Stripping the boat: Not long back someone wrote about fixing up older boats and giving them to their grandsons. I have a 1983 Lund American that I rescued from the salvage yard about 5...

1Oldboat42 Loc: Kearney, Nebraska

Not long back someone wrote about fixing up older boats and giving them to their grandsons. I have a 1983 Lund American that I rescued from the salvage yard about 5 years ago. We took out all the partial board and put in oak, new carpet and seats, but I only painted over the scared up outside. So this winter is devoted to going down to the bare aluminum. Looking forward to a good looking ride on the water next spring.
Happy snow days until then.

The Old Director Loc: Salem, IN

I did this many years ago. Removed the paint with a chemical remover in my garage during the winter. Thought I was going to die! Don't do it without HazMat equipment. Then I used a 2-part epoxy marine paint to repaint the hull. It turned out amazingly well. Very glossy finish.

1Oldboat42 Loc: Kearney, Nebraska

The Old Director wrote:

I did this many years ago. Removed the paint with a chemical remover in my garage during the winter. Thought I was going to die! Don't do it without HazMat equipment. Then I used a 2-part epoxy marine paint to repaint the hull. It turned out amazingly well. Very glossy finish.

I spent over 35 years as a professional painter so am very of safety equipment use. However I am using a newer product for me made by 3M that is an abrasive disk that, though made for a new specific power tool by Wagner, yet it works great on my Porta Cable siding sander/paint remover that I have used on countless farm houses. No chemicals needed, just a lot of dust to vacuum up, along with a good dust mask and ear plugs. Sherwin Williams makes an excellent direct to metal paint that has worked well for me with a hardener in the final top coat on the above water areas. And I have found tractor paint with hardener added works well for the bottom side. The boat is never left in the water for long periods of time; just when fishing. Also, 30 mph is about all my old 70 hp Johnson can push the 16 ft Lund. Fast enough to get me where we want to go. Also, the hardener helps give a smooth glossy finish. Look for pictures when I'm done next spring.

The Old Director Loc: Salem, IN

I'll be anxious to see the results. Stay warm and safe.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Fishing Couple wrote:

I spent over 35 years as a professional painter so... (show quote)

Why do you not use the tractor paint on the topsides as well?

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Fishing Couple wrote:

Not long back someone wrote about fixing up older boats and giving them to their grandsons. I have a 1983 Lund American that I rescued from the salvage yard about 5 years ago. We took out all the partial board and put in oak, new carpet and seats, but I only painted over the scared up outside. So this winter is devoted to going down to the bare aluminum. Looking forward to a good looking ride on the water next spring.
Happy snow days until then.

Looking forward to seeing the finished product brother.

Helps when you have the knowledge n a place to do things like that.

I don't have the knowledge n wife doesn't have the patience if I did 🤣🤣

1Oldboat42 Loc: Kearney, Nebraska

bapabear wrote:

Why do you not use the tractor paint on the topsides as well?

Color preference is the main reason. Second is the DTM paint spreads smoother and evenly for a better looking finish. Which leads to third, the weight of the finish. The old boat is already heavy. It's like replacing the particle board with oak took 15 pounds off.

1Oldboat42 Loc: Kearney, Nebraska

Grizzly 17 wrote:

Looking forward to seeing the finished product brother.

I don't have the knowledge n wife doesn't have the patience if I did 🤣🤣

Thanks Grizzly. My wife does have issues with me doing projects like this but I do them anyway. But then she enjoys the reactions of people who come to admire the old boat. She doesn't know it yet but some of the oak will be replaced too while I sand and varnish the rest.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Fishing Couple wrote:

Thanks Grizzly. My wife does have issues with me doing projects like this but I do them anyway. But then she enjoys the reactions of people who come to admire the old boat. She doesn't know it yet but some of the oak will be replaced too while I sand and varnish the rest.

Only modification I've done is to my 81 glastron.

It had a 115 Johnson V4 when I bought it.
Check compression one day n found one cylinder one had 85 psi rest 115.

Since I had my tracker by then.
The biggest lake near was 20 hp max.

I found a 15 hp merc Bigfoot 4 stroke at a great price. Had it installed.

Knowing the 17 gal belly tank was more than I needed I decided to remove it.
It had eternal fuel fill n a large vent tube.
I have a Mennonite fabrication shop near by. Talk to them n asked about cutting tank down.

I had to remove half the deck to remove it. Finally got it out.

They did a fantastic job on the tank.
Went from 17 gal to approximately 7 1/2 gal.
Still had fuel fill tube vent tube n fuel gauge.

Reinstalled it n put new marine plywood flooring n the ole girl is still here. I enjoyed the project 👍😊

1Oldboat42 Loc: Kearney, Nebraska

17 gallon to 7.5 gallon made it easier on the pocket book too. $$$

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Fishing Couple wrote:

17 gallon to 7.5 gallon made it easier on the pocket book too. $$$

I could burn half a tank or more easy with the 115.
The 15 4 stroke will run a week on 7.

Less weight n less risk of fuel running away from pick up.

👍

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Fishing Couple wrote:

Color preference is the main reason. Second is the DTM paint spreads smoother and evenly for a better looking finish. Which leads to third, the weight of the finish. The old boat is already heavy. It's like replacing the particle board with oak took 15 pounds off.

Thanks for the response. I plan to do some painting. Ford 8n blue matches the paint on my boat. I just need to paint a fairly small area (12 to 15 sq. ft total) and planned to spray. Would you still recommend the DTM over the Tractor paint. It is the rail area and dash. I will be repainting previously painted aluminum that has worn thin (no chipping) with some sanded smooth paint still on it. I am fair with an airbrush, but this is a new adventure for me.
All advice appreciated. I have already replaced the floor with marine ply covered by two coats of epoxy. I then put down outdoor carpet. The carpet is so easy to replace. It takes a beating as it goes through crabbing season, but cleans up easy.

1Oldboat42 Loc: Kearney, Nebraska

[quote=bapabear]Thanks for the response. I plan to do some painting.

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I had a bit of what the doctors say, was another "heart episode" and haven't done anything this past weekend. I'm doing ok but work on my boat is at a standstill for awhile.
As far as what paint to use for a touch up on your boat; I would use what gives the closest match. You can always feather it out to hide the patched area. Also a $15 quart vs a $132 gallon dtm (it doesn't come in a quart). Tractor Supply is where I get the hardener to add to the paint. That gives the smooth glossy finish I like on my boat, but if you spray it on be sure to clean the sprayer very good and quickly after you finish. And for carpet, I went with the auto/marine for color choices, and it's easier on my bare feet. The down side is it wares thin at the more used area at the steering wheel.
Happy repairs to you!

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

[quote=Fishing Couple]

bapabear wrote:

Thanks for the response. I plan to do some painti... (show quote)

Thanks. I hope you get the ticker under control. My wife and her best friend are having some heart problems. It is scary, but also amazing what the medical community can do for heart problems and how longlasting the results can be. Even for us old folks. Get her under control and back to boat work

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

All y'all stay safe n well.
Take care of your issues n hang around
👍😊