MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

[Mostly Harmless]

After an exhausting search for theses logo's I finally found a set in good shape. I am going to start restoring them this winter. I plan on getting them in good enough shape so that I can make a mold from them and cast them. There isn't a chance I am just going to put these on the boat without having a spare set and the mold (just in case something happens to them again). Even though the logo's are just plastic parts I really think it makes the boat look awesome. Plus I am getting tired of people asking me what kind of boat it is at the dock I will post some pictures of my progress along the way. Any tips or comments would be appreciated. Wish me luck!

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

I seldom get asked what kind of boat LOL but frequently get asked what year... I don't have any logos on my boat- just white shiny paint.

What I get is, "my dad/uncle/cousin had a boat just like that in the 50's/60's/70's; what year is it!?"

Anyway, I did not search for it, but I think I saw someone here post about making molds for MFG trim appliques. You might want to search the archives - there may be a better way to come up with some "spares" - just a thought.

Mark

 

[Fisherball]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

If you get that mold made please post here. I need the logos for my '75 16' Gypsy that I just started to tear the deck & stringers out of. The threads usually don't go into the fun of derigging a boat! I'll start a thread in Restoration forum soon & post here when I do.

Thanks,

Fisherball

 

[Mostly Harmless]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

Mark-Already did that, the poster gave me some good tips. I also contacted another company about my project and they gave me some tips on what to use. I am going to start out with a practice mold to see how the material holds up and how they come out.

Fisherball-Been there and done that! Check out the restoration link in my signature and let me know if you have any questions. It should provide some insight for what you are up against. I spent a good amount of time cleaning out all of the form and grinding away the old fiberglass from where the stringers were attached. I plan on working on the molds soon and will post my progress here. I plan on taking my time to make the logos as nice as possible since I have winter off from boating.

 

[Fisherball]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

I clicked the link & realized I have this thread saved in my favorites! Thanks. It'll take me months to get mine back on water, partially due to my work schedule & partially due to the condition of the economy.

 

[mfg75]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

I'm also looking for a set for my 1975 MFG Gypsy 17'4" with 140 mercruiser. I thought I had a line on a couple of them, but I just found out that the boat was sold. I guess I'll just keep looking.

 

[mfg75]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

If you get that mold made please post here. I need the logos for my '75 16' Gypsy that I just started to tear the deck & stringers out of. The threads usually don't go into the fun of derigging a boat! I'll start a thread in Restoration forum soon & post here when I do.

Thanks,

Fisherball

Fisherball, I don't think his would work as he has a caprice.
MFG75

 

[woosterken]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

mfg75,
this what your talking about right?

mine are in great shape even say gypsy in the center of the checkerboard
BUT they are orignal and pop rivited on , dont know how to make a mold with them on the boat


woosterken

 

[Fisherball]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

My logo is the same as Woosterken's. Both of mine are broken but in different places so between them I may be able to make a mold. The problem is they are different for each side of boat. As you see below, the logo is the least of my problems at this point in time.

 

[woosterken]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

fisher, sorry for the size of the picture
you have any ideas how to make a mold of them WITH OUT takeing them off my boat?

woosterken

 

[Fisherball]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

Wooster,

Size of pix is perfect cuz it's a close-up & I can see details. I saved a copy of it in my restoration photo file. Im not sure about a mold made with logo on boat, it may be possible. A graphics company could make a mold from that pix. I may end up just painting one on but a 3-D logo would look much better & be original. My Gypsy will not stay original cuz I'm building a casting deck over front area with a livewell beneath. I won't put the deck back in that area so I'll have a fairly deep livewell that will be approx. 24" x 24". I'm even thinking of cutting down the splashwell to make it shorter so I have a larger deck area in the stern. That will depend on how well I learn to fiberglass! You can probably tell my boat is for fishing. Fishing Central Ohio without a boat is nowhere near as productive as with a boat. Right now I am waiting for the economy to turn around so there will be money for my toy. If the idiot politicains would do their jobs instead lying about their opponents we would be in better shape quicker!!

Soon I will start a thread in the restoration forum & post links on this one as I progress.

Fisherball

 

[Mostly Harmless]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

The logo's I have are the same ones woosterken is talking about just without the "Gypsy" lettering. Mine have the full checkered patterned and will fit any MFG that also had the checkered patterned logo.

Last night I performed a test of the material I am making the mold out of and it was a success. The mold material worked great. Next I will be pouring a sample of the material I am using to cast the mold to make sure it will perform similar to the original material. The casting material will need to be painted (I am going to paint it the original colors of an off white with the top painted black, this is a bit more complicated then just one color but the look will pay off) in order to protect it from the sun.

I also got a chance to work on the actual logos themselves. I sprayed them with sandable primer and sanded them with 800 grit sandpaper to make them very smooth. I still have to fill some voids before they can be cast. I am putting a lot of time into the prep work so that the end result should look awesome. I do have some pictures that I will try and post later today of my progress.

 

[woosterken]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

mostly harmless,
check this out found it on at car craft magizine how to........

http://www.carcraft.com/howto/ccrp_0705_custom_car_emblem/index.html

woosterken

 

[1fishbone]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

I know this might not the 'correct' solution..how about having a decal made?
They'll never 'break off', and any graphics shop can easily make them.

They are cool looking!
I have a few old MFG emblems hanging in my shop...no, they're not for sale.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

I stripped a '73 Gypsy for parts last summer, it had checkerboard emblems which incorporated the MFG logo just ahead of the checkerboard. The overall emblem was white with black painted surface areas and measured over 20" long. Neither emblem was any good, but I had for a bit considered putting that boat back together and was simply planning on making vinyl decals to match.
Those type of decals don't last long around the sectioned floating metal docks they use here. Its only a matter of time before they get torn off. Even with several fenders out, the boat always somehow catches the dock when being pushed by the river current.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: MFG Checkered Logo Restoration

2D vinyl is an option. PM me if you need something specific. I will need an image in fairly high quality over right but I can still help!