Mike's 76' 170 Rebuild

[aquasportmike]

Well I think I have read 75% of the threads discussing 170 rebuilds.  And this weekend I will most likely start the "dismantling".  Most work I will do myself, some I will have to get help with. Mostly due to time.

I will get pics up shortly of the current condition.

One project that I can start at home is the repair of the console and seat.  Being I have never worked with glass, filler or etc... does anyone have brands/products they recommend.  For example my plan is to make the console simple, removing all the stainless tubing,  What would be best to fill all those holes and other blemishes.

Baby steps.......

Mike

[larsli68]

Hello Mike,

If you want to fill holes, I usually patch them from the back. Grind until you see the gel coat at the edge of the hole. Fix a flat piece of polycarbonate on the outside that you have applied a little wax to.
Paint new gel coat from the back. Then apply a patch of fiberglass. Wipe with acetone before you gel coat.Then it's a matter of wet sanding the front and the hole is no more.
//Lars

[aquasportmike]

Thanks Lars.
What about just small little screw holes?
Can you just use a structural / sand-able filler?  Like a 3M Premium filler?

Mike

[larsli68]

Hello again,

You can. You get the best result if you thin the fiber glass down from the back also for small holes, but you can also counter sink the holes from the outside and use filler. If you only patch the holes, it is a bigger chance that the filler pops loose like a plug and becomes visible again.

[aquasportmike]

Hello Lars.

2 things:

1.  Thanks for your replies and
2.  I need to apologize in advanced I have never done a project like this let alone do any glass work

I am not sure what you mean by "thin the fiberglass down from the inside".

I will most likely be repainting the console so not worried about gel coat.

Thanks, Mike

[dburr]

Hi Mike!

The edges of any patch should be feathered or dished, the idea is that you want to open up the hole so that you do not have a sharp edge on the patch. For typical console old equipment holes, a shot with a counter sink on the outside then, clean up with acetone and fill with desired filler. 

 

[seabob4]

Keep in mind, polyester based fillers tend to shrink. 

[aquasportmike]

Thanks.

Been watching a lot of YouTube video's tonight.

Any suggestions on brands/products to use for fillers, epoxy, etc...

I am starting my supply list and will most likely shop online stores I use for buying products for my larger boat.  I also have a West Marine within 5 miles but they are typically expensive and only shop there in a pinch.

Mike

[RickK]

There must be a fiberglass shop somewhere near you - that would help you get materials.  Decide if you are going to go paint or gelcoat when the repairs are finished.  If paint, you can go epoxy based or poly based products.  If gelcoat, only poly is used since gelcoat is poly based. (Some people have had success getting gelcoat to stick to epoxy but it's hard to do).
As for materials - you can make your own "putty" from thickening the resin with cabosil and milled or chopped fibers.  Some use wood flour too.
For cloth or chopped mat there are a bunch of weights and a few widths that they come in.
Check the local shops and see if they will sell you some of their stock - sometimes it helps them get better pricing based on the volume you increase their purchase by too.

[CLM65]

I have purchased a lot of my bulk material (resin, fiberglass, coring) from local boat builders.  I bring them empty 5 gallon pails from Home Depot for the resin and they fill them from their big drums.  The more I buy at a time, the better the price.  Works out a lot cheaper for me, typically get a better quality product, and helps the builder out by turning over product quicker (it has a shelf life).  I'd call around and see if anyone local to you will do that.

If you need to go mail order, check out US Composites and FGCI.

[aquasportmike]

Thanks, I will try that.

[aquasportmike]

Well, It has begun.

The engine was taken off, console removed, gas tank ripped out and transom started.  The floor seems to be in good condition, one soft spot which we will most likely leave and wait on that.  It is very minor.

Tank took about an hour to get out, used a sawzall and a heat gun, popped right out.  The console is in my garage and stripped of all its hardware and awaiting a grinder, tomorrow.

Transom work starts Monday, will be used 2 pieces of 3/4" MDO, glass in the middle and both outter sides.  MDO is the closest to marine ply, plus I have a pallet of it at work.

Stringers are solid in the back, will leave them as of right now.  Boat is in a heated garage for the weekend to see how things dry out.  It has been outside and had some snow on it.

Any tips appreciated, Having trouble with the pics, saying file to large.  I will work on it.

Mike

[Capt. Bob]

Taken from your Gallery.

Droid.

[aquasportmike]

yes, I got them there, just couldn't get into the thread.

Thanks!

[larsli68]

What are your plans for the transom? Seacast or stick with plywood core?