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metallicats33

  • Karma: +0/-0
Revived 78' Challenger, In the family since new
« on: September 18, 2011, 07:47:54 PM »
My father bought this boat new in 78' he was at the river every other weekend for many years. In 97 it threw a rod and sat in the garage (in pieces) Until 2000. That's when we towed it to my godfather's house in bullhead. The engine was re-built and back on the water in 01' From 01'- 05 it was used by my Godfather and received a second re-build in 04 :o In 06 it was brought back to my father's garage where it sat until July of this year when my Father handed me the keys and the Pinks. The boat was in decent shape but all the hoses and gaskets were dry rotted. It looked like water sat in the lines from the last use so the motor was flushed and the fittings were changed. The Front seats were rotted through so me and a few buds built new wood frames and re-covered them just like they were before. The pump was re-built just before it was brought back to my father's so I just lubed it up and crossed my fingers. Took me about 2 months to get it ready just working on it a few hours after work.  Finally got it out this past week and it ran great. Took the family to Silverood lake for some camping and boating and the boy had a blast. My Dad said the last time the boat was there was 1982. Here are some pics of the Challenger back in the water at Silverwood.




« Last Edit: September 18, 2011, 10:27:48 PM by metallicats33 »
  • Boat #1: 1978 Challenger
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More2LifeThanMPG

  • Karma: +13/-0
Revived 78' Challenger, In the family since new
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2011, 08:02:22 PM »
Sweet looking ride! And that's crazy, love to see those story's of the toys in the family since new.
  • Boat #1: 1989 Howard 21' River Cruiser
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metallicats33

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Revived 78' Challenger, In the family since new
« Reply #2 on: September 18, 2011, 10:39:19 PM »
Thanks, I was a little worried about the engine because of all the signs of being stored with water still in the lines but the block looked good after I flushed it from what I could see with a bora scope. The gel is original and shined up okay with a quick wax, only a few spots of oxidation. It does have some cracks in the gel coat over an area that was patched back in 79' from a jet ski accident. Hopefully I will have the funds to do a re-gel by next year. Also the rub rail needs to be replaced, i've found 3 of the rivits have broken off (probably due to rust) and I've found signs of moisture behind two of them.
  • Boat #1: 1978 Challenger
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IRRebel

  • Karma: +16/-0
Re: Revived 78' Challenger, In the family since new
« Reply #3 on: September 18, 2011, 10:46:23 PM »
Beautiful machine! I wouldn't fix nuttin that don't need fixin'..........Just me..........Enjoy it!  ;D

Ray
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"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting 'Holy Shit what a ride!"---Crewcheif22 AKA Keith

 


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