Adding bench seating in an old Lone Star Aluminum Boat

[guinnessfc]

I purchased an old Lone Star several years ago that was left in the water on a trailer filled with water. I have since stripped it all down and have used it from time to time with a trolling motor. and plastic lawn chairs for seats. I have wanted to redo the boat to a more functional capacity but have not find out how to move forward. The seats in the boat were cut out. I would like replace or re add the bench fixutres so I can put some seating in the boat. I am not sure how to go about this or where I can go to have it done or what steps I should take to complete this project. I thought about trying to make a template out of wood and then have someone cut it out in aluminum for me and connect to the boat. I just do not know were I would go for this. If anyone can offer any suggestions I would appreciate it. I can add pictures if needed. I have alot to work to do but this one I have no idea and how to start. I do not weld I do not have a rivet gun. I need to find a place to have a windshield built since this no longer had the original one on it. I would appreciate any help if this has been discussed before just point me in the right direction and I will read up on it.

thanks
Charles

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Adding bench seating in an old Lone Star Aluminum Boat

Welcome to iboats!

I would say it is time to invest in a quality rivet gun (I have one with a rotating head from Snap on) which is well worth the investment.

Your bench seats can be made from exterior plywood and the mounts made from scrap aluminum (Scrap is FAR FAR cheaper then new.... hit up a scrapyard)

Read through all of the starcraft restorations and the completed project section.... you will get some great tips there. Post a few pictures (since we are picture junkies) ...... do not be shy! Welcome.

 

[guinnessfc]

Re: Adding bench seating in an old Lone Star Aluminum Boat

Thanks for the input. Not to sound too stupid but can you be specific to the type of rivet gun. Manual or air. Is there a specific one I would be looking for that would not be over kill or too weak for my use.

here is a link to the photos of before and after so far of boat.

cheers
Charles


http://chlrtr.shutterfly.com/

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Adding bench seating in an old Lone Star Aluminum Boat

Charles welcome to iboats and the Tincan club . Bob was most likely refering to a regular old hand operated Rivet gun you can get one at homie desperate or lowered expectations heck even Smears sells Crapsman rivet guns . I got one of those . only use aluminum rivets in your aluminum boat any other questions feel free to ask theres a few of us tin canners around here Heck even Bobs one although we havent seen much on his resto lately hint Bob hint .



Rick

 

[Johnny Too Bad]

Re: Adding bench seating in an old Lone Star Aluminum Boat

Awesome boat! It looks like about a '58 Malibu. What did you use to take her down to the aluminum?

Lots of potential. Keep posting pics and good luck!

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Adding bench seating in an old Lone Star Aluminum Boat

Heres a picture of the wooden seats I made for my 60 crestliner. Easy to do

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Adding bench seating in an old Lone Star Aluminum Boat

Hey fairlaneman...more pix please of how you built those seats. Nice work.

 

[guinnessfc]

Re: Adding bench seating in an old Lone Star Aluminum Boat

Thank you everyone for your responses.

I am curious is there a certain thickness or grade of Aluminum that I need. If I chose that this is something that might be bteeter handled by a professional who would I call or go see about this project. I have never worked with metal before so I am just curious if it would be more cost effective to have someone else do the bench supports for me in aluminum if I dont have all the necessary tools at the moments. I am just thinking out loud here lol

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Adding bench seating in an old Lone Star Aluminum Boat

Live near a tractor supply or a home depot? They sell aluminum angle stock.... A piece that is 1" x 1" angle should be plenty strong.