Looking for some ideas and info on restoring a '85 Baja Force 280
 

The boat i have has already had some work done to it including a semi-updated cabin area, and refreshened twin Chevy Big Blocks, but now i want to focus on the cosmetics. I know an upholsterer which i will use in my area, however id like some info on graphics kits for boats, new dashboards, converting my 80's looking windshield into a wind fairing, and replacing the radar arch on the boat which it originally had, however i need to find someone to build one for me. also any pics of similar updated/restored boats would help me out too.

is there a site i can go to to buy dashboard/gauge cluster kits?

how easy would it be for me to build a wind fairing myself or a radar arch. I would assume using plywood as a core material for it and then fiberglassing over it and sanding and painting. Is it realy that easy?

Does anyone know a relativley inexpensive painter in Metro Detroit Michigan?

Boat: 1985 Baja Force 280
Twin 454's

thanks for the suggestions and your help

you should also post this in the baja section on this site,should get some help in there .

Here's a link to my restoration of an 87 Force 280

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/b...struction.html

Vincent at Lake Of The Ozarks made the fairing for me. He also had the aluminum swim platform made locally.

Boat Interior Make Over Link

http://midwestboatparty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7642

New custom dash link:

http://midwestboatparty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4813

We had an 85 force 280 for about 8 years. It was a great boat, had Tempest 300hp small blocks. Ran about 63, pretty good for a heavy boat. The best things about it were the rough water ride (it would go thru anything), the interior space, and shore power. It was a great boat.

The new owner redid the boat alll white with vinyl graphics, white cockpit upholstery. I may have some pics of the boat as it is now, and if I can find them Ill post.

Good luck with your project.

wow this stuff is great... thanks so much for the ideas...

Jimmy Baja that boat looks great... i could never even tell that boat is an 87!! i even like it better than the new bajas.. Where did you find these people to do your interior and your dash panel? i wish i had access to people like that over here.. I live right by a good sized lake in Michigan (Lake St. Clair) but i just have never seen anyone do work like that before... Nice boat, congrats!

Thanks for the nice comments. We love the boat and did not want a new one.

Interior turned out great. Rick with Auto Enhancements in Omaha, Nebraska did the work.

I did the work on the dash and my brother inlaw did the painting. Take your hold plastic dash to a manfacturing plant they can cut a piece of aluminum and bend it to match.