Hello all, "Viejito" here from St. Augustine Florida. Wood boat restorer, 50s era outboard motors, a couple of muscle cars and after 63 years, a Chevy owner once again. First was a 1946 coupe in Alaska, 2nd was a 56 Bel Aire in 1960. I am now the proud owner (thanks to the urging of my son) of a 2004 Suburban Z71 4X4.. Excellent body and frame but some electrical and mechanical warts I've been slowly working through and I'm not far from the finish line. I bought it to haul my radio control airplanes back and forth to the field because the Suburban will haul them completely assembled. I'm a 4 year Air Force Vet, 30 years in the federal intelligence field, 10 years program managing after federal retirement. I joined because I continue to learn about my Chevy but have a long way to go. The forum is an excellent source of diagnostic help and "how-to". I look forward to chatting with everyone and certainly if I can ge of any help to anyone. Thanks for allowing me to join. P.S. "Viejito" is Spanish for "Little old one" although I am of Italian heritage.

 

Welcome from Miami, Florida.

 

Thank you. We lived in Northwest Miami many years ago during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Very fond memories. We were a couple blocks below the Old Orange Bowl. Quarterback for Miami at the time was Mira I think thats the correct spelling and we could hear his name as well as the play by play over the loudspeaker system. We were a year married with a newborn living in Miami. What a hoot. Time off at the beach on Key Biscayne, a great little Italian restaurant near the house, fruit trees in the back yard. We were blessed.

 

Welcome froom WA! I want to see some pics of the boats please!!!

 

Thank you for the welome rednucleus. Be careful what you wish for - I have a lot of photos LOL inlcluding a Northwest Dory from your area. Almost ready to paint a replica of a 1950s Aristocraft Torpedo 14 on steroids as I say because of the additional beam and freeboard. Its been a 2-year journey. I'm new on the forum and I'd rather not clog the airways with non chevy stuff and get myself thrown off. I'd be happy e-mail you pics of some of the boats I've done if you like.

 

Post a couple, lots of old farts here will appreciate your work!!

 

Will try to drag and drop some.

 

Here's the replica with her new windshield fitted. The deck epoxy has been sanded ready for clearcoat. Mahogany is African Sapele ply made in Italy.

This is the outer transom motor board. If you've never used West System Special Clear epoxy, this is it. Amazing. Sealed the wood, sanded, Applied a thin coat of Clear, lightly sanded and applied 2nd coat a little heavier. This is the result.

Ooops how did this get in here - my 04 suburban.

The Replica's bottom. Saturated with CPES, all seams glassed and epoxied over, 3 coats of "west Epoxy", 3 coats of Awlgrip 2-parts epoxy primer 3 coats of Awlgrip white.

Rescued this little guy from a refuse pile. She's a little sloop rig. fixed her up right.

Another rescue from a refuse pile. She's a beauty with proper Shaw and Tenney oars. All new African mahogany. I have more pics

 

this the Whitehall design rowboat - a classic design

The floorboards are Florida Cypress

Whitehalls row beautifully. Every bit of wood on her is new.

Here's that little guy with her sails up.

Interior of the little sloop. The teak wood is all original to the boat. It was stripped and finished with Cetol.

I know you recognize this. Loved this boat. Have more pics of her but I need to get back in the garage.

 

You sir have the gift of wood! We have a yearly Wooden Boat Show over in Port Townsend - your boats would look great there!
https://woodenboat.org/
Red