TOPIC: 1964 Wellcraft R-1500 Restoration project

I just purchased a Wellcraft and need a few suggestions on how to revive the gel-coat.

I have started by using a pressure sprayer with soap and a de-greaser. I have found that the mildew / black stains come off pretty easy with the magic eraser.

Should I forgo the finish and just add a few coats of wax at first to see if this will revive some of the finish. Currently it has been in open storage with no cover for years. It needs alot of TLC.

I am looking to revive this item, not truly restore it. If all goes well I have a lot of sweat to invest.

Thanks for any help.

Go get yourself a couple of spray bottles of Tilex. Spray the crap out of the places where there's mold and mildew. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then hit it with the power sprayer. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!! The mold and mildew will be gone. Go look at the Power Cat site and you can see the job this did on my 18DC. I would not wax if you ever plan to paint. Instead, go get some wet dry paper, maybe 800 to 1000 grit. Wet sand the gelcoat and see if you can remove the oxidation layer. Then get back to us.

I have just ripped out the seats (back to back) lounge seats, and would like to add life to the floor and interior. My thoughts are to paint the interior ( white or light gray) with a non slip surface and then add carpeting.

What product should I consider? The boat is 15" long approx 5" wide.

The seats will be replaced with new Wise Seats Deluxe lounge models in either white or gray.

Thanks for all the help.

I would love to see pictures of the whole boat.

The wet sand really did wonders! I have cleaned the entire outside of the boat, and will be sanding this week. It looks as if this sanding will revive some of the life and remove the oxidation layer. It looks better already!
Thanks for the help.

This was the beginning....

Here is the result of listening to a few good suggestions, putting it on the water (and not sinking), and a few days of intense cleaning.

How is it so far?

Here is the inside after the seats were removed.....

After the car wash


I will add more photos over the next few days as I use the wet sand to remove the crackling and oxidation.

I have been told that if we would like to keep the same paint to go ahead and a few coats of wax when we get the desired results from sanding.

I am beginning to fall in love with this project.

It's coming along nicely! I know it's hard work, but very gratifying, IMHO.

I am beginning to fall in love with this project.

Welcome to the club.

Here is the test to see if she floated......

Result: She didn't sink after an hour.

Outcome: Very Positive!

Here are a few pics of the project as it is coming along slowly but I am making progress.

I have painted the interior, removed the side panels and have made new side panels.

Here are the pics.

I will hopefully complete the installation of the side panels tomorrow, allowing the paint to fully dry on the interior floor and sides.

I will keep you posted on the progress and thanks for the tips and suggestions.....you guys are great!

Wellcrafted1