Started my restoration, a few questions...

[glassport]

I lifted plywood on one side of the boat to find water logged foam..( of course). My questions are. I am using a drywall saw to cut through sections of the foam about 2 inches wide and using a small pry bar to break the foam little section at a time. Is there a faster or better way to remove the foam.?
Also, I cut the ply wood with a circular saw set just at the plywood thickness. I have about 2 inches of wood left glassed to the side of the hull how do I remove this safely without cutting into the hull.? I have been reading the past and present post and looking for answers but could not narrow these subjects down. Thanks to all.!

 

[glassport]

Re: Started my restoration, a few questions...

sorry guys trying to post picture. No picture up loaded that time

 

[glassport]

Re: Started my restoration, a few questions...

try again.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Started my restoration, a few questions...

http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=32

The top 3 threads are all photo information.....how to do it.

Post your photos.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Started my restoration, a few questions...

Okay I fixed your pictures

Actually what you are doing looks very good (and neat)..... there are "faster" ways but they are nasty/dirty/messy.

 

[glassport]

Re: Started my restoration, a few questions...

thank you Bob, for the help with the photo. Can anyone tell me what to do with the extra 2'' of wood still attached to the hull. How do I remove that safely with out hurting the hull.? Thanks

 

[glassport]

Re: Started my restoration, a few questions...

I have another question as I sit here and watch my Pittsburgh Penguins Blast Carolina. What are the Green straps on my gas tank do I leave them on or are they mounted to the Hull somehow? Also are there any tricks or Cautions as I try to remove the tank. Thanks again..

 

[NickAndJena]

Re: Started my restoration, a few questions...

I'm not sure if you have an air compressor or can borrow one, but this is a tool that I've used to carefully make cuts of tabbing near the hull.

Click here to for a link to the tool from HF.

Here is a photo of how close I was able to carefully get to the edge of the hull when cutting the decking out.

Click here for a larger image.
Foam removal has been a time consuming step for us. I would just be careful not to puncture the hull, otherwise anything you can use to pull it out is fair game. Scraping tools, pry bars, and saws seem to be best. We would do a happy dance after pulling out a huge piece from time to time.

Nick

 

[Mark42]

Re: Started my restoration, a few questions...

Regarding a quick way to get foam out... Do you have access to explosives?

I read people using everything from chain saw to electric carving knife. I know from experience that the foam is actually very strong stuff. Cutting a grid or holes will help with ripping out. Try scoring in a checker board pattern, then a pry bar between the squares should start breaking off large pieces.

You are on track. Looking good so far. Keep posting!

Mark

 

[88BLiner]

Re: Started my restoration, a few questions...

I agree with Mark42. What I did was take a saws all and cut a grid then take a pry bar and just work at it. I think the cleanup was the worst part of mine. I took 7 of those bis yard waste garbage bags of foam out. Just keep at it and you can say that you have hit the mile stone of getting all the foam out. I know that does not seem like a big deal but I know it sure feels like one by the time you are done removing it all.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Started my restoration, a few questions...

Foam removal is just what everyone else has said. Chop, hack, cut, saw - anything that works. It's rather tedious but if you imagine yourself like the guy on the Wizard of Id cartoon that is allways breaking out of the dungeon (chop chop, dig dig, etc) it might help the time go faster .

Like Nick said, a 4 inch grinder with a cutout wheel is about the best for the close work. You'll get the hang of it eventually. If you haven't learned about how much the ground glass itches, you'll know soon enough.

My boat had the gas tank mounted in the bow so don't know about yours but pretty sure others will say to get everything out that you can.

Good luck!

 

[glassport]

Re: Started my restoration, a few questions...

Thank you for all the responses. Just knowing others have indulged in the foam removal process helps to ease my mind. I'm learning alot as I go. It gives me time to reflect on my next move. I will keep on, keepin on. I will post more pictures as I progress. Thanks again.