1930 Chris Craft runabout

Started by River Rat

31 updates 228 likes 95 comments

1930 chris craft runabout

Update: working on seats and seat pedestals. Lots of cutting and fitting. This kit leaves nothing untouched. I have had to modify every single piece. I have the windshield fitted. I missed the step where you cut out to fit the windshield posts and had to cut it out after combing was glued and sanded. Stained and clear coated all seat parts and dash. Also floor boards are stained and cleared. I will sand and recoat several times to get a smooth finish. Slow but sure...will update again soon. Thanks, Dave
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1930 chris craft runabout

I have been cutting and fitting all the seats. I used balsa wood to fill in the hollow flimsy seats. Now they feel solid and will take handling better. I also was not happy with the plywood edge showing at the top so i used these stainless steel strips from a cars windshield wiper. Two of them are in each wiper and several applications have different widths and thicknesses. I found pics of this boat with a lot of chrome accessories on the web including this chrome trim on the seats. I am happy with the result. Also will be adding towel racks. Once all the cockpit details are worked out I am going to stain and fiberglass. Its a challenging build and I am having fun building. The color is heritage red. I think its a good match as the reds were not that bright in 1930. This will also be my hull color.
Thanks, Dave
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1930 chris craft runabout

Bought a sheet of textured styrene for extra floor mats. I used .060 x .080 styrene edging. I then covered the edge with bare metal foil. Installed shifter boot and shifter. I will detail the rc sailboat, gotta keep it fun. Need a 1/8 scale futaba 🤣. Thanks for all the answers and comments, Dave
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1930 chris craft runabout

Just finished up with most of the interior details. Next step is stain, fiberglass, paint and clear for the hull. I am going to name her Driftwood. My better half loves to collect driftwood when we are on the river or lake. I had a gold leaf vinyl decal made up. Dave
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1930 chris craft runabout

Got the color on. Happy with the results. Hope to glass it this weekend...cold weather slowing things down.
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  1. pressonreguardlessSilver
    Rear Admiral
    Color looks good Dave
    I would not use polyester resin. It does not adhere to wood as well as epoxy. Nor does it have any flexibility. Epoxy has a 20% give.
    When using epoxy made sure you use the clear hardner as I previously posted.
    Total Boat also has epoxy and a hardener for clear work. Both are available on Amazon.
    Good Luck,
    Trev
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1930 chris craft runabout

As it turns out I won't be using the polyester resin. After reading about the two different resins, epoxy is the better choice. I have a hard time spending over $100.00 for a quart of west systems 105 207. Total boat has a non blushing epoxy for about $60.00. Has anybody used this brand? Need to save $$$. Thanks, Dave
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4 comments
  1. pressonreguardlessSilver
    Rear Admiral
    Happy to help.
    You have done an excellent job on the Chris👍👍👍
    Anxious to see the final result.
    I have a 1938 barrel back triple cockpit Chris waiting to be built.
    (After The Seguin and Lobster boat)
    I love the mahogany speed boats😍😍
    Trev
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  2. pressonreguardlessSilver
    Rear Admiral
    Just a word of Caution, Dave
    When working with epoxy I suggest wearing nitrile or the equivalent gloves, as repeated exposure can cause an allergenic reaction.
    Trev
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1930 chris craft runabout

Hey guys, does anybody know what the side pieces are on this picture (fins on the side of the hull)? Were they optional? What purpose did they serve? Should they be on my current project? Thanks Dave
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1930 chris craft runabout

I have still been working on small stuff. Lighted rear flag pole, flag staff, installing eyelets on the flags, trim on fairleader. Took 3 times to drill the 5 inch flag pole successfully. Hope I'm not boring you guys with to many posts. The lights on the flag pole and nav lights are from Mack rc boats
👍👎🤞Thanks, Dave
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2 comments
  1. ChrisG
    Commander
    Hello Dave
    I enjoy your posts so no worries, I also find it good to share the good as well as bad moments we experience in our hobby and the other contributors to this site of which there are many always have a choice.
    We are all generally proud of what we achieve so no harm in sharing those experiences. Keep it up.
    Regards ChrisG
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  2. pressonreguardlessSilver
    Rear Admiral
    Hi Dave,
    I enjoy seeing your progress👍
    It took me a bit to wire the stern flagpole light on the Typhoon.
    Rich at Mack Products is my go to guy also.
    He has stuff I can't find elsewhere, and his prices are good.
    I don't know if he ships overseas.
    Trev
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1930 chris craft runabout

Todays work went well. Fitted the windshield frame, drilled and tapped the windshield for the brackets. I decided to add small wing windows as I had about an 1/8" gap too much on each side between the windshield and the bracket. Small piece of brass tube soldered to a 1/16" square brass tube that I cut a slit in. Slid the windows in the slit. Worked out real nice for my problem. I have seen these wing windows on pictures of real boats so I feel good about it. Hard to see in the pictures. Will be glassing soon. Thanks, Dave
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