1st mod... 1969 Mirro Craft 12' V-hull

[wildmantorry]

Hello all, glad to have found this site, it's been a great resource so far. I've been reading up on all the tips and techniques, and have dove right in with the purchase of a 1969 Mirro Craft 12' V-hull. I found it on craigslist for 150, some crazy rebel flag guy had it stashed on the roof of his barn. I plan on making it a trolling-only, two seater with a large bow deck. I want to add a great deal more of floatation to it in the process. I might have to wait a bit, but want to rig up a Torqeedo motor to make it all electric, even look at some PV (solar) technologies. I'll keep everyone posted and hope to gain some insight from this pool of experts in the near future. Thanks!

 

[Zum]

Welcome to the site.
People are always watching and we really like pictures

 

[wildmantorry]

Here she is in the condition I found her in. I have cut out all the seats and gone at it with the Scotchbrite. Just from reading a few posts here, I learned the original owner committed two cardinal sins of aluminum boats, using treated lumber and galvanized screws. I had to chop everything out, but am well on my way! I am planning a rear deck for seating and gas/battery storage, then a bow deck for a gigging platform and storage.
I am not able to post pictures as of yet, IrFranview is not supported by Mac. I have posted links to my photobucket site, to view open as a new link.
https://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/wildmantorry/?action=view&current=IMG_1321.jpg

https://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/wildmantorry/?action=view&current=IMG_1320.jpg

 

[wildmantorry]

I've dug into the wire-wheeling today....not really a fun task, but am glad to see that oxidation stripped off! I also have smoothed out some of the rough scratches with the wheel. As daunting as this task is, one even harder has been locating a retailer that carries self-etching primer! Asking about 8 businesses today, responses from customer service has been the equivalent of showing a dog a card trick.

 

[wildmantorry]

Here she is all wheeled up...

https://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/wildmantorry/?action=view&current=IMG_1338.jpg

 

[Jonboat Jerry]

Nice work Torry. You might try Jasco Prep & Prime available at Lowes & Home Depot.
It will etch new and old aluminum. Keep the pictures coming...Jerry

 

[jdbassin2003]

Not sure if you have a harbor freight in your area but they have rustoleum self etching primer in cases of six cans each for $25.19, Of course those are rattle cans but the price is pretty decent and with the 20% of coupon they have right now even having it shipped is pretty cheap.

Jeff

 

[wildmantorry]

Thanks for the paint suggestions, gentlemen! I went with Harbor Freight... that coupon code covered the shipping and as far away as their nearest store is I'd have paid more in gas! I also thought spraying might be easier for the first go 'round. I've gotten a couple welds on some bad spots, more wire-wheeling, then prime! Also purchased plywood and cypress lumber too!

Here's some pics of the bad spots and their fixes:
Chine hole:
https://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/wildmantorry/?action=view&current=IMG_1332.jpg
Chine hole fix:
https://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/wildmantorry/?action=view&current=IMG_1342.jpg

Gunwale split:
https://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/wildmantorry/?action=view&current=IMG_1331.jpg
Gunwale split fix:
https://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/wildmantorry/?action=view&current=IMG_1343.jpg

 

[wildmantorry]

So I've got the outside all primed up, working on the inside, then will do a mockup of the decking. Got some great advice from my other post, and had a friend from the Navy give some technical advice too (along with a few aluminum bracket pieces). Things are moving along nicely.

 

[wildmantorry]

Today is day 3 of rain, not much work going on. However, MirroCraft replied today, shipping me the catalog for their 1969 lineup. I've included a photo of my model...

https://s1183.photobucket.com/album...ildmantorry/?action=view&current=IMG_1355.jpg

Now I have the full specs of the boat, to include weight capacity. 750 lbs. is going to be just fine!
If anyone ever needs information about their MirroCraft model I'd gladly upload more pages from the catalog. Let me know!

 

[Ringo Steele]

Hi WildManTorry,

Hum... 3rd day of rain...what part of NC are you in? :mrgreen:

 

[wildmantorry]

Near Greensboro.

 

[wildmantorry]

Finished all the priming today, waiting on the SteelFlex, then onto the decking layout!

 

[wildmantorry]

In all her OD glory.

https://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x462/wildmantorry/?action=view&current=IMG_1366.jpg

 

[wildmantorry]

Well, I got my steelflex ordered and set to coating the underside. Their instructions are great, and I'm sure this stuff works great, if I could just get a 65 degree day! They really mean it when they say nothing below 65! One side turned out OK, but as the day went on (and got colder) the other side looks pretty bo-bo. I will have to re-cover it but it doesn't look too horrid. Too bad the wifey won't let me bring the boat in the house!