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Chucker's new interior

Chucker

Chucker

Member
Hey all, just thought I'd post a few before and after pics of the interior in my V-Mate II. This was supposed to be my winter project, but I got started a bit late...Just finished last weekend. :D I did all the vinyl and carpet work myself, I don't think it turned out too bad for a first timer. I also decided to chop the windshield down a bit...5" to be exact. After it was cut, I tinted it, then re-installed...What a difference! The boat looks 15 years younger now, and a lot sportier. lol I also installed a Teleflex dual cable NFB steering system, and wheel, as well as Laser II prop. I'm hoping to put it in the water for the first time this season tomorrow, I can't wait. Let me know what you guys think.

Before
CheckmateV-Mate210-05015b.jpg
After
P1010044b.jpg
Before
CheckmateV-Mate210-05016b.jpg
After
P1010041b.jpg
Before
CheckmateV-Mate210-05007b.jpg
After
P1010040b.jpg
 
Thanks guys! I really appreciate the compliments! The lettering on the backrest is white vinyl. I cut the letters larger than actual size, folded it back under itself, then carefully stitched it into place. After all the stitching was done, I sealed it on the back side with silicone. I probably have almost 2 hours labor into each letter! lol Oh well, I'm just gald it turned out how I wanted it to. :D

LetterCloseUpb.jpg
 
Wow you have some serious skills. that stiching is perfect, where did you learn to do all of that vinal work? I dont think I could do that my first time. It looks alot better without the horn and The hull looks alot brighter too. get that thing in the water and get some pics, looks like a boat of the month to me!
P.S. what did you do with the center counsel? I was going to build one for my sportfire. If you dont want that one I could buy it from you.
 
Awsome looking! When you cut the windshield down did you have to do anything special to the top trim, relocate it or did it just fall right back into place? and what did you use to tint it?
 
I am getting ready to do my interior. I was just wondering did you stitch by hand or with machine and what sixe thread did you use
 
Boston - Thanks for the compliment! I'm not so sure it is boat of the month material though. But anyway, I should have some action pics soon. As far as "vinyl skills", as with anything, if you just take your time and have patience, things generally turn out ok. Yeah, the horn definately had to go! :D It's actually mounted underneath it's original location. I had to do something with the holes in the deck, so I just picked up some stainless screws that were long enough to mount the horn underneath. The center counsel is nothing more than a plywood box with a padded, hinged lid. The one that was in there isn't worth the trouble of trying to re-use. The wood that formed the cup holders was actually all rotted. It wouldn't be very hard to bulid one, although to get the most space out of it you would have to cut a section out of your back seat so the box actually sits on the floor. That's how mine was anyway, I wouldn't do that if I were you. Maybe you could get creative and design something that would sit on top of the existing seat. I got rid of mine because it seemed like more often I needed the extra seat as opposed to the storage.

Asolek - The top trim had to be relocated. If you look at the pics you can see how much shorter the trim is on the "after" pics. I used the old hole to secure the brackets that hold my speakers. The tinting film is just regular automotive type film.

Taz - I used a machine to do the stitching on the letters, but never pushed the foot pedal. I simply turned the wheel by hand to avoid getting out of control. That also allows you to make sure the stitches in the corners end up exactly in the corner. Very time consuming, but I think it was worth it. I'm sure someone with more experience could have used the motor, but not me! :D That was one of those things where you only get one chance to get it right, or you have to replace the entire backrest. The thread I used was just regular 100% nylon upholstery thread.
 
No cracks! It's very important not to force the saw, binding the blade will be bad news. The plexi also needs to be very well supported. I'm not sure if age has anything to with it, but it is VERY brittle. The scrap piece cracked when I went to cut it into smaller pieces so it would fit in the trash can. I see you were asking about a windshield in a different thread...I hope this doesn't mean it broke on you!
 
Yeah I had a spare windshield that came with the boat and I tryed to cut it. It cracked on the bends.
 
Man, that's an awesome job on the seats and windshield! The more Checkmates that I look at, the more I :drool: over these boats. My 1979 Exciter is the first production year for this model and they used a windshield that is the size of the plow on my truck! I am thinking of cutting my down as well, but I may just try and find a window or glass shop to do it for me. I don't want to risk cracking it.

I agree with Boston Predictor, you should be entered in for boat of the month! I say we put you in for May!

Hey in fact, I think anyone that owns a Checkmate is already boat of the month every month!!!
:cheers
 
NIIIIICCCEEEE JOB!

The job you did on the windshield was excellent!!!! The boat looks like it got a pair of cool new shades!!!!
 
Hey guys, thanks for the compliments! This thread is 8 months old, I actually sold the boat 2 weeks ago to one of our new members "TheNerd" He has some great plans for upgrading the mechanics on this boat, which should make it the total package. I am hoping he gets some pictures of it wet, then maybe BOTM. :)
 
Sorry you had to let this boat go. I have seen people put a lot of time and effort into fixing or restoring things and then to just sell them right after. I'm not sure if your intention was to fix up and sell, but I bet you will miss this boat. It's a sharp boat and you did a heck of a job bringing it back to life. I bet the new owner is extremely happy with this purchase. It is really hard to find a nice old Checkmate in real good condition. If you don't mind, I was wondering what you let this beauty go for?
 
Thanks again Bob. I didn't really "have" to let it go, I chose to. I found that I got more satisfaction out of working on the rig than I did using it. I always have some kind of project that I am working on, and I was done with this one. I decided to sell, so that someone could use and enjoy the boat the way it should be. Lets just say, TheNerd got a what I believe to be a GREAT deal! I think he would agree. :)
 
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