Wellcraft Nova Spyder Destruction/Reconstruction

[26 Spyder]

Finally got around to cutting the gauge holes.....
I covered the panel with a large piece of masking paper to protect it.
Then I could draw out different layouts until I found one I liked.
I screwed the panel to a piece of wood to hold it secure while drilling. The wood gives a solid surface to hold on to and helps guide the hole saws...

The remaining pieces from the cutouts will make neat fender washers!! May use them in the cabin or somethere...

 

[26 Spyder]

The gauges are mounted. I am sure I will be adjusting them a few times to make sure they are straight.
I set the panel in place to get an idea of the finished product.
There will be a few more gauges in the lower switch panel.

Now I need to update and powdercoat the drive/tab indicator to make it match. It is a new addition to the boat so the dash has been rearranged to make it fit. I also have Kiekhaefer controls to go in place of the old Quicksilver sticks.

 

[HiZ]

It did have Alphas and if I stay twins I will go back that way. Looking for a counter rotating drive now... I also have a complete TRS setup sitting here I have considered using.
Still weighing the options and it also depends on what parts I have here when it is going back together.

While I am here I will start posting a few pics. This is how the boat was when I picked it up a few months ago.

Not sure if you found a drive yet, however

Stearndrive Engineering has a great product that you could use.
Check them out, they are in FL I think.
I have used 2 of the drives on my last boat and was Very Pleased with the result of the product!!!

 

[HiZ]

Nice gauge panel, can you post up the new throttle/shift controls when you get a chance.
I have the Quicksilvers on my boat and was thinking of Zero Effort controls this year for sure.

 

[HiZ]

here's the CR alpha, 3 year warrenty covered even if you hit something with it.

http://www.sterndrive.cc/Merchant2/...eteCR&Category_Code=MercruiserAlphaSterndrive

This is exactly what I was thinking.
:26:

Great price, great product.

 

[old377guy]

looking great!!

 

[HiZ]

I hear there is a windshield for sale on eBay!!!

 

[SCARAB3DMC]

dude I'm sorry I haven't got back to you.. New job has me traveling alot.. did you sell the vents I wanted ?

 

[26 Spyder]

I hear there is a windshield for sale on eBay!!!

There is! Looks very similar to the one off of my project...


Yes, I still have the vents. Been saving them for you.

 

[SCARAB3DMC]

sweet how do you want me to pay?:sifone:

 

[old377guy]

any more recent pix spyder?

 

[26 Spyder]

any more recent pix spyder?

Not yet, Been busy doing boat shows and getting ready for spring.
I should have some soon.

 

[old377guy]

great, we look forward to it

 

[26 Spyder]

Sorry for the lack of progress, My season has picked up and I have been busy working on everybody else's boats..... I will be getting to it soon though! Still been collecting parts.... Might have to pick up a pair of SBC headers soon

 

[old377guy]

keep us posted

 

[HiZ]

There is! Looks very similar to the one off of my project...


Yes, I still have the vents. Been saving them for you.

Vents! I will stop over tonight to pick them up

 

[26 Spyder]

Finally, a little progress!

Been working on the hatch and windscreen. I have decided to go with epoxy resin for the project, I like the extended work times and it works with the inexpensive foam core material I already have.

I laid up part of the hatch in the stock location to get the correct curve. I will be adding the side panels to make it raised and aero scoops soon.

The windscreen was rough cut out of foam and bonded to the hull with epoxy resin/paste. Once it is all attached and final shaped I will cover in cloth and tab to the hull.

I also have the supplies to tab the deck and hull so I can cap the boat. progress on that will follow soon (I hope).....

 

[old377guy]

great to see things moving along - looks super

 

[Buoy]

Just found this thread today.
Looks like you're doing a great Job!!
Nice choice in a boat also.

I've got my own resto of a 24 Pantera going on.
But I had the problem of no time last summer, and now I have the problem of having moved 1800 miles and no job, so I'm reluctant to spend any money at this time.

Keep posting the progress, we all love this sort of thing!

 

[Scarab KV]

Hey Derek. Project is com'n along great. I bought the tachs, sync and steering wheel from ya back in Dec