1990 4.3 Century 2000 - Floor,Transom,Stringer,Upholstery Project

[kcassells]

OK OK OK.....counter sink all the screws there is a cheap tool for that at any hardware store. Then run over any adhesive of choice. Hence they are below the surface.
So make your PILOT HOLE, counter sink...and keep a blob of pb, pl, or what you are using. Roll the screw in it then sink and use a bondo spreader or any spreader to smooth out the squeeze fill.
Yea..I think that's what you said. Wait for gas off.

 

[kcassells]

You can also just use clamps. I just don't like pl.

 

[Chris51280]

Thanks Kevin

 

[Mechanicalmike08]

I counter sunk mine and then used PL on the screws as I put them in. I knew I had plenty of time till I was going to glass the floor because I had to build my rear bench, I then filled in the tops with PB and sanded everything smooth because I also had to sand the foam holes too.

 

[Chris51280]

On a side note. I need to upgrade my tow vehicle. The old one is just returning to nature (rust). I have a 2004 ram 5.7 and it pulls the boat without problems of course. Gas mileage was around 11-12mpg highway.
the boat weighs 2700# and the trailer is a tandem axle with hydraulic drum surge brakes at 1200#.

I was looking into the newer nissan pathfinder that is rated at 6000# and a combined gcwr of 11000#. The pathfinder comes in at 4500# with a payload capacity of around 1500#.

That is not too far off from a newer ram 1500 that with a 3.21 axle ratio can tow around 8000# and a dry weight of 5000# with the 4x4 and hemi version.

I know this probably belongs in the trailer and towing section but whats your take on it?

 

[AShipShow]

Can't comment on the newer pathfinders, but I bought my wife a 2010 pathfinder to use as a tow vehicle as well. I was really happy with it as a daily driven vehicle and definately didn't have any problems towing our boat (~4000lbs total)... However, I recently learned a problem they had where the transmission cooler in the radiator gives out around 100k miles and your tranny fluid and engine coolant mix with each other... Fortunately, I think I caught it early enough on ours, but if you don't, theres nothing you can do but drop about 5 grand to replace the transmission and radiator... Thanks Nissan lol

So not sure what year range you're looking at but be careful if its this range.

 

[Chris51280]

So I'm second guessing myself with the tabbing of tve stringers. I have the first layer at 5" and the second at around 7-8" is this enough? The rest will be wrapped with csm to seal the rest off.

 

[Chris51280]

No most guys do a 3-4" in each direction first layer then a 6-8" on the second. Then the up and over with CSM. There is no real issue with what you are doing but sure will cost you a lot more in resin and 1708.

I guess I got my answer already. Thanks Mechanicalmike08

 

[AShipShow]

Personally, I would do your up and over with a layer of 1708.. as long as you have a decent radius on the top edge of the stringers it shouldn't be too bad... It gives a good structural bond to both sides of the stringers

 

[Chris51280]

I thought about that too. Mine are really tall stringers though. I'm afraid this will take alot of resin to do and i have alot of csm left.

 

[Mechanicalmike08]

I have a 2015 ram 5.7 and it tows great, milage drops to about what ur currently getting but the 18 I average city is great. I get 20 freeway speeds not beating it.

 

[Chris51280]

Thats funny. This is the exact year and model I was looking to get. they are around 20-23k right now. I would just get the SLT or express. Not sure if I want to pay for the big horn package.

 

[Mechanicalmike08]

I have a big horn but think I got a pretty good deal, bought it last year with 45k miles for 25k. I wanted heated seats for the cold winter morning. Biggest issue I have is its coil spring rear end which is great for ride comfort but sags real easy with any weight in the back. There's a company that makes better springs that I'm looking at.

 

[Chris51280]

I got about 60-70% tabbed in. I just kicked my second bucket. The 3rd one will hopefully be enough for the capping. Already figuring out how much more material I will need for the deck and I need to build a structure for the port side seat that will be glassed. Probably another 15 gallons. Not sure how much the deck will eat up with the 6oz glass and 3 layers of csm.
I also need to make the cup holders on the side. There never was this lower railing that I have seen alot of you have. Not sure how to make it being attached to the side without support from the deck. Probably something temporarily until it cures.

 

[Chris51280]

I have a couple of rough spots on the keel and some screw holes in the transom that I'd like to close off. Instead of buying the filler, can I make my own? I have the gel coat and glass bubbles and some cabosil. Could I make my own filler paste? The glass spheres are for fairing compound and from what I understand can be used for underwater application.

 

[Chris51280]

Almost all stringers are tabbed in. i hope I can finish tomorrow. And then cap it with csm. Then cut the deck lip and start cutting the deck out of the 5/8 plywood. Cleats to glew on. Can't wait to see a deck in it again.

 

[chevymaher]

Almost all stringers are tabbed in. i hope I can finish tomorrow. And then cap it with csm. Then cut the deck lip and start cutting the deck out of the 5/8 plywood. Cleats to glew on. Can't wait to see a deck in it again.

Yes when the deck is back in. Wow it feels good.

 

[Chris51280]

I have a question. I tabbed in my stringers today and want to cap them tomorrow with csm. I assume to wrap around all the way to reach the top of the 1708 to completely encase the stringer? Any good way on wrapping it around? The edges are round and I think I can fold it where it comes around to help lay down.

My tabbing goes up 4-5" and I have about 5-6 to the top. How did you do it Mechanicalmike08

 

[steve_h7]

I found this really helpful:

https://youtu.be/9jHUI0CiYbs

 

[kcassells]

I was shown a trick using the light weight cloth that they have at Home deblow in the bondo crap area. It will just drap on easily. Thank you zool