Thread: 1996 Blazer VL100 Restoration to Crappie Chaser

Originally Posted by Slab

This bimini stuff ain't easy. We simply added a foot to the length of an existing bimini and that was a nightmare.

I've built them custom for over 10 years now and I still square the frames "Old School", use patterning Scrim or House Wrap to have perfect fitting tops, and only sew in the morning helps too.

Had several tasks on tap for today and getting the Bimini Arch painted was one.



After washing the aluminum frame 3 times with a pre-cleaner to remove all the extrusion oil from the pipe I got to sanding.
Using a Snap-on 3in DA sander, a interface pad, & 180 grit paper I sanded all metal getting paint to apply a tooth to the substrate. Once it was sanded I moved it outside. After moving it I washed it 2 more times to be sure no oils or aluminum dust was left.



To spray the PPG Refinish Epoxy & PPG Refinish Shop Line JAU Urethane I used a Harbor Freight Gravity Feed spray gun (El Cheap-o). I have used these purple guns for over 10 years and for spraying a Single Stage on boat parts it doesn't get any better.



I also need to be able to spray upside down so I'm using the 3-M PPS paint cup system. Not only is it disposable but the gun cleanup is a breeze. These paint cups need a special adapter to use them on your gun. You got to buy the correct one for each gun. Once I put the liner in the body in goes the paint, then the cap (which has a built in paint filter) which is locked on with the black ring. Then you invert your gun pressing the adapter on to the cup-cap, a 1/4 turn and its locked on. To get it to spray upside down you pull the trigger like you are trying to paint, all the air will be sucked out collapsing the cup. From then on it will spray in and position you put the gun in. When done, remove the liner & cap and let the paint harder inside. Once hardened you can throw the whole thing in the trash.



2 coats of Epoxy top coated with 2 coats JAU Urethane and I'm done.

Looks good.

Beautiful!

Well among other tasks, like usual I have 5 things a day going. First off was replacing the wheel bearings in my Tin Boat Trailer. We've all done that so I didn't take pictures.



First things first, silicone bedding was used to grout the 2 bases of the Arch to the Cap of the boat. I realized I can reach about 1/2 way from the inside to thru screw/bolt the mounting hardware on the Shear. It would rip the fiberglass before it came off if I do that. Still mulling it over. Do I really want to tear the boat cap up over a arch that I can make another?



I put enough silicone that it oozed out just like I wanted to see it do. I know the Bases are fully Bedded to the Cap. Of course I cleaned up the excess, what a messy task. No pictures because I had silicone up to my elbows.



Once attached I unmask the hinge areas before taking a last picture.

Looks really good.

Just checking this morning it looks like I will be able to buy either 80" or 102" wide Stamoid Lite for the Top Fabric (no center Seams) and some 600 denier Lime Green polyester Lime Green fabric that matches the SeaDek I used in the Cockpit & on the Hatches. That would punch out real well with the Black 2K Urethane Arch making a Lime Green Boot for the Top fabric.