Looking for info on 50's LoneStar Riviera

[misterfroggy]

Hi all-
Recently picked up a LoneStar Riviera. They're old aluminum-hull boats from the 50's. In the process of fixing it up (and straighten out the paperwork... yuck). They seem really simple and stripped-down, so I think it'll be a fun, doable project.

However, I'd love any info that anyone has on these guys. Searched around the forums and found a bunch of restoration threads, but not much history and not many resources to find parts. One post mentioned fiberglassics for generic parts, so that will be a huge help in the future!

Mostly just want to collect as much info as I can. History, parts resources, things to look out for, opinions, even anecdotes.

Thanks! Looking forward to being a part of the community!

 

[64osby]

Welcome to iboats. :welcome:

For the information on Lone * Star fiberglassics seems to have the most I've seen.

http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/Lone_Star

As far as parts go, if you are trying to do a true restoration, parts will be harder to find.

Do not what you are looking for, maybe a list would help. Pictures are always welcome, especially with cool old Tin boats.

Depending on you needs and wants xbay can provide many solutions. Old donor boats can also be a great source for period fixtures and lights.

 

[misterfroggy]

Hi-
Thanks for the reply. Not really looking for anything in particular at the moment.... Mostly just in the baby stages of stripping her down, re-painting, probably making some new seats and floorboards before I start worrying about parts. But looking ahead, I feel like the first order of business for me will be to get the steering system set up. Think I can just use generic parts for that!

Mostly just saying hi and collecting info for the future

Definitely not hoping for a "true" restoration. Did some research before I bought and it seems like actual parts (even like badges and stuff) are difficult to find. My plan is to use original parts wherever possible, but to not be disappointed if I have to go generic!

Thanks again!

 

[64osby]

Did it have steering when you brought it home? Cable / pulley, rotary or rack?

IMO transom, foam, deck, paint all come before steering. Don't know where you are on the map, but winter is a great time to gather inexpensive parts.

 

[misterfroggy]

Hi-
No, no steering. Planning to paint and get the deck up before steering.... don't think there's much or any foam on this one. don't know much about the transom, haven't really looked at it yet, but it seems solid. Anything in particular I need to look for with these transoms? It looks like it's just wood over the aluminum.

Thanks!

 

[64osby]

Make sure the transom wood is solid not wet or rotten. Check all the edges and all the bolt holes for rot. If you find it is wet or rotten replace it. It will be very easy.

Foam is a good safety add on. Helps keeps the boat from going to the bottom if something bad were to happen. Your hull being from the 50's probably didn't have any to begin with.

 

[misterfroggy]

Hi-
Thanks for the tips. I will definitely check the transom out and replace if needed!

Am I to understand from your post that one can just add foam, and that it's a good idea? Where would I add foam on this boat, and how? I think my hull is just a thin sheet of aluminum with no real spaces anywhere....

Thanks!

 

[wahlejim]

If you look in the restoration thread, you can see some ideas of different types of foam people use. In your case, I would stay away from the pour foam and just get the boards and cut them to fit. It will probably take a weekend to do all of the cutting and placing, but nothing beats piece of mind imho

 

[64osby]

Haven't seen any pics yet so can't comment on where any foam might go.