Check Mate update

[FCnLa]

Picked it up from the interior shop today. I had him add the stripes on the side pannels and the "Check Mate" on the bow pad and the back seat.

[FCnLa]

rear view:cool:

[175checkmate]

That looks sharp. That did a jam up job.

[FCnLa]

was going to buff the gel, but after buffing a test patch, I could feel the flake. So....I will be stripping the boat of the interior and all hardware to get ready to paint the deck. Also have a little rotten wood to replace. Going to use Duratec clear. I have a few hickies on the deck to fix also.

[tombrown]

Great interior! Looking good. :)

-- Tom

[FCnLa]

I'll keep ya updated on my progress. Looking for water in about 30 days. Like to have it ready for the rumble, if I can swing it......Kinda funny, have not even had it in the water yet. Never even rode in a CheckMate, but I love it already!!!:)

[B.Leonard]

When is the Mercectomy scheduled? :D

-BL

[ncst8er]

The interior looks great, keep us posted on the progress.

[FCnLa]

Well, I am going to run the black bastard (as Gary would say:D) once just to make sure it runs right. I think I have a trade worked out for a 3.6L 300hp OMC V8...... :eek: in pieces with some extra parts....deal still in the workings....haven't a clue what I will put it on....but I'm sure I will find something... :rolleyes:

But to answer your question, Bruce....SOON!:cool:

PS. switching from collecting cars to collecting boats. Soon I will have a few for sale. Boy, sometimes it is nice to be single!!!!:)

[WharfRat]

Interior looks great FC, keep posting

[B.Mac]

Interior looks great!!! Is that gelcoat picture the regular deck & hull finish? It looks exactly like mine. I'm sanding everything with 600# wet then 1000# wet THEN Compound buffing.........then two or three coats of wax. If you can save the gel.....you'll be glad you did. If worse comes to worse & you cant get the gel smooth you can sand it w/ 600# & clear it. Alot less work and will still look good......:D This is what I'm starting with & it looks 100X better w/ just the 600# sanding.....

B.MAC:D

[pyro]

I have to agree with B.mac. I had a Baja with metalflake, and the clear is usually thicker than it seems. The metalflake makes the clearcoat a little bumpy, but it's not showing through yet, don't worry. Wet sand it 600/1000/1500/2000, and buff the hell out of it. You have to rub for like 20 min. in one spot to ever go through the clearcoat...

[Scott]

Looks great!! Impressed!!!

[FCnLa]

Pyro and B. Mac,

I see what you are saying. My only issue was you can feel the flake in places. When you sand this, it is possible to damage the fake. Depending on what it is made of (the flake) depends on what it will do when sanding. I plan to keep it as original as possible. That is why I am going to use Duratec clear (that and I already have some). It is a polyester base and as close to clear gel as you can get. I figure I can sand it with 600 grit and spray it. Then come back and sand it and buff it to a perfect shine. It is also easy to make repairs with.

Some one told me to trash the interior and put a lighter (cheaper) interior in it. I would have not part of that. I like it, and it is very plush. I want to keep it as original as possible!

Thanks,

Paul

[Scott]

Good deal Paul!
I wish my Baja would have had ANY interrior, would rather have recovered than replaced! I was glad I was able to make a new windshield so we could maintain the original frame! New shield is a tad lower and considerably darker, but will maintain the "original" look!

Your rig looks great!, I remember the first pics you posted, you've come a long way in a short time with great results!:cool: :D