1959 Cherokee Full Restore

[Johnboy82]

 

[Johnboy82]

 

[Johnboy82]

Well, above you can see my new trailer. It is definitely built better than the other I have so I will be using it instead. Just to get it all fixed up. I am starting to consider options for the interior of my boat. Since it is a "utility" type of model, There is really no interior layout to restore to, so I am going to plan around our basic use, which will be fishing and cruising with the family. Got to get a nice seat for my wife, room for her to lay out, a shorter seat for my son ( he is only 2 yrs old), a comfy seat for me, plenty of storage, room for fishing poles. I wish I could find some aluminum boxes from another boat, but I have had no luck trying to salvage any. I haven't been making much progress on this project, but I am about to kick it high gear! Hopefully more pics coming soon.

 

[ssdale]

Good find on the trailer. Just keep envisioning what it will look like when done and on the water. And we need more Cherokee projects on this forum! Kick it.:car:
Dale

 

[Johnboy82]

 

[Johnboy82]

Hello everyone. Just for the record the picture above is NOT my boat. I was doing some research on Cherokee boats, the other day and ran across this pictures. SSDALE - You mentioned that you had not seen an emblem like this one before, which is what was original to my boat, so I wanted to share.
Progress is very slow but steady here, been working on getting parts and pieces ready lately more than anything. Bolts, brackets, paint, jack for trailer. Got a sheet of AL for my transom repairs, and trying to find a day or two to knock out the trailer and move on to the good stuff. Yall have a good weekend.

 

[ssdale]

Good to hear you are still working towards your goal! I have never seen the three dimensional Cherokee script or swoosh. Your recent pic looks to me to be the shadow of a decal? Not the emblems like your boat. correct me if I'm wrong. My 1965 had a faint ghost of a decal that my local vinyl gal used to make my repro decals. Did you have any luck finding someone to mold new ones or did you decide to go with decals? Heres about the best shot of the decal I have. More pics when you can.
Dalehttp://

 

[Johnboy82]

Dale, The whole idea of me getting them 3d printed has not gone well. The drawings did not turn out good, the printing material cost more than expected, so I may decide to go with vinyl decals in the same shape as my originals. I am still considering all options, but for $300, I believe I could spend that on a lot more practical and useful things than emblems. The funny thing is, my wife doesn't have much opinion about this project, but she believes I should spend the money to have it done, for the truly original look. I've still got some time to consider what to do.

 

[ssdale]

IMHO use rivets or small stainless bolts to plug the holes and get a couple decals made. $300 will go a long way toward paint carpet seats etc... It would be different if you were restoring something of high value to many people. Thank the Admiral for her support, but use that money for other things. Just my opinion, but Your project.
Dale

 

[Johnboy82]

Hello all. Just wanted to share a quick update. Have not made much progress lately due to the heat, grass cutting, work and lots of summer activities. I have managed to get my trailer about 60% done with new runners, carpeted, hub assemblies, tires on the way, new lights and wires are here and waiting on little bit of paint before installing them, Will post some pictures soon when I can.

 

[Johnboy82]

 

[Johnboy82]

 

[Johnboy82]

 

[Johnboy82]

 

[Johnboy82]

Well slowly but surely I have made some progress. Finally got her sitting on her permanent chariot. I still need to do some adjustments on the runners and rollers, and I also have some bow support runners to install after I get those brackets painted. As can be seen, all of the trailer has not been painted, but I needed to get it done in this order for time and space purposes. I will touch up and repaint original color soon. I do feel great about getting to work on the boat and not just the trailer. As you can see above, my bow eye is broken and that will be my first project so I can have a proper pull point when loading and unloading during the construction process. It was originally only welded from the outside, but I am going back with some internal supports on my new one. They did an exceptional job of welding this one on. Also shown in the picture is the hole where a stud broke out of the front trim cap. It was smothered and covered with JB weld. I have this cap and just need to investigate getting a proper stud/bolt/rivet to go in here.

 

[ssdale]

Lucky you have the trim piece to repair with. That's a nice deep boat and worth saving for sure. Adjust her up and throw some paint on that trailer and call her done. Then you can concentrate on the boat. Keep after it!
​Dale

 

[Johnboy82]

Hey everyone. Have not made much progress lately except replacing my bow eye. Weather is beginning to change and hopefully get going. Couple of questions.
What paint stripper would you recommend? Looking at 2-3 thin layers of paint, all aluminum surfaces.
Also, what suggestions can y'all give about where to get good carpeting? Not looking for super premium grade or price but good quality for good price.
Hopefully have some good pictures to share soon

 

[Johnboy82]

Ok I am back at it. I have been trying to post some pictures with no luck. I have tried the Upload button, and I keep getting "Unknown Error" and I have tried to create an album or Ideabook and it says I have no uploaded photos or albums. Any suggestions?

 

[Woodonglass]

Pics are probably to big Use MS Paint to reduce their size

 

[Johnboy82]

After some long thought, I think I will be putting my boat up for sale. Of course after I get the transom complete, rear bench riveted in place, and bow deck complete (stain and spar on cypress). I have tried all options I can find to post pics on here with no success. The photos were taken with my iphone, so they should not be unusually large files. If anyone is interested in a nice 1959 Cherokee with brand new paint job (inside and out), transom (wood and aluminum skin), custom rear bench seat with seat bases livewell and storage, bow deck, misc lights, seat bases and poles, battery box, completely refurbished trailer, all 100% brand new, never been in water, please message direct.