'78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Bilge drain hole...why didn't I think of that?

Worked like a charm GT1M - Thanks!

Got the tank empty and out. Got the motor prepared for removal. Tightened the tarp a little. Got the controls removed. Even got some house cleaning done. Productive day....more tomorrow.

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Removed the cross member towards the front of the tank area.

Different angle. The fiberglass in this area seemed loose.

Was able to lift it and get my chisel under it quite aways back.

That black rubber hose might not have done much for geting water into the bilge area, but it sure made pulling the wet foam out a lot easier!

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

As you can see the foam was very wet under the tank. Anyone know why the glass looks reddish/pink here?

3 layers of tabbing.......with huge air pockets?

Not looking good here, but I knew it wouldn't.....

Motor mounts are gone! I was able to get the chisel all the way back as far as it would reach in there...motor is coming out for sure...

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Here is a view of what I got out today, ran out of blades for the oscillation saw - that thing is fantastic BTW.

The area in the 'valley' of the hull here looks different than other areas ( the fiberglass).

Previously I had noted a softspot (red oval) After today I believe there is a 1/4 plywood under this different fiberglass. Because the wood is rotten, I need to get to it.

Question to you all, what is the best way to get these sheets of glass up? Can I make a cut along the stringer then pry the rest up? I assume this will be the least labor intensive way, as long as there is a sheet of plywood along the entire length.

Do I risk damage to the hull by prying fiberglass if it is connected to the hull?

When I took up the tank the foam underneath was of a different type than what was on top or under the deck outside the stringers. This foam was more plastic looking, with larger cells. It also completely filled the void that was under the tank and between the two cross members. This leads me to believe that it was original. If so, then this different looking glass must be orginal too. If I pull this glass up, to replace the wood beneath, I will need to replace it with the same type of glass, correct?

 

[zopperman]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

You can replace it with CSM and biax like everything else.

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

You can replace it with CSM and biax like everything else.

I would think, that if this was from the factory...using woven, as it appears, that it was put there for added strength and need to be replaced with like?

 

[zopperman]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

1708 is a newer fabric and probably wasn't in production when your boat was built. It is plenty strong. It's what I would use on trans and stringers too. its 17oz cloth stitched (as opposed to woven so it's stronger with less material) with an 08 oz backing of matt. Are you using poly or epoxy? I would use poly if you are undecided. I cannot justify the extra cost of epoxy.

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Was planning on poly

 

[zopperman]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Also, I would NOT foam around the gas tank. It needs to breath or it will corrode.

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Also, I would NOT foam around the gas tank. It needs to breath or it will corrode.

And you base this on what? I mean the tank looked to be in the original foam, since 1978...I do not see any corrosion on it.

 

[zopperman]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

My old tank and my knowledge of aluminum. Aluminum is self oxidizing and needs AIR to breath. My tank was secured with pour in foam which was SATURATED and the tank was very corroded. I sanded off the corrosion and filled the low points with JB weld and PC11 (both epoxies). Post up a pic of the tank, it looks PERFECT? was the foam wet? If the foam gets wet, the tank will corrode. I've seen it on mine and other aluminum. Unless the tank is painted or epoxy sealed?

Troop, don't forget, you're building this boat BETTER than the factory made it.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Great strides so far Troop...keep up the progress

My old tank and my knowledge of aluminum. Aluminum is self oxidizing and needs AIR to breath. My tank was secured with pour in foam which was SATURATED and the tank was very corroded. I sanded off the corrosion and filled the low points with JB weld and PC11 (both epoxies). Post up a pic of the tank, it looks PERFECT? was the foam wet? If the foam gets wet, the tank will corrode. I've seen it on mine and other aluminum. Unless the tank is painted or epoxy sealed?

Troop, don't forget, you're building this boat BETTER than the factory made it.

Hi Z,
I found this, don't know if it helps or confuses...:redface:
http://www.floodbreak.com/default/Maintenance Ops/Aluminum corrosion paper.pdf
GT1M

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Great strides so far Troop...keep up the progress

Thanks GT, I figure if I do a little each day I will eventually finish.

How in the world did you stay under a tarp in south Fla.?

 

[ben2go]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

And you base this on what? I mean the tank looked to be in the original foam, since 1978...I do not see any corrosion on it.

The foam around the tank is there to help support the weight of it when full of fuel.It also stops it from moving,flexing,and chafing through the hull and/or stringers.The foam will conform and move with the hull, but allow the tank to remain still and rigid.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Thanks GT, I figure if I do a little each day I will eventually finish.
As long as the money and desire to get out on the water hold out, you betcha!
How in the world did you stay under a tarp in south Fla.? Twern't easy, sir...almost dehydrated the first time:redface:

I've gotten done with the major grinding for now, next step is waiting for the money branches on the money tree to start flowering.
Then I can get some materials and get back on it...

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

There aint no stringers no more, no more...

I pulled a plug from the bottom of the 'valley' - I was correct there was rotten wood under here. This is not going to give up it's hold very easy either.
The center is almost solid resin about 3/8 of an inch think. the wood in this area is also decent so it is hard to come up.

Got started on the sides where the deck ended. One draw back from the oscillation tool...blades go fast. I have been using the slowest speed setting so I don't burn it tout too quick.
Anyone know if the grout removal blade will work on 'glass?

 

[Trooper82]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

The foam around the tank is there to help support the weight of it when full of fuel.It also stops it from moving,flexing,and chafing through the hull and/or stringers.The foam will conform and move with the hull, but allow the tank to remain still and rigid.

I agree, the foam will be going back in.

 

[zopperman]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Well, all are entitled to their opinions, but you can support the bottom with rubber feet, like I did, as well as put them on the sides to make it tight. I would at least seal it with epoxy paint or something, if you insist on having foam back in there. Especially pour in foam. This is what my tank looked like prior to sanding

 

[ezmobee]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

at least seal it with epoxy paint or something

I agree with this. Some POR15 or the like would provide some niece peace of mind.

 

[bharness]

Re: '78 Ebko Lebaron - Therapy

Trooper
I am following your post with great interest. I am in the process of rebuilding a 21 Glasply.

I have a question. I cannot tell from your pictures BUT was the floor (plywood) of the boat sprayed with fiberglas.