My GT-150

[78 GT-150]

A brief history...

My dad had a '76 GT-150 when I has a little squirt and I have fond memories of it.

Fast forward 25 years, my Dad passed away. Feeling it would make him smile, I bought the closest thing to his boat I could afford/find. This '78.

I have been around boats all my life, but I have never owned one, but I took the plunge anyway...

I found this boat on Ebay with an opening bid of $800. I was the winning bidder at a total of $961.01

It is a 15' boat with a 90hp Merc I-6 (Power Tower) with a Sting-Ray hydrofoil and a SS Ballistic 19" prop. It came with a Shore Land'r trailer. (Needs bunks, lights and tires)

I have been at the helm of a few fast boats, a 20' Marlin with a 450hp 400 sb Chevy (top speed around 85-90) A 24' Blown 454 Jet boat (Top speed around 60-70) But this 'Tron has got to be the scariest boat I have ever controlled!

When I originally bought the boat, I was planning on having it painted in '76 colors (white with red and blue pinstripes, bottom pic) To look like my Dad's boat.

But, the more I look at the silver, the more I love it!

The problem is, the "Clear" is completely gone. It was "Cleared" by the P.O. from a spray can It is rough to the touch and the gloss is gone. However, the metalflake is still very sparkly!

I have a quick walkaround vid of this, if you want to see it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FupIsSicaag


Any ideas how to put the shine back on this?

I could go on and on about my new toy, but out of respect for everyone here, I will keep it brief...

All comments welcome...

Chad..

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: My GT-150

Hi there GT, very cool ride !!! I'am not the expert here on this one , you might be better for you to ask this in the restro forum, John

 

[cribber]

Re: My GT-150

That's a sweet looking GT-150!!! Being that you got that boat for a song have it professionally clearcoated. Ask for advice here: http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=22 you can ask for some advice on how to knock back the "orange peel" the PO laid down with a spray can. Likely it's not true gel coat that was applied and will need to be sanded smooth. Definitely ask for some advice there before starting up your project to bring back the luster.

 

[78 GT-150]

Re: My GT-150

Thanks for the heads up guys...

I started a new thread in resto.

Chad..

 

[Tubingluvr]

Re: My GT-150

I don't know if you realize it or not but the GT-150 you bought was advertised on Craigslist for $1700 before it was listed on E-bay.
I had been watching several Glastron Carlsons for about a month before I finally purchased a 1973 cv-16 s/s in 80% restored condition for $1100.
Sorry I don't have any pics but mine has the original seating that has been re-upolstered new floor and carpet and a fresh rebuild on the Volvo Penta AQ130.
Had I known about the GT-150 being listed on E-bay I would have been bidding against you.
But I am very happy with my purchase also, mine as well has very little clear coat left.
I think I am going to have the old blue metal flake stripped off in the spring and have a new Cobalt Blue metal flake applied.
Good luck on the new Bond boat and if you ever make it to Crystal Lake in Crystal Mich (it is georgous) look me up.
You can reach me at weekendhandyman4u@yahoo.com

 

[78 GT-150]

Re: My GT-150

I don't know if you realize it or not but the GT-150 you bought was advertised on Craigslist for $1700 before it was listed on E-bay.
I had been watching several Glastron Carlsons for about a month before I finally purchased a 1973 cv-16 s/s in 80% restored condition for $1100.
Sorry I don't have any pics but mine has the original seating that has been re-upolstered new floor and carpet and a fresh rebuild on the Volvo Penta AQ130.
Had I known about the GT-150 being listed on E-bay I would have been bidding against you.
But I am very happy with my purchase also, mine as well has very little clear coat left.
I think I am going to have the old blue metal flake stripped off in the spring and have a new Cobalt Blue metal flake applied.
Good luck on the new Bond boat and if you ever make it to Crystal Lake in Crystal Mich (it is georgous) look me up.
You can reach me at weekendhandyman4u@yahoo.com

Yup, I knew about it on Craigslist, that is where I originally found it! Lucky for me I found it on Ebay. I came in in the last 4 seconds of the auction and bid $1,100 and beat the other guy that was bidding against me! lol.

Where is Crystal MI?? I am in Jackson half way between Ann Arbor and Lansing..

Chad..

 

[Tubingluvr]

Re: My GT-150

Crystal is North East of Lansing near Carson City if you know where that is.
It is about 60 miles from Lansing.
The zip is 48818 if you want to map it out.
Crystal is just a small little town (Not even a village).
Our 2 main attractions are the Lake (725 acres with 2 small islands) and the race track.

 

[scipper77]

Re: My GT-150

saw this today and thought about this thread.
http://rochester.craigslist.org/boa/1294386336.html

Want to buy a hot boat? You could still get out on the water this season!!! For sale is a 1978 Glastron GT 150 Silver Bullet boat, just like the one featured in James Bond's Live and Let Die and Outlaw Blues movies. Metalflake silver and grey with grey and red interior. 50 Force motor, runs smooth and fast! Includes trailer in good condition, Pioneer CD/Radio with removable faceplate for security and weather protection, and two brand new life jackets. Seats show some wear, and vinyl is sun faded - both easily replaced, but not necessary. Price is $1700. I have seen others for sale online for anywhere between $2200-$7900. This great deal won't last long! For more information and viewing, please call (585) 808-9783. If no answer, please leave message and your call will be returned promptly.

 

[Tubingluvr]

Re: My GT-150

little over priced I think for the condition.

 

[scipper77]

Re: My GT-150

little over priced I think for the condition.

If the motor/controls, stringers, and transom are all solid then I'd say that is a fair price. That's a big if on a 1978 boat.

 

[78 GT-150]

Re: My GT-150

That's overpriced in my opinion, mine is in better shape with a 90hp Merc. I paid 700 less for mine!

 

[scipper77]

Re: My GT-150

That's overpriced in my opinion, mine is in better shape with a 90hp Merc. I paid 700 less for mine!

Well in my opinion if the guy is asking 1700 he is expecting to get 1500. I've bought enough used cars etc... to know how this works. It may not be a steal like yours Chad but you know you got a good deal at $1000.

 

[78 GT-150]

Re: My GT-150

Well in my opinion if the guy is asking 1700 he is expecting to get 1500. I've bought enough used cars etc... to know how this works. It may not be a steal like yours Chad but you know you got a good deal at $1000.

True.

The guy I bought mine from was desperate to sell it, he had 4 or 5 people come and look at it. He took them out for rides in it, but everyone walked away from it! I think it had something to do with his application of a "Clearcoat" from the magical rattle can...

I went out for a test drive in it and I was happy. I didn't see anything majorly wrong with it, so I handed him 300 in cash with the understanding it would be delivered to me the next morning.

It was delivered and all is well!

I just wanted the boat, I didn't really care what motor was on it! But, after some research I realized, I paid 1000 bucks for a Merc outboard and got a boat, a $350 prop and a trailer for free!

 

[Tubingluvr]

Re: My GT-150

I just paid $1100 for my 1973 cv-16 s/s with new upholstery, new floor, and carpet and a fresh rebuild on the Volvo Penta 130.
I did have to have the raw water pump rebuilt, and will have the metal flake redone, but other than that it is in excellent shape.
All the small Glastron Carlsons I have seen are going for $2000 tops and that is something that is show room new looking.
Most in average condition are going for around $1200

And this boat only has a 50 hp ....and a force at that.

 

[78 GT-150]

Re: My GT-150

I take it that a Force motor is none too desirable?

 

[78 GT-150]

Re: My GT-150

I just stopped by my local bodyman for a complete respray of 'flake and clear. He told me about a grand for labor and materials...

Is the boat worth sinking (uggh I hate that word) that much cash into?

 

[Tubingluvr]

Re: My GT-150

Depends on how much you love that old boat.
For me it doesn't get any better than a classic Glastron Carlson.
I plan on dumping in whatever it takes.
I currently have budgeted $2000 for next year to get her the way I want her.
Yes that is twice what I paid for her but for me when it comes to a classic money is no option.
The looks that you will get when out on the water are priceless.

 

[78 GT-150]

Re: My GT-150

Very, Very, True!!

I have been thinking about how nice mine will look with WAY too much 'flake on it!! I want it looking like a disco ball!!

The bodyman told me, "It's gonna take ALOT of clear to cover all the flake you want, are you sure you don't just want Metallic instead?" Nope I said, I want silver "Glitter" all over it!

I got a call back a few hours later, $300 for the flake, $250 for the paint, $500 for the clear and $1,500 for labor!!! So a total of $2,250 for the paint I want. I think I may have to reconsider my paint choice!! Or find another painter I guess, but this guy has done some amazing work!

Decisions, decisions...

 

[Tubingluvr]

Re: My GT-150

Check out paintwithpearl.com their flakes can either be applied in powder or liquid form.
You start out with a black base coat and then mix the flakes in the clear coat and spray 3 coats of this mixed clear coat and 1 coat of plain clear coat.
Check out their pics I think this is an awesome looking metal flake.

 

[Tubingluvr]

Re: My GT-150

Hey Gt-150 I have been researching paint and flake. I have decided not to go with a traditional flake. I have waited years for my Classic Glastron Carlson and I want something so awesome it makes people sprain their neck when they see it.
I thing I am going to go with a True Blue Pearl with Silver Halographic flakes over it.
The color changing flakes should be awesome in the direct sunlight.