1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

[wrfalpacas]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

Kev,

You don't know how I agonized over the paint color, I drove my wife nuts looking at all the different blue paint chips from home depot and ace hardware. I agree, I think I would have liked a deeper blue too, but I was trying to go period, and everyone thought the darker blues were not 1950's.
I did get my darker blue on the Starchief tho

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

Kev,

You don't know how I agonized over the paint color, I drove my wife nuts looking at all the different blue paint chips from home depot and ace hardware. I agree, I think I would have liked a deeper blue too, but I was trying to go period, and everyone thought the darker blues were not 1950's.
I did get my darker blue on the Starchief tho

hahaha...thats called PAYBACK for them dragging us to look at samples for the kitchen..and we better have an opinion..that matches theirs!

She does look fantastic!

 

[sprintst]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

You've outdone yourself again. A restore is nice but you went Smithsonian grade.

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

hahaha...thats called payback for them dragging us to look at samples for the kitchen..and we better have an opinion..that matches theirs!

roflmao!!!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/1676380623.html

Just wanted to post a pic of this gem I found in my area that is strikingly similar to your '57. It basically confirms that your work is extremely period correct(not that you didn't already know that).

Gives you a ballpark value even though you probably aren't going to be posting her for sale any time soon

Can't wait to see her on the water...are you keeping the roostertail contraptions or did they get axed since they weren't factory?

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

Once again, "OUTSTANDING" work.
One more thing, you can't drive a women nuts, We don't have that much gas, and I'm pretty sure most are already there.
Great Job.
Bob

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

hahaha...thats called PAYBACK for them dragging us to look at samples for the kitchen..and we better have an opinion..that matches theirs!

She does look fantastic!

Yep, been there done that.

I'm a period correct guy myself. There is a certain charm to these boats and their original colors. The color stands on it's own anyway.

I LOVE this boat. You have done some great looking work here. FANTASTIC!

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

Bwana,

I agree on the period correct look (with some minor upgrades) But it sure makes the resto a little more $$$, as those vintage parts cost a premium. Add to that the fact that I needed a period windshield, steering system, lighting, controls, and motor, and then went a little nuts on the bling like horn, ski mirror, new old stock cleats, step pads, solenoid box, ect. Add in a bottom up motor restoration and premium paint makes the cost per foot a little steep. But then again, I am trying to create an heirloom boat that I can pass down to my kids and have plenty of good memories in.

Well I got some more of the polished aluminum trim on, using SS screws. I am pre drilling and sealing each hole with 5200 to hopefully prevent the kind of rot that accumulated over the past 50+ years.

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

I am trying to create an heirloom boat that I can pass down to my kids and have plenty of good memories in.

You've succeeded by all means...in spades!!!

That polished trim kicks it all up to the next level....fantastic work Bret!

 

[Bwana Don]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

Your boat doesn't look fantastic, it's stunning. I'm getting into old outboards too. Love the old Evinrudes and Johnsons, Merc's are my favorite to look at but HARD to work on.

I picked up an old Johnson 10 horse for my kicker (1955). I just like the old stuff. I might do an old truck to pull my boat when I finish it up.

I can't wait to see the motor the Ski Champ. Keep up the great work.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

I'll chime in and say it looks fantastic. Got to love the mid 50's script on the outboard. Starting to get a jones for an old starcrafct myself!

 

[Pat Coyle]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

Bret I believe those are to flip down when skiing for faster planing. Similar to the whale tails/trim tabs only more old-school and unique

I think there the drain tubes from the drain plug, which looks like it is in the floor.

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

I got the windshield mounted tonight. Had to get overspray dust off it, basically I had to re-polish it with the novus system to get it all off. That stuff is tenacious.

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

I want your opinion on the bling mounting. Do you like the cleats and is there too much stuff on the bow?

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

FANTASTIC!! And your rigging looks awesome!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

Can't have too much bling on the bow.

 

[SnowHunter]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

Wow, that looks amazing!!! Terrific job on all accounts!!!


Yall Starcraft folks are makin me get an itch!! Hubby's gonna strangle me

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

Way cool Bret,{rubber stamped> WOW, WOW, WOW,

lol SnowHunter, words a lot of us would luv hearing from the spouse

 

[bananaboater]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

Nothing on the bow that shouldn't be there. Looks good. Check out PM.

I added 4 cleats to my jet, yours are better though, more Jetson style.

Is that new vinyl on the windshield? If not you sure did a better cleanup job than me.

Albert

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1957 Starcraft Ski Champ Restoration

Love the vintage hardware, keep it!

Those cleats are functional and they look great