one of those '73-74 SN's? Any chance it hasnt been recovered yet? ------------- |
Posted By: DrCC
Date Posted: July-09-2012 at 7:30pm
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Tim, The seat in the photo is not my '74 SN seat. It (the seat) is an altered or modified early Separator bucket, like Jeff's on page 9 of his Separator thread (the seat on the right, in his photo) Although they are very similar, there are 3 major differences for it to be an identical replica. The Lip, Radius and Angle. |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: July-09-2012 at 8:13pm
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I understand the lip. Angle = angle of seat back? Radius = curve of seat back? Base, top or both? Ive never seen a SN bucket without the upholstery... but that sure looks similar to Steve's upholstered one. ------------- |
Posted By: GregD
Date Posted: January-31-2020 at 11:05pm
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Does anybody still make these or have a set? I know it's an old thread. Thinking of changing out the bench seat in my 1965 Skier to buckets for easier movement around the boat. ------------- 1965 American Skier |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: February-10-2020 at 1:25pm
| I have the ability to make them but haven’t done so in quite some time. |