Mighty Mouse Update

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Scarlet wants to help!

This weekend Jimmy and I got the new rebuilt carb from VanNess on Mighty Mouse along with a rebuilt water pump..again, and went Woody Boating in the little sucker. She did fantastic and still only takes on a little water, and the factory siphon really works, although, those things scare me and she will get a proper bilge bump.

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VanNess Rebuilt Carb – Ran perfect

She ran fantastic and hit about 2500 rpm. After a bit though started missing, which we conclude is the fact that we have yet to change her points or any other stuff, including timing. It was random, so defiantly feels electric.

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Fuel is fine, as is her stick

Also since the weather was perfect for paint, her sides got a proper coat, or two of correct paint.

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Her bootstripe was also wrong and created a strange look.

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She is a little rough under that Fiberglass. So a glossy look only shows off her flaws. The flaws of age? Two coats, sanded and skimmed with a light epoxy helped..ish

Her hull registration numbers had to be removed and so did the incorrect post war Chris-Craft logo, which has now been replaced. I have mixed feelings about painting her to be honest. Part of her charm is her Patina, but on her sides, it had to be done and does her bottom.

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Its an ongoing dance to keep her looking old and not opening up a can of worms, even removing a stainless trim piece can cause issues. So we are masking stuff off.

mighty-small That’s one small boat next to WECATCHEM

13 replies
  1. Dan T
    Dan T says:

    Some would say what you’re doing to a fiberglassed wooden boat is just shining s–t, but I thinks it’s great! Perfectly over restored boats are overrated. Use her and enjoy like she is and let the next guy spend all the money turning her into a trailor queen.

    • Matt
      Matt says:

      You nailed it, I am painting over it all. Glossing it over, proudly. Its a HUGE can of expensive worms under there. I am not fearful of the restoration, and actualy would love doing it. But not now. The 25 Sportsman is headed up to Katzs in a month to be refinished since her varnish is literaly starting to wear away.

  2. Tom Gruenauer
    Tom Gruenauer says:

    Matt,
    Does it really sit that high in the water? Photo at the dock looks like the chines are clear of the water?
    Tom

    • Mike K
      Mike K says:

      on the lower picture it shows 2 white guide poles, but the header there is none. must be a lift there.
      that guy loves the photo shop. i think ill send some photos of me to matt to be fixed.

      • Matt
        Matt says:

        Yes she is on a lift and yes I did some photoshop for the header. I do on most headers since they are more art. I usualy remove distractions. Like white poles, ugly fenses, blue tarps. Anything that takes away from the subject. Its from years of Car shoots. Now adays, most car stuff is all so cleaned up its illustration. Usually you will see the untouched header in the story.

  3. John Rothert
    John Rothert says:

    I support the scope of work….go boating! Think of it, 1937 and still kicking ass on the water…..amazing.

    John in Va.

  4. Wylie
    Wylie says:

    Since you are painting over fiberglass you could spray primer surfacer then block it before topcoat. I sometimes spray primer outside. It’s going to be a bear when it all has to come off. I’m amazed you have a floating/running 16′ Special after garage tinkering. Looks like fun

  5. Matt
    Matt says:

    HA, thats a place holder and off a little Utility. My plan is to ebay find, or flea market one in non restored shape.

  6. Verne
    Verne says:

    I’m still amazed that the boat came out of such a long sleep and still runs and floats so well with so little work. I love it!

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