It's been a while since I've done any work on the refinish. However, with some nicer weather here in Idaho I've been able to finish up all of the interior sanding and am ready to flip the boat over and replace the bottom. Can't wait to get it on the water!
One plan was to replace all of the gunwale throughbolts as the older ones showed signs of rust and corrosion. However, out of 6 hardware stores in town nobody carries 4" machine screws. Not stainless, brass, or zinc coated! Nothing in the 4" range. Lots of 3" and an online search returns the same...3" max. I do have some 3" hanging around but there are many ribs that the 3" simply isn't long enough.
Does anybody have a good source for the throughbolts?
I guess I've been looking for the wrong item. I was trying to match the original screws that I took off during dis-assembly. I've got them pegged as 10-32 machined pan head screws. Not the lag bolts that everybody is talking about. The 1/4-20 will be too big for the existing holes through the gunwales and ribs, but that is easy enough to redrill those.
I've been trying to do this restoration without the guidance of "Driftboats and River Dories," but it's time...I ordered it yesterday evening. I'm going to to have to replace the bottom and outer chines and I know that following the bible is a good thing to do!
If anybody can find the 10-32 screws, let me know as I would still like to use this type if at all possible.
Jeff,
I think what you want are 10-24 round head machine screws. That is what I use and I get them from Hamilton Marine. They are availiable in 3-1/2" or 4". The 3-1/2 may or may not be long enough measure and see. I have never liked cariage bolts (but have used them) it always seemed like the square end could possibly split the gunwale.
Mike
Thank you Mike! I figured that it was just a small error in judgment on my end! I'll get 44 of them on order from Jamestown with matching Acorn caps this afternoon.
I'm very excited to get this boat done and fishable this year. I've been at it almost a year now. I've had another driftboat to fish from since I got the new project; however, the other boat is sold so I've got some serious motivation to get er' done!