Help with gelcoat restoration: Extreme Case

splash07s

New Member
So I am working on a 64 fish and the top gelcoat is pretty bad off. Here are some pics. Is is salvagable or should I paint?


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the middle picture shows where I was working on a section to see if I could get the original color to comeback, that was 220 grit dry then 220 grit wet 600 wet 1500 wet then buff with compound and it is still pretty blotchy and getting thin.
 
:eek: Stop Now...! :confused:

Reds and maroons were poorly made colors back then. I know :rolleyes: all too well.

I'd say you have no :( chance of "restoring" the existing color; however, red paint colors are very well made today—if you want to keep it the original color—or make it a different color—go ahead and paint it. :)
 
So any recommendations on which paint and process to use.

OK, I'll take a shot.

In my book, a '64 Sunfish is something akin to a '56 Chevy - a classic build period for an otherwise opedestrian name-plate.

As with that '56, you can take a couple of different directions. Since the hull seems to be fine as-is, you don't have to do anything unnatural or un-fast (eg, no paint). The deck however, like your paint job on that '56, is where you can have some fun.

Taking one direction, you can 'restore' the deck -- though by painting it, it will never be 'original'. The boat can have a gloss it never did new. With some care and a lot of work you can have a spiffy boat.

On the other hand, you can take that '56 -or 'that 64- and put on a paint scheme that the original corporate types would never have authorized. Something that maybe gives an ominous or authoritative air, like a matte gray '56, or candy apple, or something ( or the non-heat-absorbing marine equivalents). Of course, as with the rehabbed and modified '56, the '64 will have to be able to deliver in terms of performance, and no doubt it will.

So, it depends on the restorer's objectives and temperament. Nice and tidy, if not really 'original' -- or -- something with swagger.

Let's say, just for discussion, that we want to have some fun here and look for some impact, maybe on a budget. I'd be tempted to get some spray cans of rustoleum 'hammered metal' paint with that distinctly motled look, maybe in nickel or bronze or something equally exotic. Something that will elicit awe in passing adolescents and cause other boats to reflexively keep their distance at marks. That stuff goes on fast and hides imperfections. It looks more expensive than it is. And if you don't like for some reason, it can come off easy enough, and nothing lost. Alternatively, I might get inspiration from some of the jeep off-road vehicle forums. Or maybe give that candy-apple a try. ( just watch out for heat absorption in the wrong places).

Anyway, I'd have some fun.
 
Well my plan was to take it back to as original as possible so I figure I will stay that course. I am going to pick up some interlux brightside one step polyurathane paint in Fire Red. It should match as close as possible. hit the whole boat with some 220 grit then paint and polish. I will update with pics when done. Thanks yall.
 
Ok so i have some pics of the process, I did not use a primer and regretted that immediately. It took an extra can on paint and some thinner to get the job done. I still have one more coat and then wet sanding to do but here she is in her current state.

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Looks nice! They started adding stripes in 65-66, go crazy and throw some white stripes on there. OBTW I just came across your post and I don't see how you could have saved that gelcoat and got it anywhere close to factory.

Thanks for the pics!
 

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update, the project has been coming along really slow, but I am now at the point where I can reinstall some deck hardware. Here is the boat after wet sanding then after buffing.



 
No there is no name, I simply call her the old '64. I have a red and yellow sail I picked up used pretty cheap, I dont know how well it will hold up and honestly I am looking forward to buying a nice new white intesity sail as soon as this one rips.
 

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