1975 Bell Boy restoration

[jhcelestino]

Hello All,
I just got a Bell Boy 1975 tri-hull, which is already water worthy. However, I want to dress her up with new paint, carpet, cushioning, and dashboard mechanics. Does anyone know of any sites that specialize in Bell Boy parts, original or aftermarket?

Also, I could use some pointers on what kind of paint to use for the hull and the deck. The whole thing is fiberglass, so I image the "type" of paint can be the same, but I am interested to find out if there is any off the shelf products to use and where those might be found. (Red on the deck & trim, and White on the hull)

Thanks & Cheers--

James

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: 1975 Bell Boy restoration

I have used rustoleum professional paint with excellent results! I know some people have used the easyepoxy stuff also with great results. here are a few pics of the rustoleum, finished this boat 2 weeks ago.


Finished product

What it looked like when we started

 

[jhcelestino]

Re: 1975 Bell Boy restoration

Thanks for the quick reply!

Nice shots. Yeah, a friend of mine mentioned Rustoleum too--he said he rolled it on with a foam roller (I was skeptical). Have you ever heard of that method---and if so, does it work?

I was wondering how to go about painting the hull too.....? Can I do it on the trailer and just shift the boat back and forth for each section? Or should I remove it and block it up?

JC

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: 1975 Bell Boy restoration

We painted this boat with 7" foam rollers. Do it in a heated space where the temp is 65-70 degree's. paint the hull and let it dry between coats. the paint levels out very nicely.

The best way to paint the hull would be to separate the 2 halves of the boat and flip the hull. Although this can be a process. if i was going to paint it without flipping it over, i would probably block it, and then move the blocks around as needed to get full coverage on the hull.

make sure to document whatever process you choose and post pics for us all to see!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1975 Bell Boy restoration

Petit Easypoxy http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1329#

Before:

After:

Applied with brush and foam roller.

 

[jhcelestino]

Re: 1975 Bell Boy restoration

Great help guys---Thanks.
I will definitely go with the roll on method then, it sounds practical.
I love the pictures, it helps to see some of the process and outcomes---thanks for that too.

I'll get some shots of the boat as it is and then get them posted as a "before" thing and share the progress.

Cheers--

JC

 

[jhcelestino]

Re: 1975 Bell Boy restoration

Hello again guys.
Firstly, let me say thanks again for the assist with the paint info. I went ahead and took the plunge and did the Rustoleum roller job. Aside from the amazing difference from the original aged paint it was replacing, it was nice to get the first new coat on and one step closer to getting it on the water this summer.

My next question is, once I get all my Rustoleum coats finished, and sanded, then how do I get that high gloss? I've been researching, but have only found bits and pieces here and there, and no real step by step process for buffing and polishing this kind of finish to a high gloss.....any help?

Also, here are the pictures I promised---before and afters so far.

http://jamescelestino.weebly.com/bell-boy-boat-restoration.html

Thanks----

James

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: 1975 Bell Boy restoration

i did wet sanding between coats with 800 grit paper. after the final coat i did not sand and used a high gloss clear coat. I am pretty happy with the results. I don't know if this is the correct way to achieve the high gloss, but that is how i did it.

hope this helps.

 

[jhcelestino]

Re: 1975 Bell Boy restoration

Alright, took the advice and wet sanded with 600 (best I could get at short notice). Then I applied the second coat of paint. I will go get some 1500 grit for the final sanding before the rubbing compound and polishing. It is looking great-- thanks for all the help.

I posted my link to the photos in my last posting.

Cheers--

JC

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: 1975 Bell Boy restoration

I am sure that will come out GREAT! I am getting ready to do a motorcycle here in the next couple weeks. I will be using the rustoleum on that and using the same method as on the boat! Should turn out pretty good!