MFG Gypsy restore

[escape2?]

I'm looking to restore my fathers MFG Gypsy...never done it before but I'm willing to learn..
any advice will be great..I think the first thing to do is to take the top off the bottom. it looks like i have to take off the trim and rubber then grind out the rivets. then sand inside of the bottom of the boat.. i think i'll leave an inch of fiberglass that was holding the stringers, so that i can lay out the new ones....

 

[Pontoon24]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

Yes, I would use the old fiberglass that runs along the stringers and epoxy wood right back in there. Then if you want you can cover the new stringers with glass and overlap the old glass. Do you plan to foam the hull?

It's your resto but I wouldn't take the top off unless it was really necessary. For me whatever I can do to save time means more time on the water instead of in the garage.

 

[sphelps]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

Welcome Escape 2!!
Glad to see another MFG saved from the scrap yard! I'm no expert at boat restoring so I,ll leave the tech advise to the pro's.
There is a lot of information and guys willing to help out here. I'd be lost with out em!! I guess you want to pull the cap to get to the transom? What year is it? Do you got a motor?
Good luck with the restore! S.P.

 

[rickryder]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

First thing I would do is get the boat on a cradle to support the hull from flexing out of shape when you pull the cap.

Read multiple threads on restores....oops hull ext.,friscoboater The how to thread http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288451
Even my thread has some good info. Happy reading Were here to help ya out!

 

[escape2?]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

Yes, I would use the old fiberglass that runs along the stringers and epoxy wood right back in there. Then if you want you can cover the new stringers with glass and overlap the old glass. Do you plan to foam the hull?

It's your resto but I wouldn't take the top off unless it was really necessary. For me whatever I can do to save time means more time on the water instead of in the garage.

Thanks I figured leaving them was the best way to go, but i plan on glassing the stringers fresh & air tight. So sanding out the guide for the new stringers most like will happen. We will be foaming and the top has to come off to change the transom and the floor at the bow.

 

[escape2?]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

Welcome Escape 2!!
Glad to see another MFG saved from the scrap yard! I'm no expert at boat restoring so I,ll leave the tech advise to the pro's.
There is a lot of information and guys willing to help out here. I'd be lost with out em!! I guess you want to pull the cap to get to the transom? What year is it? Do you got a motor?
Good luck with the restore! S.P.

We don't have a motor, not to worried yet. I think the year is 68 69 not sure how to check. And yes the top has to be removed. The transom is f%^ed as you may see in the pictures and the floor in the bow is all rotted.
I'v seen two mfg threads and both didn't really show how to remove the top, i geuss we'll have to wing it.. by the looks of it, we should remove the rubber bumper from the bumper strip down the sides and there are rivets to be romoved. Any info towards removal of the top half would be great.

 

[escape2?]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

First thing I would do is get the boat on a cradle to support the hull from flexing out of shape when you pull the cap.

Read multiple threads on restores....oops hull ext.,friscoboater The how to thread http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288451
Even my thread has some good info. Happy reading Were here to help ya out!

A cradle? We have it on a trailer, three points. How would we go about making a cradle and how costly do you think it may be.

 

[sphelps]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

Does it have this white bondo looking stuff under the rub rail? If so you will have to use a angle grinder with a thin metal cutting blade to put a deep score line about a 1/2 inch or so from the hull and then chip it out with a chizzle .

 

[rickryder]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

Looking back at your pics your on a bunk trailer, better than a roller. If you see any places that may sag just use 2x4/6s and block it up.
When you pull the cap measure the width at different points and check that against the hull to see if it spread.You don't want to rebuild the dtringers,transom and deck only to find the cap wont fit back on because the gunnels bowed outward.

 

[escape2?]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

no the rub rail (bumper) looks good no bondo..strong glass, not sure what`s under the rail , is there a over lapping fiberglass seem

 

[escape2?]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

Thanks for the info good help.. That`s why I came to this site..We will for sure support as many sides as needed, but leaving it on the trailer using the 4 points already holding it..just drop the leaf springs and axle putting the frame right on the ground. then cradle from there. axle and leaf springs can be fixed, changed or just put off to the side till we need them back on the trailer..

 

[escape2?]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

 

[sphelps]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore


Is this your boat? 1970.

 

[escape2?]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

really similar

 

[toolman99]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

Hi, I had my grandfathers 72 MFG Gypsy for many years and a couple of refits, it looks identical, they probably used the same molds for many years though, mine did have the original data plate mounted on the passenger side console for a date and HP limits etc

 

[escape2?]

Re: MFG Gypsy restore

ready to begin the removal of the top half of the boat.