RESTO 1997 Sportster

[northstar1951]

Finally got the chance to launch my "new to me" 97 Sportster on the water after replacing the Bilge Pump and fixing the fuel gauge/sender. I bought the boat over the winter so this was my first short test drive to ensure no further mechanical work was required before the warm weather returns to my area in Southern Ontario.

Everything checked out fine. No leaks and a working fuel gauge!:cheers:

I am now getting busy scraping off the old decals, removing oxidation and marks from the body and I am planning to wrap the faded blue plastic pieces with blue carbon fibre vinyl. Add a bimmini top and I am good to go.

The new engine ran well, although like all two strokes the noise was a bit louder than I would like. Oh well, a set of custom ear plugs left over from my motorcycle days will fix that.

 

[cncsignman]

I recently restored a 96 speedster with a lot of oxidation. I tried compound but found that hand water sanding with 1500 then 2000 did a faster job. A little polishing compound and two coats of wax and it looked great!
To remove the decals use a heat gun and plastic razor blades. Use some mild mineral spirits to soften the remaining adhesive then scrape off with the plastic razor blades. Post up some progress pics!

 

[Fat Tony]

Do you have the engine compartment cover? It slips into the opening and then is covered by the engine hatch. If not, it will be pretty loud, it does a really good job of toning down the drone of the engine.
This part: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1996-97-Sea...ash=item4649a6886c:g:LFEAAOSwFqJWqPTq&vxp=mtr

 

[northstar1951]

Thanks for the reply guys. I will attempt to clean the hull the best I can with cleaners and decide whether to go the wet sanding route or simply wax and buff it. Not looking for a showroom shine on an 18 year old boat, just a clean all over look.
The noise I can live with, even with the engine compartment cover in place. Wishing for a whisper quiet ride with a two stroke is just that, wishing. Earplugs will work on dampening the sound of the engine and wind.