Aluminum Hull Sealing Questions - 1965 Starchief

[Jeffjessing]

After several hours of gutting all wood, painfully cutting foam out, and power washing inside if the hull, I am now considering my options to replace one missing rivet (will use a closed-end pop rivet) and checking for loose rivers. While power washing ( I had a fair amount of standing water in the hull, although not all the way up the the waterline) I only saw water leaking from the missing rivet. Should I fill her up to the waterline or just proceed with checking for loose rivets followed by sealing with epoxy? The test for loose rivets, is it as simple as trying to single the rivet with your fingers?

Also, I am strongly considering using Coat-It instead of Gluvit. Anyone have a strong opinion on this? Do I just apply the epoxy to the rivets and seams only or is it beneficial to coat the Entire inside of the hull?

As for surface prep, I have already power washed the inside, next I was going to scuff up each rivet and seamlines with a power drill attached wire brush, then I was going to use alum bright (has an etching effect) then I was going to brush on the Coat-it. Confirmation that I am proceeding right would be appreciated?

I have a thread in the Starcraft forum that will document my restore project. Thanks.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Aluminum Hull Sealing Questions - 1965 Starchief

Replace the missing rivet and fill the boat with water again to check for other leaks you might have missed, this will ID any loose rivets.

Follow the manufacturers prep instructions for the Coat-it before application. Apply to seams and rivets after all leakes are repaired.

 

[Jeffjessing]

Re: Aluminum Hull Sealing Questions - 1965 Starchief

Replace the missing rivet and fill the boat with water again to check for other leaks you might have missed, this will ID any loose rivets.

Follow the manufacturers prep instructions for the Coat-it before application. Apply to seams and rivets after all leakes are repaired.

Thank you sir. Will do.