What would you do to this 1961 Arkansas Traveler?

[micks110]

I will be purchasing this boat soon from my neighbor and I will be restoring it. Here is the link to the original brochure on the boat and the link to my pictures.

http://www.fiberglassics.com/arktrav/arktravb61002.jpg

http://s816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/micks110/

I know just from looking at it the fiberglass floor needs to come up. There is not rot or water in the boat but the floor does need to be replaced.
One of my questions is where should I cut the fiberglass to remove the floor?
Another thing I would like to do is get new seats, steering wheel, maybe a new windshield, new paint, radio, and redo the electrical and gas lines. And I would like to try and do most if not all of the work myself. Do you think that about sums it up or:
Let me know what you would do if she was yours,
how you would do it,
and how much you think it would all cost, or how much you would invest in it.
Keep in mind I have never owned a boat or worked on one. I am fairly handy and like to work on things car, home, lawnmowers, etc...
Lastly, I would like to make this boat as beautiful as I can on a somewhat modest budget, and I plan on using this boat with my wife and kids. I don't plan on getting rid of it anytime in my lifetime either. I am just happy the wife said ok in the first place!

 

[mddubya]

Re: What would you do to this 1961 Arkansas Traveler?

Before painting it I'd try buffing it out, You might be surprised how good it looks after a good waxing. There is a thread on here that tells how to do some interior work yourself, you might want to check it out as well.

Looks like you'll have an awesome looking boat once you are done with her, best of luck!

 

[micks110]

Re: What would you do to this 1961 Arkansas Traveler?

The only problem with just buffing it is I want to fill in some of the holes from the previous owners that are on the top red portion. Maybe I can try that on the bottom of the boat (white). I also want to replace the rub rail with new rub rail so I assume that would be the best time to paint when I have that off.

 

[pintojeff]

Re: What would you do to this 1961 Arkansas Traveler?

you did a great job

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: What would you do to this 1961 Arkansas Traveler?

you did a great job

Please re-read the forum rules......you ignored the RED WARNING bar and reopened an OLD thread from 2009

 

[JB]

Re: What would you do to this 1961 Arkansas Traveler?

Hi, pintojeff.

We are really glad you are here, but please respect our rules about replying to old, dead threads.

We publish our rules, (please note rule#12) and we place a BIG RED BANNER by the reply button on threads that have been inactive for over 90 days.

Those failed to keep you from reopening this four year old thread. What might you suggest that would work but still allow the original poster to update his thread and any member to read it for research??

BTW, Bob types a lot faster than I do.:facepalm: