85 Comp Rebuild

[michael hunter]

Two years ago I picked up a 85 Comp with a nice hull but interior was toast and stringers and floor was the worst I have ever seen. The price was right and I was looking for another project . At the time I was about half way through a 67 Correct Craft Mustang so the comp has been on the back burner. Never Start Another Project until the first one is done. About a month ago I started the comp Gutted it removed the drive line and lifted the top cap . Since then I put the hull in the basement and started to remove foam. That is when I found the botched stringer and foam job . It looks like they were more concerned with holding up the floor than holding up the engine. I got it stripped down and started removing the hacked in stringers to get to the original stringer locations. It looked like they poured in liquid epoxy to hold the stringers down some was 2'' thick . Every thing they did was hacked in and not even close to correct. It would have been a huge problem if they had prepped the hull before pouring in the epoxy. For the most part a chisel and hammer popped the epoxy off in large chunks since it never bonded to the hull. Wife has started on interior and yes we are going with the original rainbow strips .

https://i.imgur.com/VlDMcmD.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/e3xaxmF.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/XQia2UP.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/naly3YE.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

https://i.imgur.com/kFclftT.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TzRhgsf.jpg?1

Here is the 67 Mustang
https://i.imgur.com/FTSoowy.jpg?1

[etktryd]

Awesome.... Keep the pix coming! Hope everyone had a good thanksgiving.

[zeylopez]

The photos are awesome! It is a huge effort. You are truly an inspiration.

[michael hunter]

Wife has started the upholstery. We are going with the original rainbow color theme.

https://i.imgur.com/ZmH14XS.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/b5HDFpP.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/IjERhrK.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/g7rr3bB.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

Work continues on the stringers . I got one side removed and hull sanded down to install the new stringers. All the backings for the swim platform and the rudder are rotted out more cutting and installing new wood.

https://i.imgur.com/WsNaTCf.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/IZtG9L4.jpg?1

Rudder backing rotted
https://i.imgur.com/TZ87y49.jpg?1

[Mischief IV]

Looking good, Michael! Glad you kept the rainbow stripes, that's old school for sure. Nice work. Are you keeping the Mustang?

I'll be over in your neck of the woods next week, I need to stop in and see this in person.



ETKTYRD, check your private messages.

[hoop46]

This is a rerun right? Same color scheme as mine an all. Rainbow strips will look awesome!

[MJHKnox]

Rainbow strips look good against that bright white.

[michael hunter]

Started shaping the stringers they have to be scribed and planed to fit the hull.

https://i.imgur.com/hGj21Ov.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/mgjAmep.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/v6WKPWj.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

Work continues first two stringers are made and coated with CPES yesterday I epoxied them in . Also I found the backing for the rudder was totally rotted away. So far every piece of wood in this boat is rotted and needs replacement.

https://i.imgur.com/tV5ahUm.jpg?1


https://i.imgur.com/WjkFm8P.jpg?1


https://i.imgur.com/aWEPYkZ.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

Finished the right side stringers epoxied them to the hull.

https://i.imgur.com/vOqmxDR.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/IjOQ9sF.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/VL2KxRf.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

Got the port side stringers built and installed. Next step is fillets then glass mats.

https://i.imgur.com/vMfM8R8.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/nOWwxyE.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/3nnF5Eo.jpg?1

[MJHKnox]

Started shaping the stringers they have to be scribed and planed to fit the hull.
https://i.imgur.com/hGj21Ov.jpg?1


Do you have something to use to find what degree of angle to cut?

[michael hunter]

Do you have something to use to find what degree of angle to cut?

Just scribe and test fit a hundred times . I get them to fit within 1/8'' or less then epoxy them to the hull

[michael hunter]

Got all the fillets done yesterday next step will be glassing them to the hull.

https://i.imgur.com/E0UF3nY.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/7jM531Q.jpg?1

[MJHKnox]

Just scribe and test fit a hundred times . I get them to fit within 1/8'' or less then epoxy them to the hull

Somehow I had a feeling you were going to say that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[michael hunter]

Stringers rapped with fiberglass mat

https://i.imgur.com/ZYILkB4.jpg?1

Installed closed cell foam and started the deck

https://i.imgur.com/gqghNWx.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GDlLSAe.jpg?2

[michael hunter]

New deck is fitted had to use 3/4'' 5/8 '' is nowhere to be found . 140.00 per sheet Lets Go Brandon. Test fit the upper hull before glassing in the floor . Fit is good but top cap will need to come back off to finish the floor. Got carpet going with navy blue instead of the black that was there should be ready for interior next week.

https://i.imgur.com/xixHhsA.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/SUmapcO.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/4eLxI9Q.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/pVh2Wxw.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

Dragged it back into the basement workshop took the cap back off to finish the glass on the floor and install the foot well . I had to put the cap back on because the floor was so hacked and rotted I couldn't get patterns and locations were lost. Floor is in and glassed in. Looking good for the end of the month . Retirement is a good thing.

https://i.imgur.com/8cUGvww.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/goXI8OM.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/TDSUWH6.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

Deck is done time for carpet I went with navy blue to go with the blue on the hull .

https://i.imgur.com/r599uC9.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/HcM0Lqu.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/BeCoob7.jpg?1

[MJHKnox]

Do you buy the marine carpet in north GA? Did not know if they offered better pricing over there.

[michael hunter]

I get my carpet from Keston Bro's in Norcross GA.

[michael hunter]

Work continues dash vinyl was bad I replaced it with 4 way stretch vinyl. Also got carpet on the center wall under the noise and engine lower frame.

https://i.imgur.com/1dX6fh3.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/SrgP4Ps.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/DW8McM2.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/MMvoYVa.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

https://i.imgur.com/fRwSKZH.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

Work continues there are tons of little things that need to be done but don't show much progress. Got the dash back in and wired , speedos and pickups done. Apparently there is a nation wide shortage on 3'' blower vent hose would like to install before cap goes back on [ Lets Go Branden].

https://i.imgur.com/07ZP852.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/3JIGul6.jpg?1

[hoop46]

Work continues there are tons of little things that need to be done but don't show much progress. Got the dash back in and wired , speedos and pickups done. Apparently there is a nation wide shortage on 3'' blower vent hose would like to install before cap goes back on [ Lets Go Branden].

https://i.imgur.com/07ZP852.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/3JIGul6.jpg?1

Dash looks good! Makes me want to redo mine in black

[Mischief IV]

It's coming along nicely. You've been busting a move since I was last over at your place. Looks great as always! Glad you are keeping it old school.

[michael hunter]

Top cap is finally back on still a lot to do but looking for a early March sea trial .

https://i.imgur.com/EQbOTkl.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/dUAIXIu.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/EIYcT3f.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/gy0JRfO.jpg?1

[hoop46]

Michael,
If you happen to have a 4 1x1 squares of that carpet leftover I'd love to have it for my speaker frames for my Comp. I'd be happy to pay shipping.

[michael hunter]

Yes I will probably have some extra carpet . I get it from Keston Bro's

[michael hunter]

Top cap is back on most of the electrical is done working on interior. Unfortunately a lot of the seats were replaced by PO . They were not done right and now the patterns are gone. I got the gaskets and seals for the engine I will reseal and paint engine and trans before installing it.

https://i.imgur.com/S4iu6L8.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/EBegtUU.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/BhxbA0f.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/i0ZUUWY.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

https://i.imgur.com/a1l7b3O.jpg?1

[hoop46]

https://i.imgur.com/a1l7b3O.jpg?1

Are you going to seal all that wood with anything before install?

[michael hunter]

I use CPES [clear penetrating epoxy sealer] on all the raw wood all plywood is either marine or MDO signboard they both use waterproof glue the CEPS will make it more rotproof. CEPS is available on line.

[Mischief IV]

Funny, I've seen this boat several times now and was just looking at some pics from last Friday and noticed the original speaker holes. Mine is the same way, hidden behind the upholstery as mine was radio delete. I like the location of the ones you have better but I really don't want to cut into fiberglass.
After my new upholstery job, I don't even want to cut holes at all. Anyways, it allows for larger speakers down low and doesn't contrast with those side panels. I'll have to think about this. How much room is behind those speakers? Seems like they would have to be shallow depth.

Hope you don't mind me posting these pics but wanted to share thoughts.

https://i.imgur.com/7MUegxy.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/V1K0dL8.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Y7K9pVv.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/S9WCUGb.jpg

[michael hunter]

Be carful there is hardly any clearance between the inner hull and outer hull. You will not be able to install a high quality speaker that low .

[Jetlink]

Be carful there is hardly any clearance between the inner hull and outer hull. You will not be able to install a high quality speaker that low .

Speakers? Just open the throttle, get up on plane and let that 351W sing the song of my people for everyone on the lake.

[michael hunter]

I didn't put the speakers in but now I have to cover the holes. I use my phone and a Bluetooth speaker when stopped and relaxing you can't hear the music over the open exhaust anyway.

[Mischief IV]

Hey Michael,

Hate to be the bearer of bad news (I don't really think this is bad news) and since you are a moderator, this will be an easy change for you, but you need to change the title of this thread to 1986 Comp Rebuild.

Going back through pics I took over at your place of your Comp, I noticed the last 2 digits on the HIN are 86. Last four are K586 if my eyes are not deceiving me. That means your Comp was built in November of 1985 four months into production for the model year 1986.

Besides the extra quarter that puts in your pocket at resale, it's also cool because now it's a sister boat to my 1986 Supra Sunsport Skier that was built in August of 1985. Last four of mine are H586.

Notice the color combos are very similar if not the same and would make a spectacular picture together. Even the striping looks to be the same size so what I ordered for you, I hope will work for mine down the road. By the way, I ordered striping on Wednesday (16th) and should be here in couple weeks. Will let you know.

Anyway, check the last 2 digits on HIN to verify, but from pic it definitely looks like 86 to me.

See ya.

Hunter Comp HIN
https://i.imgur.com/tpWeQ6v.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NLC84g4.jpg

1986 Supra Sunsport Skier
https://i.imgur.com/OT9sAyE.jpg

[Mischief IV]

Hunter, does this look familiar?

https://i.imgur.com/rtwQ8Yk.jpg

[hoop46]

Hunter, does this look familiar?

https://i.imgur.com/rtwQ8Yk.jpg

I may or may not have just ordered a 3x5 banner of that image.

[michael hunter]

Hoop 46 text me your phone number concerning the carpet you wanted. 678-227-8833

[JBreezy]

Amazing work, Michael. So precise. And like everyone else, love the rainbow and pretty much everything about the boat. I had never ventured outside of General Chat until just recently but am so glad I came over or would really be missing out on some gold.

[michael hunter]

Interior is going well taking a lot more time because of lost parts previous owner tried to rebuild seats and tossed the passenger and rear seats so both have to be scratch built. The rainbow pattern is growing on me.

These are in process pics of the seat skins and foam.
https://i.imgur.com/0GLBM3F.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/YI8okmf.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/snwmssc.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/wcSoJ1m.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

https://i.imgur.com/KyxlpBe.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/EswqJhG.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/gl6yjeB.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

Both front seats are done rear seat is 80 % . Interior should be done early next week. Next step is the engine and trans clean, reseal and paint. I am upgrading the ignition to a DUI system I have had very good results with them.

https://i.imgur.com/FF8JqWB.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/YrLQcvV.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/6Pqiq15.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/XVy0fh8.jpg?2

[michael hunter]

Interior is finally done it worked out good . I am even happy with the rainbow stripes. Next step is to teardown , reseal and detail the engine and trans.

https://i.imgur.com/FF8JqWB.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/9sIjWEs.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/4ZS7esT.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/9yh7uz3.jpg?1

[Mischief IV]

Interior is finally done it worked out good . I am even happy with the rainbow stripes. Next step is to teardown , reseal and detail the engine and trans.

https://i.imgur.com/4ZS7esT.jpg?1



Did you do 4" foam for the seating? That looks plush.

Nice job making it from scratch.

[harbinfarr]

Interior is finally done it worked out good . I am even happy with the rainbow stripes. Next step is to teardown , reseal and detail the engine and trans.

https://i.imgur.com/FF8JqWB.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/9sIjWEs.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/4ZS7esT.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/9yh7uz3.jpg?1Michael if you did all that upholstery yourself and you don't do that for a profession, you are in the wrong business! That looks great!

Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

[michael hunter]

Main bottoms are 3'' high density foam with 1/2 '' added it the front for leg support. My wife has been sewing since high school I build the seat frames and do the
stretching and stapling. We have been doing this for years and have gotten better at it. It is very labor intensive and the cost of materials has skyrocketed. Its truly a labor of love I would never want to do it for a living.

[3826smith]

Awesome job on the restoration Michael. Going back with the rainbow color scheme is the way to go! My wife and I did the same on our 88 comp when we did a cap off stringer job back in 2020. Keep up the great work!

[michael hunter]

Engine cleaned up and sealed . I installed the engine and trans ,aligned the propshaft and got her running. All seams well getting ready for sea trials.

https://i.imgur.com/ClMnY87.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/An1BynR.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/omXlsFA.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/hkVMJD0.jpg?1

[michael hunter]

Maiden voyage. After the engine was installed we had a little setback. The red stream of oil coming from the bell housing said it all. Trans had to come back out. I ordered the new front seal 4 days later they delivered the wrong seal. The good news was I was able to get the number off the old seal. Thanks to Napa I had the right one in less than a day. So yesterday we put it in the water and when wife put it in reverse to back off the trailer it went forward. I installed the wrong prop I currently have 9 boats and its getting hard to tell what's what anymore . So a quick switch and we are on the way . The boat ran out beautiful . The oil gauge , fuel gauge , tach and both speedo's are dead I will check them out today.
https://i.imgur.com/jNKptNo.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/IOCZmBJ.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/Sa09FK7.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/6ZIE045.jpg?1

[Mischief IV]

So cool! You make it look easy my friend.

[hoop46]

The rare teak swim platform. Looks great!

[Jetlink]

The rare teak swim platform. Looks great!

That is the second Comp I have seen with a teak platform.

[MJHKnox]

Maiden voyage.
https://i.imgur.com/6ZIE045.jpg?1


Great job and cool pic. Looks awesome.