59 chris continental thru-bolts frame to chine

[mikes 59 chris]

i have some broken thru-bolts frame into the chine(i assume these are carriage bolts. they are broken and need to be re-placed. however-can't get the nuts off the bolts--so i'm stuck--also they won't pull out.whats next plz. thanks

[Dale Genther]

I assume they won't come off because they are rusted in place. Recently I have been spending a good bit of time dealing with the same problem. I'm not certain if the method I use is the best or fastest but it works. I take my Dremmel tool with one of the cutoff wheels in it (they are about 1 3/4 in diameter and 1/16 thick) and cut the nut in to thirds. Then I use a cold chistel to break up the nut. Then using a hammer and pin punch I can usually get the old bolt out. Be sure to wear safty glasses when doing this.

[ishmael]

Cut off the nuts :eek: :D

Depending on how many need doing you could use a hack blade mounted in one of those holders.

[Dale Genther]

Also don't forget to locate and remove the bung from the outboard side first and wear heavy leather gloves. That Dremmel cutting wheel turning at 20000 PRM can sometimes get out of hand. I tried the hacksaw blade method first, and found the Dremmel method to be much faster. You can cut a rusty 3/8 nut into thirds in under 60 seconds.

[cdm4]

Mike, If I am understanding you correctly, the only way to get to these bolts is to remove the bottom most side plank(chine strake). The heads of the bolts are recessed into the chine and then covered by this plank.
You may find more problems when you get in there so give yourself plenty of time before opening her up. CM

[mikes 59 chris]

Thank you for the help here. Think I will have to remove the outer bottom plank(chine strake) to get at the problem. These are 1/4 brass or bronze carriage bolts about 5 inches long with a nut at the knee inside. When I go to snug them up(been 20 yrs) some of them just spin. Assume the bolt is either broken . Well, i just removed the outer lowest plank and i can't see where the bolt is located. I hope i don't have to take off an outside bottom plank to get to the chine. Does this sound right? Does anyone know what Chris used to fill in the screw holes below the water line--i would prefer to use the same in case i need to get back in some time. Am sure 5200 is great-but not for me thanks.. Thanks again--any more suggestions?

[ 03-16-2003, 02:56 AM: Message edited by: mikes 59 chris ]

[Don Danenberg]

Mike, what is the model and length of your Chris-Craft? Does it have a solid rabbeted chine or a two-part chine?
If it is the former, you should find a 5/8" wooden bung under the paint at the outboard corner of the chine. No plank removal is necessary in most models.
If it is the latter, you will have to unscrew the outer chine, which appears to be just a very narrow plank, under this you should also find a wooden 5/8" bung.
If the bolt threads are buggered or encrusted with corrosion, you can tap in a large standard screw driver (across the grain of the wood) and pry against the head to hold it. If this doesn't work, get in somewhere with a hacksaw blade and cut the bolt.
Some of the many CC plants went to bronze in the late fifties, most in the mid-sixties. Either way, its definately time to replace them all with new bronze.

[cdm4]

Mike, Check out my album link below. I just put in three pictures at the end that show (although not very good) the area your working on. I looked at my old chine and can see that most of the bolt holes are partly covered by both the chine strake and the strip that Don D is speaking of. If your boat is like this one you will have to remove the plank and the strip. Hope I'm not messing you up more than I'm helping, Don is the expert. CM
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291120149

[mikes 59 chris]

Thanks here. Last night I removed the chine strake(the narrow bottom-most outside plank) and found the recessed holes where the carriage bolts are. I think a few a broken midway and if i can get the nut off-will punch them thru. Looks like I have clearance without removing the next plank up. What did the old guys use to cover up screw holes below water line--I used bondo 20 years ago--but am sure things have changed and I've been out of touch. You have no idea how helpful this forum is to a guy like me. Thanks and I just ordered your book Dan--the boat is a 59 Chris-Continental 18ft that I have had for along time. Time to shine her up. Also, will look at the album. Will try everything to avoid removing the next plank up. Interlux Boatyard bedding when the planks go back on? Any good carburator re-builders out there? Carter 4bbl.

[Don Danenberg]

Screw the 'shine'; Make the "BOAT" sound first!