1978 Spectra 20

[hd85ironhead]

I need to have the false woodgrain repaired, I don't want to paint over it. This Spectra 20 was originally a slow-going project boat that my father and I bought and worked on together. He passed away in August, so it has a lot of sentimental value. Has anyone done that work successfully? I know it is expensive, but at this point, it doesn't matter. I just want it to look original. Any help is appreciated.

 

[hd85ironhead]

Recently re-did our Spectra too. Original headliner on this one, and the other 2 20's I've had as well as the hundreds of boats I did in the shops, almost always had headliner on the gunnels. For a few customers we did shag carpet in place of the usual headliner material, that was a bitch to do by the way.

I wanted an old school 70's feel to this one so I went with shag carpet and extra long headliner material. Told the little girl across the street who was out there with me every day I worked on this deal that the headliner was actually a bear skin from a bear I shot decades ago. She still believe's it and when the boat was still home would bring her little friends over to show them the bear skin. lol
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Where did you find shag carpeting? I would love to put that back in!

 

[old rigger]

Where did you find shag carpeting? I would love to put that back in!

Found it at Lowes. Doesn't look like it but it has the same length nap that the original carpet had, this stuff is nicer and tighter so it doesn't have that old school shag look, but it'll do. All the shag we used in all the shops back in the day was just cheap house carpet, there was no marine grade shag. The salesmen might have told the customer it was marine grade, but it was just plain old carpet.

 

[hd85ironhead]

Found it at Lowes. Doesn't look like it but it has the same length nap that the original carpet had, this stuff is nicer and tighter so it doesn't have that old school shag look, but it'll do. All the shag we used in all the shops back in the day was just cheap house carpet, there was no marine grade shag. The salesmen might have told the customer it was marine grade, but it was just plain old carpet.

Nice! Any idea where I can find original type fur headliner? Mine is all torn down.

 

[hd85ironhead]

I need to have the false woodgrain repaired, I don't want to paint over it. This Spectra 20 was originally a slow-going project boat that my father and I bought and worked on together. He passed away in August, so it has a lot of sentimental value. Has anyone done that work successfully? I know it is expensive, but at this point, it doesn't matter. I just want it to look original. Any help is appreciated.

Actually, looking closer, it looks like the blistering is all above the woodgrain. This may sound like a dumb question, but would it be possible to dig out the blistering and fill it in with resin?

 

[old rigger]

Nice! Any idea where I can find original type fur headliner? Mine is all torn down.

Found the stuff I have at JoAnn's fabric store. They also have/had the short nap original style material that was used back in the day. In fact they had the right material for my '05 sierra pickup when I re-did the headliner in it.

 

[hd85ironhead]

Found the stuff I have at JoAnn's fabric store. They also have/had the short nap original style material that was used back in the day. In fact they had the right material for my '05 sierra pickup when I re-did the headliner in it.

I never thought of that. Thanks!!!

 

[SBMech]

The original Pacalon is still around...but very limited: https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/wood-grain-on-hull.158797/

Start your search there, good luck!

 

[hd85ironhead]

Okay, I have a tough request. Does anyone happen to have the measurements for the engine cover? Or maybe some detailed photos of the engine cover, frame and how it fits around the engine box? I am building from scratch and can really use some help.

 

[t&y]

Okay, I have a tough request. Does anyone happen to have the measurements for the engine cover? Or maybe some detailed photos of the engine cover, frame and how it fits around the engine box? I am building from scratch and can really use some help.

No idea in regards to the original measurements. If I were in your shoes, I'd go pick up some PVC tube and a bunch of 90 degree, and 45 degree couplers. Build a mock up for measurements to clear everything inside the engine, then you can take all the measurements you need.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Is the engine in the boat?
I built the bottom box first, then made patterns of cardboard of how the top part will fit. Then just trace the patterns to the plywood.
I have a lot of pics on my build thread.
By looking at other boats boxes, you could get it very close to factory.

SPECTRALEN's 20 Rebuild

Lenny, looks great but your motor is in back wards unless you are going to run a right hand drive gear box like a circle boat.. Oh I forgot it's a jet boat... Just kidding you, great job man looks like you are cranking it out man. Gears? The only gears this thing is running are the timing...

www.riverdavesplace.com

 

[hd85ironhead]

Is the engine in the boat?
I built the bottom box first, then made patterns of cardboard of how the top part will fit. Then just trace the patterns to the plywood.
I have a lot of pics on my build thread.
By looking at other boats boxes, you could get it very close to factory.

SPECTRALEN's 20 Rebuild

Lenny, looks great but your motor is in back wards unless you are going to run a right hand drive gear box like a circle boat.. Oh I forgot it's a jet boat... Just kidding you, great job man looks like you are cranking it out man. Gears? The only gears this thing is running are the timing...

www.riverdavesplace.com

Great, thanks! The motor is not in the boat right now. How is the bottom box attached?

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Mine is through bolted in the front to the little bulkhead of the engine box, meaning the fiberglassed wood structure that is glassed to the hull and the motor sits on.
I think the original hatch bottoms just layed in place, the hatch top is hinged to the back and when closed it kind of locks in place.
Mine is a little different because I raised the heighth of my floor.

 

[hd85ironhead]

Mine is through bolted in the front to the little bulkhead of the engine box, meaning the fiberglassed wood structure that is glassed to the hull and the motor sits on.
I think the original hatch bottoms just layed in place, the hatch top is hinged to the back and when closed it kind of locks in place.
Mine is a little different because I raised the heighth of my floor.

Thank you. It has been so long since I Took that engine cover off, I honestly don't remember. It was something like 16 years ago.

 

[hd85ironhead]

Here's where I'm at today

 

[SPECTRALEN]

That's looking real good. Take a lot of pictures and post a lot. It really helps when asking for advice and it also is a great way of recording everything.

 

[hd85ironhead]

Seats in my kitchen

 

[hd85ironhead]

That's looking real good. Take a lot of pictures and post a lot. It really helps when asking for advice and it also is a great way of recording everything.

I think I read something about bulkheads should not be touching the sides of the hull. Is this true?

 

[braindead]

I think I read something about bulkheads should not be touching the sides of the hull. Is this true?

Just noticed your thread and am glad to see you bringing this boat back to its former glory, it might be a long road but you will reach the end.

I've got a 73 spectra and my bulkheads do touch the sides and the top, I'll get some pics tomorrow, if I remember.

 

[74 spectra20 v-drive]

I think I read something about bulkheads should not be touching the sides of the hull. Is this true?

Correct, do not build your bulk heads to be a tight fit, on the sides or under the deck, leave a 1/4 plus gap and let the glass be the strength. On several of mine I glassed a flat piece of plywood to the top deck and then glassed the bulk heads to that. what happens is over time you will get a transfer and see the end of that bulk head thru the gel coat or paint. In this picture you can see that I added a few extra bulk heads, these things dip where the top deck drops down from the dash, when i put the deck back on we crowned it and added the Y looking bulkheads on each side, you can see the glassed panel on top and on the sides. i added the forward bulk head because I am a fat SOB 6'4" and 330, and i was walking on this deck, i have no deflection at all

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Correct, do not build your bulk heads to be a tight fit, on the sides or under the deck, leave a 1/4 plus gap and let the glass be the strength. On several of mine I glassed a flat piece of plywood to the top deck and then glassed the bulk heads to that. what happens is over time you will get a transfer and see the end of that bulk head thru the gel coat or paint. In this picture you can see that I added a few extra bulk heads, these things dip where the top deck drops down from the dash, when i put the deck back on we crowned it and added the Y looking bulkheads on each side, you can see the glassed panel on top and on the sides. i added the forward bulk head because I am a fat SOB 6'4" and 330, and i was walking on this deck, i have no deflection at all

That's the way I did all mine.

 

[hd85ironhead]

Before & after

 

[SPECTRALEN]

Looks pretty good. Maybe more pics with some a little closer?

 

[hd85ironhead]

Here are some closer photos. Question, can I cut forward facing 6.5" speakers in the bulkheads? Also, does anyone have any ideas on how to remove the adhesive tape which held the Chrome molding on, around the cockpit? It is pretty hardened now.

 

[SPECTRALEN]

I'd try acetone and then with a scotch bright pad with the acetone.
My son bought this wheel you chuck up in your drill to remove body side moulding tape and it worked pretty good.
3M eraser wheel

 

[spectra75]

Just a suggestion, ditch that Fram oil filter! Great write up and nice boat. Another classic ride saved!

 

[hd85ironhead]

More phoros

 

[hd85ironhead]

Here is the new "weasel fur" headliner. LOL

 

[hd85ironhead]

Does anyone happen to still have an original doghouse engine cover and frame on their Spectra 20?

 

[SBMech]

Does anyone happen to still have an original doghouse engine cover and frame on their Spectra 20?

I have mine removed, as I am in the middle of building a rear bench setup. Unfortunately I am several hours away from my boat at the moment, and won't be up there for another month probably. If no one can give you the measurements by then, PM me in 30 days to remind me to measure it out and take photos for you.

 

[hd85ironhead]

I have mine removed, as I am in the middle of building a rear bench setup. Unfortunately I am several hours away from my boat at the moment, and won't be up there for another month probably. If no one can give you the measurements by then, PM me in 30 days to remind me to measure it out and take photos for you.

THANK YOU!!!

 

[hd85ironhead]

Still going... A couple before & after

 

[74 spectra20 v-drive]

Wood grain looks awesome!!!! are you capping this, I am kinda partial to that

 

[hd85ironhead]

Wood grain looks awesome!!!! are you capping this, I am kinda partial to that

Thanks! This may be the longest Spectra restoration ever. What does capping mean?

 

[hd85ironhead]

Trailer is sanded and coated with bedliner

 

[Maw]

Still going... A couple before & after

How did you restore the wood grain, sand and clear coat, painted the grain on, or ??

 

[hd85ironhead]

How did you restore the wood grain, sand and clear coat, painted the grain on, or ??

It's actually a laminate. It was done by a friend of mine. For years, I couldn't find anyone who could fix it. So we just went with a laminate for now. Maybe down the line, I'll try routing it out, installing a veneer, then epoxy over. There's gotta be a way to do it.

 

[hd85ironhead]

I have mine removed, as I am in the middle of building a rear bench setup. Unfortunately I am several hours away from my boat at the moment, and won't be up there for another month probably. If no one can give you the measurements by then, PM me in 30 days to remind me to measure it out and take photos for you.

If you still have it and if you're not going to use it, would you consider selling it?

 

[hd85ironhead]

These are the best pics I have but yes the carpet goes all the way up the side gunwale.

I know this is an old thread, do you happen to still have this boat and the same engine cover? I'm trying to fabricate my engine cover and have absolutely nothing to go by. I really could use the measurements.

 

[hd85ironhead]

Also, I'm looking for a 460 for this. The original is completely shot and not rebuildable. Looking for stock marine short block. I'm literally in the final stretch of a 21 year project and any help is greatly appreciated! Jason

 

[Backlash]

Nice job on your rebuild! I don't know how I missed your thread, but I'm all caught up now! You and I are in the running for the longest rebuilds on the planet! LMAO!! I think I'm going on 9-ish years with my Howard.

Are you going to stay with a Ford engine?

 

[hd85ironhead]

Nice job on your rebuild! I don't know how I missed your thread, but I'm all caught up now! You and I are in the running for the longest rebuilds on the planet! LMAO!! I think I'm going on 9-ish years with my Howard.

Are you going to stay with a Ford engine?

I have a 460 that I was going to rebuild, but I don't have time. I'm trying to get this done by Memorial day, so I'm looking for a good used, running 460 for sale, until I rebuild this one.

 

[hd85ironhead]

 

[Backlash]

It turned out nice! Can you upload a picture of the rear where the engine sits? I'm interested in your stringer and floor layout, to see what you're working with. Building the doghouse isn't a difficult job providing you have some basic tools and knowhow. After seeing your work, I'm sure you could do it no problem.

 

[hd85ironhead]

It turned out nice! Can you upload a picture of the rear where the engine sits? I'm interested in your stringer and floor layout, to see what you're working with. Building the doghouse isn't a difficult job providing you have some basic tools and knowhow. After seeing your work, I'm sure you could do it no problem.

This is the most recent photo I have, 2 years old. It doesn't look like that anymore and the motor was scrapped, but you get the idea. Brand new starboard tank has been installed.