76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

[mike4831]

The dash where my steering wheel and guages are has rotted out, whats the best way to replace it and how?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

Welcome to iboats.

If it is original it will have a piece of aluminum surrounding the dash.

The only way to replace it is to remove all the gauges, wires and steering wheel......... use the old dash as a template and make a new one from plywood.

Make sure you use exterior plywood (NOT pressure treated) and coat the plywood to seal it all up. Cut out all your dash holes before you coat the wood. You can use 3-4 coats of marine spar varnish and even cover it after that with vinyl .....the varnish does look good.

You can re-attach the aluminum trim if you like.

Here are some examples of what other's have done http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=385090

 

[mike4831]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

How do you remove the steering wheel to replace the dash.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

How do you remove the steering wheel to replace the dash.

First remove the black plastic cover, then unscrew the nut in the center almost all the way off, then hit it with a hammer, using a piece of wood as a buffer.

I have some photos of what I'm describing in my resto thread somewhere.

This may take a few whacks but it will release the wheel. Careful not to lose the tiny key that allows the wheel to bite into the column. It's real small.

Welcome to iboats, got some photos of the rig?

 

[mike4831]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

I will try and post some pics soon. Taking off the steering wheel by the nut, will that allow me to remove the dash to replace it or do i need to disconect the steering from behind the dash?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

I will try and post some pics soon. Taking off the steering wheel by the nut, will that allow me to remove the dash to replace it or do i need to disconect the steering from behind the dash?

Once you have the wheel off...there will be another black plastic cap that is only held in place lightly.

Under that will be three/four bolts that can be removed to replace the dash panel. Depending on the type of steering you will find that you may have to disassemble the whole works(only four more bolts), I did on my morse teleflex steering.

 

[mike4831]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

Huron I have the same steering system showed in your pic. Is there a secret to putting it back together and I dont want to mess up the steering

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

Huron I have the same steering system showed in your pic. Is there a secret to putting it back together and I dont want to mess up the steering

LOL...I remember when I felt the same way

The guys on here(Ezmobee and Bob_VT in particular) have brought me to the realization that it's REALLY no big deal to totally disassemble the entire steering system at the helm.

It's very easy to put back together, I have done so at least 10-15 times during my restoration with no major problems.

 

[BIGcarpy50]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

Take this time to spruce up the boat, i used Mahagony for my dash and it really pops and won't rot ever.

 

[mike4831]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

H A my dash was so rotten i could not trace the design any way to get the design that you know of. Its the same as yours.

 

[mike4831]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

also what size hole did you cut for the steering wheel?

 

[mike4831]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

I also am in need of a fuse panel to clean all the wires up. I purchased a 4 gang from Bass Pro and have heard nothing but complaints on it, so does anyone have any recommendations? I dont want to spend a fortune but want one that will last.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

Shop iboats store

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

also what size hole did you cut for the steering wheel?

I had trouble with that too since mine was also rotted...best way I found is to take a paper towel roll thing and make sure it's large enough for the steering column to slide thru before using a hole saw bit to cut.

That method worked great for me.

For the shape I used the anodized aluminum trim pieces and the console itself to get the right shape. Not the easiest to do and mine didn't turn out perfect but they are good enough.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

I replaced mine with plywood in the back and Starboard on the front. This pic shows both:

There are a number of places that sell starboard or "taco marine lumber".

 

[mike4831]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

On the back of the steering wheel there are four bolts that look to bolt onto the long rectangular piece that the cable goes into, how do i detach the steering wheel from that piece to slide it out of the dash?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

To detach the steering wheel.......

Remove the wheel's center cover (usually plastic) ......

Under the cover you will see a large nut...... remove the nut

Once the nut is removed screw it back on until it is almost flush with the threads sticking out but keep it loose.......

Use a block of wood on top of the nut and strike it with a hammer........ may take multiple hits but the wood will protect the nut......

The wheel is on a tapered shaft that has a woodruff key (usually a key) and keep that rounded key.

The wheel should be loose...... remove the nut, save the key and keep repairing.

The 4 bolts on the back secure the "rack" to the pinion on the wheel.... once they are removed you will have everything apart.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 76 Starcraft super sport 16 question

On the back of the steering wheel there are four bolts that look to bolt onto the long rectangular piece that the cable goes into, how do i detach the steering wheel from that piece to slide it out of the dash?

Yup- just remove those 4 bolts and it will pull free...this is what I was worried about most but it bolts right back on easily. If needed this is a good chance to put some more white lithium grease on the rack.

Just make sure the motor is straight when you set the teeth back in place and you are all set to bolt it back down.(make sure the wheel turns the motor the correct way at that time, unlike my first attempt).