1979 Imperial

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1979 Imperial

If she were mine, I'd remove the windshield and all other deck hardware, Roll her out in the yard, Get your buds to lift her off and set her in the grass and then roll her over on blankets. My hull weighed about 350# and my two nephews rolled her for me and then lifted her on the cart I made.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1979 Imperial

Hey WOG

I would do that but my front yard is small and not a flat surface. With snow surely on its way, maybe I could give attempt something like that in my driveway. Is it okay to roll the boat over on it's side? I could give use blankets so the sides are protected. The windshield will be removed.

 

[JDA1975]

Re: 1979 Imperial

I think WoG's suggestion is a good one, you could even put some tires down under blanket to cushion it while doing the initial roll to its' side. 6'10, add another 18" inches for come-along, you would be able to get it past its axis point, but the roll would probably be easiest on you and your buddies and least chance of damage. I would still do some eyebolts if you can...it came in handy for removing my 300lb motor as well...even lifted the motor and stand again later to add casters while motor was attached and the whole thing was handing in the air, stand and all lol

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1979 Imperial

Hey WOG

I would do that but my front yard is small and not a flat surface. With snow surely on its way, maybe I could give attempt something like that in my driveway. Is it okay to roll the boat over on it's side? I could give use blankets so the sides are protected. The windshield will be removed.

Yep Driveway would work too. Another idea is to check with your local Carpet stores and have them check with their installers for some used Carpet pad from an upcoming tear out. You could pick it up for FREE!!!! It works real well to pad and protect during the roll over.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1979 Imperial

I agree a hybrid of both methods seems best. The both the tires and used carpet pad for cushion is a great idea thanks!

Yet another question.

To remove the windshield, that I'm assuming is screwed to the cap... I first need to access screws that are covered by the black molding shown in the following pictures. The molding isn't flexible at all like rubber weatherstripping? Old and brittle maybe?? Nevertheless I can't pry it out... So how does one remove the moldings?

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1979 Imperial

R U sure you can't get to em from under the cap? Mine is different than yours, but.. I only needed access from below, NOT the top.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1979 Imperial

R U sure you can't get to em from under the cap? Mine is different than yours, but.. I only needed access from below, NOT the top.

Not 100% sure... but I can see screws (pointed ends) from under gunnels in line with the windshield bases, but there is also a good layer of foam sprayed everywhere, so maybe it's covering the screw heads? I'll take a pic ASAP.

 

[JDA1975]

Re: 1979 Imperial

when I removed the windshield from my imperial, it was inside that black molding...also inflexible and brittle, i just planned to replace with a weatherstripping of some sort later. I just broke it enough to get a screwdriver under it and remove...90% of it was just screwed on...2-4 of them were long bolts with a nut on the end (think corners and edges where the walk-thru was. same with the railings, which I would also recommend removing

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1979 Imperial

Thanks JDA super helpful bro!

 

[Pmccraney]

Bear, just a thought. You're 70s-licious gel looks to be in really good shape. If you are just doing some minor/spot keel repair, do really need to flip it? You could prolly just lift/jack a bit to access what you need and save yourself the trouble of flipping, removing hardware, etc... Again, just a thought.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1979 Imperial

I'll be posting pics of keel damage soon. Unfortunately I think flipping is the best solution. I'll be keeping the sides the cool untouched 70's yellow. But for ease i'll paint the bottom white. The previous owner has done a number on the keel in multiple areas. Matching the yellow gellcoat may be difficult.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1979 Imperial

As good as that gelcoat is, I'd seriously try to come as close as I could and use a keel guard on the nose. No one is gunna see it in the water. I really see no need to paint her if all the problem is in the keel. That gelcoat is so pristine I'd bet you could come REAL close to matching it.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: 1979 Imperial

Wow... I have been away too long. It is great to see a new project on her from you Bear. That is one great looking boat, and looks to be totally rot free. You probably could have just taken her straight to the lake.

Looking forward to updates.

 

[JDA1975]

Re: 1979 Imperial

would definitely attempt to keep it looking like it does now, and I don't even like yellow, but man your boat looks sharp. get some pics of the damage, I also like your idea of making it white...but only because I think it will give your boat character and set it apart from others...so basically I have been less than helpful because I am just agreeing with both sides! whatever you decide, you definitely have the interest of some knowledgeable folks and you will get the help doing it either way!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1979 Imperial

That windshield is extremely similar to the one I acquired for my Jupiter. As mentioned, the screws are under that black strip. If it's like mine, that strip is sturdy plastic so if you're careful with the removal, it should be able to be reused just fine. The windshield is mostly likely screwed down from the top so accessing the fasteners from underneath probably won't do you any good.

I agree with Wood. Fix the keel damage and put a keel guard on it. 93% of that gel is in such good shape, it would be a shame to paint more than necessary. A keel guard would be nice to have anyway for fishing shallower or stumpy areas.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1979 Imperial

As good as that gelcoat is, I'd seriously try to come as close as I could and use a keel guard on the nose. No one is gunna see it in the water. I really see no need to paint her if all the problem is in the keel. That gelcoat is so pristine I'd bet you could come REAL close to matching it.

Hey WOG,

Yeah you're right... Why make more work for myself... I could repair the damage and paint the damaged area only, install a keel guard and call it a day. Then I don't need to worry about flipping the boat, and can get into working on the interior. (can I use rustoleum to cover the repair, or should I gelcoat it?) Thanks for the advice...

Here are some damage pics. There are some additional areas under the front dolly not seen in pictures, same type of damage though...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1979 Imperial

Heck you could just MarineTex that and Keel Guard it. If the damage/scratches extend a couple inches beyond the coverage of the guard, just paint that much further out in whatever color the guard ends up being.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1979 Imperial

Wow... I have been away too long. It is great to see a new project on her from you Bear. That is one great looking boat, and looks to be totally rot free. You probably could have just taken her straight to the lake.

Looking forward to updates.

Hi Jay,

Feels good to have a project dude! I'll be referencing your build big time when I get into glassing the casting decks and such, your builds are very inspiring brutha!. This little boat was very well cared for, and I was blown away I got her for $350, but I need a fishing boat so I'm changing her up a tad.... I hope you and the family had a great Christmas!

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1979 Imperial

would definitely attempt to keep it looking like it does now, and I don't even like yellow, but man your boat looks sharp. get some pics of the damage, I also like your idea of making it white...but only because I think it will give your boat character and set it apart from others...so basically I have been less than helpful because I am just agreeing with both sides! whatever you decide, you definitely have the interest of some knowledgeable folks and you will get the help doing it either way!

Thanks JDA,

I don't like yellow much either, but somehow I love it on this boat????? Myself being a product of 1969, and having a love for 60's-70 muscle cars, it kinda reminds me of a 1970 lemon twist Challenger with white ralley stripes, with a slant 6 leaning tower of power under hood.. no HEMI here...

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 1979 Imperial

Heck you could just MarineTex that and Keel Guard it. If the damage/scratches extend a couple inches beyond the coverage of the guard, just paint that much further out in whatever color the guard ends up being.

So no glass repair is needed at all on my keel? Can I use rustoleum to paint beyond the keel guard if needed?