Newbie 65 Jet Star Owner

[65JetStar]

Hello all, just signed up to the forum today but I've been following restorations here for a while trying to get ideas. Got a 65 Jet Star that I've finally started tearing down this week to restore. My wife and I purchased in March of last year for 300$. Mostly original with the tiller steering and 64 Johnson super seahorse 40 that started up and ran flawlessly all summer. Got big plans for the old girl so I'm excited to bounce ideas off all the experts here. Unfortunately I cannot post pics yet but you can see it in my profile with my wife and kids. Thanks in advance for all the replies!

 

[65JetStar]

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Couple of pics from the day I brought her home. I'll try to get more of the tear down and rebuild as I progress.

 

[Watermann]

:welcome: to the Starmada!

The old gal has some seriously cool retro looks going on :thumb:

 

[Tnstratofam]

Very nice.:encouragement: She looks good in that blue. Looking forward to seeing how she turns out.

And :welcome: to tin land.

 

[g0nef1sshn]

Looks like you posted up post restoration pics! whats your plans? back to original or different schemes?

 

[65JetStar]

Thanks everyone! As far as restoration plans I'd like to keep that cool vintage look with maybe a couple of upgrades. One of the things I would really like is a permanently mounted fuel tank with a gauge so I know my fuel level. I really like the tiller steering and will probably keep it as long as the old super seahorse is still running good. My main focus right now is getting the the deck replaced and putting down some new paint. My wife is partial to seafoam green and I kinda like the two tone boats so I will either try to polish the hull or paint it white. I will defiantly take lots of pics and post em as I get going, hopefully soon with better weather!

 

[classiccat]

She's a beauty! :thumb:

Welcome! :welcome:

 

[65JetStar]

Well I've finally got some work done on the boat! Here are the pics.


Here you can see my small working space!


New axle with new 13" steelies and stainless moon caps.


Old transom removed, actually in pretty good shape other than some warpage.

 

[classiccat]

Nice progress Jet!

That's a fine little hanger for rebuild. Tinny, beer fridge, TV and gargantuan-speakers!!

 

[oldhaven]

Too bad you need to add fenders to the trailer. I like that open wheel rod look.

This is a nice looking Starcraft. That light blue with the aluminum trim is perfect. (i.e. rear transom caps).

 

[65JetStar]

And heres the best part, new custom dash and gauges! Before and after pics.



I used the old dash as a template.





I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, the wood is some type of mahogany that my brother in-law acquired for me. He builds high end cabinets and furniture for a living so he can get me the wood at cost. When I'm all done he will spray it with some type of finish that they use on all the entry doors that they build. Picked up the turned aluminum panel from speedway and the gauges were summit racing except for the speedometer was a nos eBay item. Switches I got from iboats.

 

[65JetStar]

Yea the old fenders just weren't going to work (way too small), still trying to find some new ones to weld on!

 

[MNhunter1]

And heres the best part, new custom dash and gauges! Before and after pics.



I used the old dash as a template.





I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, the wood is some type of mahogany that my brother in-law acquired for me. He builds high end cabinets and furniture for a living so he can get me the wood at cost. When I'm all done he will spray it with some type of finish that they use on all the entry doors that they build. Picked up the turned aluminum panel from speedway and the gauges were summit racing except for the speedometer was a nos eBay item. Switches I got from iboats.

Looks great! Make sure you mock up your steering placement as well. Those dashes are pretty skinny and don't leave a lot of room behind them for the steering assembly. I had mine all mocked up with the perfect placement, only to discover it was right smack dab in the way of one of the bow support brackets. The dash tray, if you have one, can be an issue too without the right degree of wedge to clear it.

 

[Watermann]

Nice to have a source for cabinet grade wood, looks super Jet!

 

[65JetStar]

MNhunter1,
So far I have decided to keep the dash tray and tried to account for the bow brackets so hopefully I should be ok. I located and mocked up the wheel last night and so far my biggest concern is the wiring, it will have to be pretty tight to the dash for clearance. I post up some pics when I get around to the backside. With the weather getting nice I need to start doing the messy work (stripping, sanding, and painting) so it may be awhile.

Watermann,
Thanks! Gotta say I've read over your build dozens of times and its been a real inspiration and motivator!

 

[Tnstratofam]

Very impresive work on the dash. I like the gauges and the plate.

 

[65JetStar]

Sorry its been awhile but I've finally started work on her again...

Fresh paint and started to mock up the bow! Hopefully it'll see water this summer!

 

[Watermann]

Welcome back, looks like you're off to a good second start.

 

[Furrylittleotter]

Looks awesome. Don't stop now. Baby blue is such a classic colour. Gonna need a flat top haircut in that boat!

 

[Candutch]

Paint looks great! I love how the dash plate blends into the plate on the bow cover.