Start of a new project - 1975 Chrysler Charger

[blackhawkdc]

Well, I have bit the bullet and am starting a new project. I purchased this 1975 Chrysler Charger for $400. Ran, but would not stay running. Had 10 year old gas in it. Been stored outside, and not taken that great of care of. the biggest damage was having a tree fall on the right rear top. My current goal is to get the boat running and decently water worthy and get it off the trailer to do some repairs to the trailer before winter. Here is a picture of the boat itself, along with links to more pictures. Give me your thoughts and opinions. Anyone ever had experience with a boat like this? Its got a Volvo Penta AQ170c engine mated to a 270T outdrive.

Now for the pics:

And links to other pics:
Front seats and dash: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/blackhawkdc/Chrysler Charger/DSC_1035.jpg
Rear of interior: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/blackhawkdc/Chrysler Charger/DSC_1036.jpg
Damage to Right Rear from tree: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/blackhawkdc/Chrysler Charger/DSC_1037.jpg
Engine: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/blackhawkdc/Chrysler Charger/DSC_1038.jpg
2nd Engine Pic: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/blackhawkdc/Chrysler Charger/DSC_1039.jpg
Underside: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/blackhawkdc/Chrysler Charger/DSC_1034.jpg

So what do you all think? Its my first boat project.

Thanks for looking!

Seth Petro

 

[blackhawkdc]

Re: Start of a new project - 1975 Chrysler Charger

This is the idea I have for repairing the damage to the rear. Acquiring some marine grade plywood and cutting a piece to fit the right half of the rear of the boat. From the middle of the boat covering the entire right side and extending up the right side a little ways and then cutting a couple pieces to fit verticaly on the side and back. Then filling in the voids left with fiberglass mesh and resin.

Sound like a good idea? Or are there any other ideas?

Thanks again for looking!

Seth Petro

 

[tiller7104]

Re: Start of a new project - 1975 Chrysler Charger

Looks like a great project, I am no figerglass expert but it does not look like a hard fix !

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Start of a new project - 1975 Chrysler Charger

from what is can see in the pictures, it looks cleaner than i expected. looks like the tree just damaged the upper cap of the boat and not the hull. a picture from the outside of the 1/4 of the boat would help. before you start to cut, i would remove the engine dog house, and panels unde the seat, to see if you can get access from the inside. if you can i would due some reinforcing from the inside, the feather out the outside, patch it up and paint or re gel coat. i believe it looks worse than it is. nice boat for a project.

 

[blackhawkdc]

Re: Start of a new project - 1975 Chrysler Charger

Thanks to both of you for commenting. Yeah, its better than I was expecting myself. I was pleased to see that the tree only damage the top in the back and then bent the driver's support bar from the windshield.

Tashasdaddy, it will be pretty easy to get back in there. the engine cover and housing are already detached and the side panel where one of the rear seats would go will be easy to remove. As I mentioned, I plan on using some 3/8" thick plywood to reinforce most of that entire back section. I even plan on reinforcing the other side that didn't get damaged. Just to add the extra strength. Expecially since it won't add an significant weight to the boat. Should be stronger when I'm done than it was new.

Thanks again for looking. I'll try to update this thread as I make progress on the boat. Especially when I get to the fiberglass repair.

Seth Petro