1983 STRIPER 15 Console Restoration
Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 12:36 pm
The console on a 1983 STRIPER 15 seems to be fabricated from fiberglass laminates and gel coat formed in a mold and reinforced by wood to receive mounting hardware and to provide lateral stability.
Q1: what is the best method for filling old 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch-diameter screw holes in the console in areas where the laminate is only 1/16 to 1/8-inch thick?
Due to the thin laminate, simply taping the back of the holes and filling with epoxy or marine tex wouldn't produce a solid bond. Similarly, laying up glass in such a shallow hole doesn't seem feasible either.
Give me ideas on how to fill and to fair these holes in a way that will result in a solid bond.
Again referring to the console, the plywood under the top and the 2-inch x 3-inch frame around the sides and the old accessory mounts seem solid. I'll apply a healthy coat of resin throughout the inside.
The framing that touched the deck has disintegrated due to water rot, which I have ground out.
I plan to use a stainless steel or aluminum angle to mount the console to the deck. I feel as if replacing the wooded frame (after encapsulating it with resin) would allow for an easier and more flexible support for fastening.
Q2: what is the best solution to provide lateral stability around the bottom of the console?
Q3: where can plastic hawse pipes used to to trim out the starboard side hole where the steering and wire harness enters the console be purchased?
Thanks to all for your posts and the priceless info and experience shared! I am embarking on a full restoration of my Striper and need some advice in those two areas.
Q1: what is the best method for filling old 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch-diameter screw holes in the console in areas where the laminate is only 1/16 to 1/8-inch thick?
Due to the thin laminate, simply taping the back of the holes and filling with epoxy or marine tex wouldn't produce a solid bond. Similarly, laying up glass in such a shallow hole doesn't seem feasible either.
Give me ideas on how to fill and to fair these holes in a way that will result in a solid bond.
Again referring to the console, the plywood under the top and the 2-inch x 3-inch frame around the sides and the old accessory mounts seem solid. I'll apply a healthy coat of resin throughout the inside.
The framing that touched the deck has disintegrated due to water rot, which I have ground out.
I plan to use a stainless steel or aluminum angle to mount the console to the deck. I feel as if replacing the wooded frame (after encapsulating it with resin) would allow for an easier and more flexible support for fastening.
Q2: what is the best solution to provide lateral stability around the bottom of the console?
Q3: where can plastic hawse pipes used to to trim out the starboard side hole where the steering and wire harness enters the console be purchased?
Thanks to all for your posts and the priceless info and experience shared! I am embarking on a full restoration of my Striper and need some advice in those two areas.