1977 24-7 pantera restoration
 

hello all. as many of you already know, i've purchased a 1977 pantera 24 and have begun a major restoration project.

the boat is #2 made that year according to pepe. i bought it from the second owner who owned it for the better part of the last 33 years. the boat was a lake erie boat its whole life. the boat was originally a 350 chevy/volvo 280. the last owner repowered it with a chrysler 426 hemi. :eek: i plan on powering it with a big block chevy/bravo drive.

here are some pics of the progress so far:

pics of when i brought it home

pics of me taking it apart and assessing the situation. it's really solid as it was always stored inside. i found a bit of rot in the bulkhead between the engine compartment and fuel tank. i've cut the floor out to remove the fuel tank and found it to be corroded beyond saving. bummer but better to find it now than after i have it all back together.

i've decided to use a bravo drive and i'm almost done patching in the transom for the new gimble. the transom was solid so i cut out the layer of plywood and glass on the outside, leaving a 3 inch "lip" on the inside layer of plywood.

i'm using an epoxy resin.

inside the patched area. i had to patch the exhaust holes as well as they are not in the right spot for the new power.

i've just ordered more epoxy and i'll keep updating this thread a s i go.

have a good night all, rob. :coolcowboy:

Yeah! Keep the photos coming.

looking great!!!!! glad to see your making progress! KEEP THE PICS COMING

Sweet!

Looking good.

Looking good. We will have to get some Panteras together next summer around the islands. Hopefully mine is running right by then, LOL.