1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

[78Galaxy]

Hey All-

This, I suppose, is a continuation of this thread. Again, thanks for all of your contributions to that thread.

Since I am still relatively new, now would be as good a time as any for an introduction: My name is James, I am an attorney in New Orleans, LA, and I joined this forum about 2 years ago when I bought my first boat - a 1978 Galaxy of unknown model.

I've always been a huge fan of classic vehicles. I've owned 5 vintage Fords since I was 16, the best of which I still own - a 1969 Mustang convertible with a very fresh 302:

So, of course, when I saw this 1 owner 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 for sale in Georgia for peanuts (I found it with "Search Tempest," an advanced Craigslist search website), I had to jump on it:

By the way, that photo was taken by the seller, and he made the sign. Super-nice guy, great sense of humor, and we still keep in touch. The actual seller was the son-in-law of the original owner who bought this Glasspar in 1963. I have the original title and "window sticker!" this guy kept everything. The engine - a 75HP Evinrude - was completely rebuilt a few years back, and the internals look great.

So, after he allowed me to inspect and test drive the boat on a beautiful lake in La Grange, GA - Yellow Jacket Park, I believe - I paid the small amount he was asking, and was on my way to my family home in Pensacola Beach, Florida to run the new toy. The boat was a blast last summer:

Me and my "little" brother (6'4" and 250lbs) testing her out:

My girlfriend, Lindsay (plaid) and her sorority sister and the IT guy from Lindsay's law firm (yep, she's a lawyer, too):

After a summer full of fun and adventure, it's time to gear up for another year. However, as noted in this thread, I need a little transom work. This is the perfect excuse for a full overhaul/restoration, and I'll try to catalog it in this thread so that the next guy with a 1963 Glasspar Tacoma might have an easier time restoring his. SO, on to the problems, or, the "BEFORE" pictures:

 

[78Galaxy]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

THE TARGET AREAS:

We are going to renew this guy on a budget. Here's the plan, and what I need YOUR help with:

1. TRANSOM STRESS CRACKS

As noted in the previous thread, the transom is ready for an overhaul. By the way, the TRANSOM IS SUPPOSED TO BE CURVED (just to save you some time if you were going to point out that the "transom is saggin' really bad, man!" )

Course of action:
As noted in the previous thread, I'm going to get some Nida Core and get this handled! I'm going to order it tonight - can you believe this transom takes 11 gallons according to Nida's calculator?

I suppose I need a grinder, a chainsaw, and some fiberglass resin for this job: what else?

2. PAINT JOB

The paint is gettin' a little tired on the Glasspar. I tried restoring the gelcoat with limited success, but it has started cracking in places, and hell, if we are doing the transom, let's do the whole thing, right?

I like this scheme:

Course of action:
I'm going to basically blend the techniques from these sites:

http://www.marinepainting.net/topside-painting.html
AND
http://www.rickwrench.com/index79master.htm?http://www.rickwrench.com/50dollarpaint.html
AND
http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Paint-Fiberglass

Basically, I'm going to use the Rustoleum Topside paint (don't groan, it is cheap, and I used it to great success on the 78 Galaxy, even with minimal surface prep and one rolled on application. It looked great and was quite durable). I'm thinking about sanding down the gelcoat, priming, applying many thinned coats of the topside (got that from the "$50 paintjob" site - this will hopefully minimalize any "roll and tip"). One problem will be getting that light blue color - I think I will have to buy navy and white paint and blend. Shouldn't be too tough...?

Any suggestions?

 

[78Galaxy]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

Since you've read this far, I may as well treat you to a little eye candy: Have a look at my H&K (yep, Heckler and Koch) flare gun:

Remembered I had this when I was taking all the gear off the boat. Lindsay's dad got it for me when I graduated law school. Great gift.

 

[78Galaxy]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

3. GAS CANS

My original 6-gallon gas cans were also a little worse for the wear. I know there are more than just fuel cans in this picture, but try to focus:

Course of action:

Well, I repainted the cans, but I have other issues. BTW, the repaint job looks horrible, but it took about 5 minutes but should last a good deal of time. I primed over the old paint, then used Krylon "Farm Implement" paint, which, in my experience, is very durable:

HOWEVER, I have two issues:

One, I need to rebuild the rack for the tanks. I am pretty sure that the last owner hand-made that blue "rack" out of plywood. As you can see, it holds 2 tanks and a battery box. I want to rebuild it, but make it more durable. What do I do? Do I cut 3-4 layers of plywood and glass each of them then adhere? I guess I could sand and paint after that? It would probably look pretty darn good. Any advice?

Fortunately I have 2 good jigsaws. Not one, but two. How, you ask? Because I drunkenly bought 2 with my Blackberry at a St. Patrick's Day party this weekend, because I thought I was bidding on the same one item. Oops.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310205142095&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180479595840&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Look at the winning bidder and the time/date of auction close. At least this (these?) Bosch just won Popular Mechanics' jigsaw showdown.

Anyways, I'll try to use that to build the rack. What else do I need if I want a waterproof and aesthetically pleasing fuel tank rack? I'm open to any and all suggestions aside from "Don't drink and EBay."

Two, one of my tanks is gross. It has milky fuel, and there are blackish "legs" that follow the fuel when i tilt the tank, see?:

What do I do about that?

That's just the first 3 of many things that I would like to get done in the coming weeks. I ordered the Nida Core while writing this post ($300!!!!??? ).

In any case, I'm going to reserve the next few posts because I want to edit to add the next series of issues: engine work, steering cables (NEED to be replaced) hardware/lighting/cleats, interior trim (steering wheel, seats, etc.), exterior trim (PITTED ALUMINUM...) and windshield.

The boat is getting dropped off tomorrow to have the engine removed, inspected, tuned up, and have the oil changed in the foot. Wish me luck!

Thanks for reading - that's all for now. I have more pictures, so I'll update in the next day or two.

 

[78Galaxy]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

(4) PITTED ALUMINUM TRIM

As mentioned, there is a LOT of pitted aluminum trim - nearly all of it. As far as the exterior trim and hardware - cleats, lights, etc. - I don't mind replacing that. The windshield and the trim accompanying the rub rail is the stuff that I cannot simply replace. What ideas do you all have? How do I clean this up?

(5) STEERING CABLE REPLACEMENT

Looking a little frayed.

I think I am going to follow the instructions in these threads:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=200994

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=281025&highlight=cable+pulley+steering

I think that should cover this issue, but if you have any pointers, please share.

(6) INTERIOR TRIM WORK

I'm slightly dissatisfied with some parts of the interior, but on the whole, it isn't so bad.

(a) Steering wheel: The steering wheel looks kind of nasty - like it had a sticker that got peeled off. I'd either like to clean this up or replace it with a vintage-y wheel. Is it difficult to change a wheel? What do I need to know before buying a wheel? What tools do I need to change a wheel?

(b) Interior of the hull: As you can see in the pictures, the interior of the hull is unfinished (or at least appears to be). Now, this is the least of my concerns, but it could use some dressing up. I am thinking that I may get some marine canvas and some snaps, and cut canvas panels that will snap into place over the "exposed" portions of the hull. This will look neater, and I can hide wires, fuel tanks, etc. behind them. Should look good and be an economical and simple solution as well. I'm thinking the top of the snaps will go in the interior of the deck, below where the 2 snaps for the bimini are on either side of the boat. The bottom snaps will be at the top of the carpet, where the carpet is 'vertical' so to speak, instead of horizontal.

(c) Seats: Not in bad shape, but could use new ones. These look like Wise back-to-backs. Last year, boatersworld.com had a 2 for 1 sale on back to backs, so I bought them and put them in the Galaxy. Makes me want to hold out for another sale before replacing these.

(d) Misc: I'm probably going to remove the compass or replace it, and remove or replace the rearview mirror. They clutter up the dash area, and neither are in excellent condition. I'm also going to try to plug in the non-functioning instrument panel, and restore it cosmetically.

After all of the above, the interior should be looking good. This is probably the lowest on my list of priorities, however.

Stay tuned, have a couple more issues. I'll be dropping the engine off for maintenance in about 6 hours, by the way.

 

[78Galaxy]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

Reserved for update.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

2 suggestions: Paint, check out Petit Easypoxy http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1329# better color pallet then Rustoleum, goes on awesome with roll and roll. I'm not exactly "detail oriented" and managed to pull this off http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2354.jpg

Fuel tank, on my previous boat, which was a closed by like yours, I had a 12 gallon tank I mounted up under the bow and secured with cooler mounting brackets from Gander Mtn. http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/Boat Project/DSCF1927.jpg It's always good to be able to move some weight forward in these boats. With this set-up you can just throw a small 3 gallon reserve tank in the back. Good luck with your project.

 

[78Galaxy]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

Thanks for the reply. I like the cooler bracket idea. While I can't seem to find those exact ones, I suppose I could find any square or rectangle object and cut it to "bracket" in the fuel tanks. That is a great space saving idea!

As far as the paint, I know Pettit is tops, but for the price of one quart of Pettit, one could get 2 quarts of Rusto Topside and a quart of Rusto fiberglass primer. While I am certain the Pettit is superior, I was very satisfied with the Rusto last time, and I will give it another shot. If I do enough prep and wet sanding, I think I will be pleased enough with the results.

 

[78Galaxy]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

Nevermind - found them!

http://www.gandermountain.com/modpe...58&pdesc=Coleman_Cooler_Tie_Down_Mounting_Kit

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

That's it!

I went with Easypoxy mainly cuz they had the blue I wanted. Then I ended being extremely pleased with the product. Rusto is fine as well.

 

[78Galaxy]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

That's it!

I went with Easypoxy mainly cuz they had the blue I wanted. Then I ended being extremely pleased with the product. Rusto is fine as well.

I'll say. You have a gorgeous paint scheme!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

Thanks! It's mist gray and ocean blue. As you can see, the gray is so light it's almost white but I think it ties all my gray interior stuff together better http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2539.jpg

 

[78Galaxy]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

Another "update" added, detailing problems 4, 5, and 6.

It is post #5.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

Check out my Jupiter thread for some seating, interior and dash ideas. I got the seats at BassPro and they were pretty decent and not overly expensive.

You can replace your wheel easily. The shafts are pretty standard. The new wheel you'll see in my thread was previously mounted on my old cable/pulley system. That being said, I think upgrading to a newer rack or rotary system is worthwhile. You'd need to add a front mount steering adapter to your motor but it's totally do-able.

Somethis like this would be awesome on your boat http://www.iboats.com/I-O-Outboard-...0581194--**********.931700260--view_id.131090

 

[78Galaxy]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

Sorry for the late night update, guys, having a little trouble sleeping due to some kind of head cold.

Anyways, good news! The engine is at the shop, and a compression test shows 90-95 for all cylinders!

The outboard maestro, Gabe of Advanced Marine, noted that he was impressed with the condition of the engine, and also stated that he thought the engine design was different, because, despite using downdraft carbs, the older '63 Evinrude was remarkably similar to the newer evinrude engines.

In any case, what a pleasant surprise.

NidaCore and the boat paint should be on the way, despite a little hitch on Nida's part (they claimed not to have received my Sunday night order despite confirmation number).

 

[Donkey]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

About your pitted trim pieces, I have the same problem on my '60 AT. I talked to a local chrome guy and he is convinced he can chrome just about anything. Anyhow, I am going to get started on removing all of these parts and take them down to him. I don't know if this will happen to my satisfaction, but you might take a look into that too. Im taking to him anything on the boat that is metal to see what he may be able to do.

 

[78Galaxy]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

About your pitted trim pieces, I have the same problem on my '60 AT. I talked to a local chrome guy and he is convinced he can chrome just about anything. Anyhow, I am going to get started on removing all of these parts and take them down to him. I don't know if this will happen to my satisfaction, but you might take a look into that too. Im taking to him anything on the boat that is metal to see what he may be able to do.

PLEASE keep me posted! That sounds like a great idea.

 

[tsennett]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

If you found this site, you probably found the ClassicGlasspar site and the Fiberglassic site - lots of the same people on both sites and great resources for older glass boats - I have a 1967 Glasspar Avalon and your boat is very similar. By 1967 I believe Glasspar had been bought by Larson, and some of the construction had improved. I see you are replacing the transom because of some cracks and other signs of possible rot. If you look at the two sites above, you may see a lot of folks that discovered stringer problems when they did their transoms - especially around where the stringers meet the transom. Even though the floor is solid, the stringers may not be. In general, my Avalon has been a pretty tough little boat (sixteen feet). I keep it on a lake that gets decent chop, and it handles the waves pretty well, even though the boat is light weight.
As far as doing the inside, you might get some good ideas from the galleries of other glasspars.
(I'm an attorney too, wonder how many are on this site?)
One other caution.
My boat was all original - including the engine and all its fittings. Modern fuel does not play well with old rubber. I developed a fuel line leak under my engine cowl, and sure enough, one day I had a fire. I should have replaced all the rubber fittings and lines. I was lucky that I was at a public dock when it happened, and a guy in the slip next to me was on it with a fire extinguisher almost as fast as I was pitching the cowl into the water. I was flustered and a little embarrassed, but no one was hurt, and I towed the boat back to my dock the next day. I suggest you talk to the guy checking your engine and see about replacing the lines. I wish I had.
Good luck and have fun - although it appears you have that fun part covered.

 

[JimboAZ]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

Hey guys... just registered with the forum when i saw this thread... i was givin, what i believe is a 63 tacoma yesterday! I dont know much about Glasspars but i am dying to restore the thing (on a budget, and not to original detail). It has a decent trailor and a Evinrude Lark V motor. hasnt ran in six years but "worked fine when parked". I know i will need steering cables, gas tank, and battery. i also want to give it fresh paint/gel coat tlc. Transom hull seem very solid. Its an arizona boat so very faded but never had to deal with freeze/thaw cycles. hoses/seals/gaskets all in good (not brittle or cracked) shape. I was just wondering if anyone can verify that mine is infact what i think it is. The serial number is 14TA3002. Also if anyone knows about the motor... this is my first boat (i ussually restore antique motorcycles) so im excited for any info or sugestions. will post photos later...Thanks, and keep posting!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1963 Glasspar Tacoma 200 Restoration (we hope)

Welcome to the forum Jim. Best bet is to start a new thread here in the restoration section for your boat project and another on in the Johnson/Evinrude section. That way the appropriate gurus will be sure to chime in. Good luck with you project!