1995 Cobalt 252 consolidated revitalization and fix-up thread

[Big Block Power]

Did you or are you getting sea dek for the swim platform?

[NautiGirl]

If possible take some good pics of the seadek installation process...feel like that's an good diy job but I also don't want to put the pad down wrong on the platform... Those lines will give it away thay it's not straight!

[Ytmsn]

I've said it before, but I'm not very patient when it comes to knocking out projects. I have a "to do" list, and I don't like it when that list is long

The plan for this weekend is to put the pads on, get the fuel pump installed (assuming it arrives by then) and make sure the engine still runs after everything I took apart last weekend, pull the old steering wheel off, wrap the panel the steering shaft goes through, and install new steering wheel. May try to wrap additional panels if time allows.

Why are you stopping there? Jeesh, seems pretty weak

I figured you'd want to pull your engine for fresh paint, reupholster all your seats and install a flybridge this weekend. I mean, you have two whole days!

Seriously dude, you are an inspiration! It's AMAZING what you have done, are doing, and plan to do with that boat!

[thunder550]

Did you or are you getting sea dek for the swim platform?

Not yet. I did theses pads mostly for safety, we've had several people (including myself) slip on the factory swim platform when it's a little bit wet. The original non-skid has worn down a bit so it gets slick. I will most likely do the big swim plaform at some point as well as the carpeted area, but that's on the "nice to have" list right now. SeaDek is pricey!

[thunder550]

If possible take some good pics of the seadek installation process...feel like that's an good diy job but I also don't want to put the pad down wrong on the platform... Those lines will give it away thay it's not straight!

Will do. I think it's mostly surface prep and alignment. I haven't read the installation instructions but with the adhesive already on the pads I think it's just going to be peel and stick after the surface is prepped.

[thunder550]

Why are you stopping there? Jeesh, seems pretty weak

I figured you'd want to pull your engine for fresh paint, reupholster all your seats and install a flybridge this weekend. I mean, you have two whole days!

Seriously dude, you are an inspiration! It's AMAZING what you have done, are doing, and plan to do with that boat!

Ooooh good ideas

I don't feel like an inspiration, sometimes I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. But I'm happy to post pics and talk about boats over the winter months

[hoghead54]

Some times I look at my boat and think what did I get myself into but after reading about your boat I see that there is hope. My wife is kind of like...are you sure? But she said the same thing about my Jeep when I got it but that's a whole other story.....

[thunder550]

Some times I look at my boat and think what did I get myself into but after reading about your boat I see that there is hope. My wife is kind of like...are you sure? But she said the same thing about my Jeep when I got it but that's a whole other story.....

There's always hope, it's just a matter of how much that hope costs

I had two doctor's appointments this morning, so in the spirit of keeping things moving I took the afternoon off to get some more done.

SeaDek is on

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Got the steering wheel panel and main gauge panel wrapped, new steering wheel installed. The color is extremely close...steering wheel has a little more pink to it than the Cobalt vinyl does.

3 panels left to wrap, the one with the ignition switch to the left of the steering wheel, the one that the throttle control mounts to, and I'm also going to try to do the one with the stereo head unit. That one doesn't have any wood finish right now. I've been wanting to peel off the name plate for the original owners of the boat, but I think it will look like crap if I peel it off and then leave it alone. I figure wrapping it would cover all that up, but might be too much wood-looking finish up there? Thoughts?

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[thunder550]

Before and after on the glove box. Will have to figure something out to get the pinstriping looking better, not sure about that one yet.

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[thunder550]

Nauti, the SeaDek installation was super easy. They have a couple of videos on their site that I watched and tried to follow. First, cleaned the area with Windex. Next, cleaned/degreased with brake cleaner (SeaDek calls for acetone, but I didn't have any). Next, cut the backing down the middle and peel a little bit up on each side. Next, align the pad how you want it, then tape down one side to keep it from moving. Flip the non-taped side up and peel the backing off, starting from the middle and working toward the edge, press in place to activate adhesive. Remove masking tape, and repeat on the other side. Done.

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[Big Block Power]

Great job. I agree you just get r done don't you
What is the wrap your using and how are you installing it. Did you remove each of the gauges on the ip panel?

[NautiGirl]

Nauti, the SeaDek installation was super easy. They have a couple of videos on their site that I watched and tried to follow. First, cleaned the area with Windex. Next, cleaned/degreased with brake cleaner (SeaDek calls for acetone, but I didn't have any). Next, cut the backing down the middle and peel a little bit up on each side. Next, align the pad how you want it, then tape down one side to keep it from moving. Flip the non-taped side up and peel the backing off, starting from the middle and working toward the edge, press in place to activate adhesive. Remove masking tape, and repeat on the other side. Done.

IMG_20180111_154000.jpg

IMG_20180111_153748.jpg

Looks awesome! Can you just come do ours? That be sweet! Thanks!

[thunder550]

Great job. I agree you just get r done don't you
What is the wrap your using and how are you installing it. Did you remove each of the gauges on the ip panel?

This is the wrap:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWK90N1

It's vinyl wrap, self-adhesive, and it stretches when heated. I start by cutting a piece a little bigger than the panel I'm wrapping, then adhere it to the main face of the panel. The heat the edges up and tuck them in using the edge of a credit card. Then if there's holes I cut them out, heat you the edges, and tuck them in too. Yes, gauges have to come out for this.

I'll try to take some in progress pics on the next panel I do.

[Big Block Power]

It's easier than doing a brake job. You can Even use brake clean. You won't even get dirty.

[Big Block Power]

That's cool stuff thunder.