1997 Sportster Project

[SpazC]

1995 Sportster Project

Hi All,

New on the forum, been lurking for some time now and I figured I'd share a project boat my Father and I are working on.

1995 Sportster Bought for $$CHEAP$$ Running but needed MANY repairs.

Since bought, we've had the seats recovered, the engine and drivetrain has been rebuilt.

Still to come:
replace mirrors
restore front hood
LOTS of buffing and a wax job.
Hydro Turf ( found while lurking here)
New top side decals
Possibe Stereo ( any suggestions and help here would be appreciated)
Possible Bimini Top.

Here are some before photos, more to come as we progress.

Found in a PWC Graveyard

Interesting front cupholder placement from a previous owner.

90's Graphics below the Bump Trim are in great shape.

The top... not so much.

 

[griz400]

keep the progress posted -- btw -- is it Framingham ???? where you live ???

 

[SpazC]

Hydro turf is ordered!
Hoping it arrives by the weekend.

Actually live in Birmingham.

Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

 

[SpazC]

Turn's out its a 95, not 97. What are the major differences between the two model years if any?

I'll be down at the lake tonight, updated photos in the morning.

 

[Dr Honda]

The 97 would have the 720 engines, and carbon seals in the drive shafts.

The 95 has 657x engines... and seal packs. Also... it has a single water intake, and then it splits to the 2 pumps.

The are a bunch of little differences... but the ones above are the major ones.


Good luck on the water run.

 

[SpazC]

Thanks Dr. Honda.

Well the Hydro Turf that was ordered is looking like it might not work, just gotta see when It gets in.

The owner had stated it was a 96, we didn't know any different until I looked at the ID plate on the motor and saw it was not a 720.

Anyway, got her cleaned up a bit earlier in the week. Had our mechanic look over the motor and pump, everything is running strong now.
Going to get some more polishing done this morning and get her in the water this afternoon.

All in all, including the trip to our mechanic, we only have 1175 in the boat.

Updated pics once the dew is off the boat!

 

[SpazC]

Took the boat out this afternoon, let her warm up for a while then got on plane! Rides great with my and my younger sister in the boat and feels like I could have 3 adults on the boat without it bogging down. I'm quite impressed with the little 80hp engine.

Updated photos below. There is still much work to do, but as of now she's good to ride.

Any suggestions on replacing the scupper lines, particularly the one next to the driver's foot?

New Upholstery

Shined up the hood! Tip from our mechanic, brake fluid speeds up the process ( it eats through almost anything). Still needs more buffing.

I buffed off most of the oxidation and the shine is starting to show.... still could use a few more hours of work.

Docked up for the night.

 

[SpazC]

Well, got some more work done on her.

- Replaced fuel Filter
- Started Installing Hydro Mat ( Semi Custom Job as we ordered mats for the wrong year)
- Cleaned up Red accent knob on throttle. ( Again, careful use of brake fluid )
- Touched up the Grab Handle with Teal Vinyl die. Anyone ever used it on the hood?

Pics!

Knob Before-

Knob After!

Hydro Turf ( more on order)

Any Suggestions for the cracks on the engine hatch?

Teal Vinyl Die to touch up the grab handle

 

[elliottc]

97 challenger hope to have her in smith lake this weekend, maintenced, new hydro turf, stereo is next