View Full Version : FX1 Build
Years ago I had a Fx1 and loved it. I didn' realise how much until after I sold it. Fx1's are very rare in Australia and hard to find. Three weeks ago I bought Waxheads wifes Fx1. The build has started a little slow but will be worth it in the end. I'll do the odd race on this ski but my main emphasis will be building my ultimate free ride ski.
Here's some pics of the Fx1 on day one
Stripping the hull turned out to be a slow difficult job. Most bolts required the oxy while others had to be drilled out. I cut the footholds out. They will be refitted properly with stronger materials. I bought a set of 62t cases and sent them with a number of other parts to the sandblasters. Once sandblastered I tidied up some of the casting imperfections and sent them off the the painters and powdercoaters
The other day I picked up my AC pole and attached the UMI steering to it. I like the shape of the AC pole but there are some imperfections in it that will need a light grind and sand before paint.
Over the last couple of days we have been reshaping and reinforcing the hull. The back has been reshaped and reinforced. The nose has been reinforced from the inside. I want to reshape it but I haven't settled on a final shape yet. We will be making a custom pole bracket to work in with a new shape. The sides of the Fx1 are very soft and will be getting reinforced aswell.
Here's the hull so far.
Here's some pics I took this morning. The back is really starting to look good. He will finish the curves on the edges today and reinforce the tray aswell.
We looked at a couple of options for the nose. Here's an after market superjet nose cone that we may remodel to fit the Fx1. It's kind of what I'm looking for. Ideas and suggestions more than welcome guys.
Some of the engine parts arrived today from the painters.
waxhead
03-30-2006, 07:30 AM
She wants it back now
Phill
03-30-2006, 07:41 AM
That thing looks cool! I like the reshape of the back part of the ski!
sweet! i wish mine buildup would look this good when it was done....
IceRocket1286
03-30-2006, 11:02 AM
theres some pics on pwct showing some guys fx1's with roud nose noses on them, they look alright.
Looks good!
I'm thinking seriously about dropping the pole bracket down into the nose of the ski and channeling out the hood so that the top of the pole is almost flush with the top of the hood. It's a huge amount of work but it will look awsome.
I was woundering if any of you have ridden an Fx1 with tubbies? I would love some feedback on how it changes the handling.
gj_fx1
04-02-2006, 10:06 AM
I've not ridden with tubbies but I expect they help quite a lot if you are actually planning to race the thing. I raced the FX1 one time and it just wanted to drive straight under while turning round the bouys.
(A problem I've never had riding solo..)
I've retired from racing at least till I get a more competative ski..
Mile9c1
04-02-2006, 02:08 PM
The other day I picked up my AC pole and attached the UMI steering to it.
Is that a Superjet or FX-1 pole? Keep in mind the FX-1 comes with a shorter pole stock (I think someone said it's a -2" or so difference).
It's a superjet pole. Compared to the stock pole it is 30mm longer. I plan on getting it cut down in the next week or two. I want to see how it sits in the channeled out hood first. With the pole bracket sitting so much lower the length might be ok.
Big Kahuna
04-03-2006, 07:26 AM
you will have to use a SJ Steering cable also...........
The back is finished. The edges have been rounded off, the tray has been reinforced and the footholds are in. The footholds have been cut and faired in so that there is hardly any step in them at all. Lee has done an amazing job.
The sides have also been reinforced. They were glassed and then finished in carbon fibre. The section under the hood seal is now about 25mm thick. The sides are incredibly strong. We start chopping the hood and nose now.
waxhead
04-04-2006, 04:29 AM
Ok now the lady really wants it back
we are coming around
Wait till you see what Lee has done to the hood & nose over the last couple of days. You'll really want another Fx1 then.
waxhead
04-05-2006, 06:45 AM
With out pictures talk is cheap Ha Ha
Here you go Wax. I'll let the pictures do the talking.
Mile9c1
04-05-2006, 07:56 PM
Wow, you work quick!
I like the chopped pole look.
waxhead
04-05-2006, 08:20 PM
Thats looks awesome Slug
will you be home tonight i will come around and pick it up
Mile9c1
04-05-2006, 08:23 PM
Wait a few more days till he puts the engine back in :27:
waxhead
04-05-2006, 08:58 PM
I like your thinking mile
mmmmm......I might have to see if Denny can tune it for me :wink:
waxhead
04-06-2006, 06:17 AM
Hahahaha
come on now dont be like that
bad93blaster
04-06-2006, 07:05 PM
that looks nice i think i might look for a fx1 now
douglee25
04-20-2006, 11:18 AM
Anymore pics? Love the ski man. Good work thus far.
Doug
Things moving a little slow at the moment. Leigh (fibreglasser) and his wife had a little baby girl a week ago so his world has been turned upside down for the time being. The hull is finished but the hood still needs some work. It's looking awsome. It should be ready for the painters this time next week. I'll post some pics then. I've got engine parts everywhere, engineer, sand blaster, powder coater. Nothing serious happening there until my superjet sells.
Thanks for the positive feedback. Hopefully things will speed up over the next few weeks. We're getting good surf here at the moment so I'm looking forward to getting it onto the water.
douglee25
04-21-2006, 05:58 AM
Awesome! Keep us posted!:biggrin:
Doug
I picked up the hull this morning. All that is left for Leigh to finish is some carbon fibre cups to go inside the hood where the hand holds are and the hood liner has to be refitted.
douglee25
04-25-2006, 05:59 AM
That ski is gonna be nasty! I can't wait to see the progress. Did you just recess the hood and pole mount deeper to get the pole to sit flush? Any detailed pics on that work?
Doug
Thanks Doug.
The top of the pole will sit about 20 - 25mm above the hood. We sat the pole down flush and it looked a bit over done. We decided that it looked better and has more of a factory look sitting up a little.
The hood proved to be a real challenge. Leigh cut the chanel into the hood then we removed the liner. Leigh used the stock pole as a mould to make the new chanel. He then cut the chanel in half and widened it to give the pole about 10mm clearance either side. The chanel was then set into the hood, shaped and reinforced. To prove that everything was strong enough Leigh put the hood on the ground and jumped on it. I was hoping to have the hood back today but Leigh has been too busy. He is making carbon fibre cups to mount under the hand holds then the liner will be refitted. Hopefully this will be done next week. The hull goes to the painter for prep on Tuesday.
douglee25
04-28-2006, 10:25 AM
Excellent! Staying tuned in....
surfjetlouie
04-28-2006, 09:02 PM
outstanding :biggthumpup:
Unfortunately not much has changed over the last couple of weeks. Here's a couple of photos showing the transformation to date.
Flash-FX
05-07-2006, 01:38 PM
Hi Slug, How does your other boat carve turns with the "Tubbies"?...Just wondering.
I took the other fx1 out for a ride yesterday. It was hard to tell since the last time I rode one was about six or seven years ago. I forgot how narrow they are. This ski had a poor steering set up and one of the worst worn out props that I've ever seen. I did feel like I could bank the ski and easily hold the angle which I think I can put down to the tubbies. I'd like to fit some to my ski but don't like their finish. I've never seen a more tacked on looking accessory.
My ski goes to the painter tomorrow for prep at long last.
gj_fx1
05-08-2006, 07:24 AM
Considering the quality of the rest of the work I'd think you could feather the edges and make e'm look good..
I think Leigh the fibre glasser is a bit over it now plus he's draining all my money. With the amount of work he has on I'd probably have to wait another two or three weeks to have them installed to a finish that I would be happy with. It does seem silly to have come this far and leave them off. I guess I'm over it aswell. I'm coming across more and more problems and parts that need to be replaced everyday.
douglee25
05-09-2006, 06:36 AM
The worn out parts story seems all too familiar. I took a look at the new pics you posted and the ski almost looks like a mini SXR :) I'm still waiting for the finished paint pics! Good luck!
Doug
The ski went to the painters today. Depending on his work load we're hoping to have it preped by Friday and maybe the base colour on Saturday. I still haven't made up my mind on a desigh yet. I don't want to ruin all the work so far with a poor paint job.
onesojourner
05-09-2006, 02:53 PM
is it going to be one color?
It will be painted metallic silver. I want to add yellow graphics but I can't come up with a design.
Hi Guys
Looking for some input into the paint design. I'm really struggling with this. This is what I've come up with so far. Metallic silver, bright yellow & metallic red.
Rickster
05-21-2006, 07:49 AM
Of the two, I like the first one.
If I had my choice, I would do the second one without the large yellow spot.
onesojourner
05-21-2006, 06:16 PM
if it were me I would only do 2 of those colors. with the turf thats 4 colors, but I always like the clean look...
Finally undercoated. Hopefully final paint next week.
douglee25
05-26-2006, 06:20 AM
Finally undercoated. Hopefully final paint next week.
Sweet man!:biggrin:
Doug
Mile9c1
05-26-2006, 06:52 AM
I'm jealous!
onesojourner
05-26-2006, 01:01 PM
lookin good cant wait to see the final.
douglee25
06-09-2006, 12:40 PM
Where the new pics? :)
Doug
Hi guys
I finally sold my superjet last week so things should start moving again. Last night and this morning we spent some time in the spray booth working on the paint and design. I soon learnt that masking up curves is an art to itself. Last night we spent hours trying to get the ski masked up ready for paint. We changed our minds on colour a couple of times. We even gave up on the design and changed that aswell. In the end we just walked away. This morning a computer guy made us some vinyl templates which got us started. At the moment we have two colours with a third to be added next weekend. Depending on the light and angle the black will change colour.
I also spent the week buying parts which was alot of fun. Nearly every part going in and on the engine is brand new. Next week when I get the cylinder back from being ported I will assemble the motor.
Matt_E
06-10-2006, 02:52 AM
Awesome! Makes me want an FX1 to mess with!
surfjetlouie
06-10-2006, 08:19 AM
for masking curve the best is to use paint striping tape like the one used on cars for paint stripe then use masking tape for coverage the striping tape is so fine it will leave a minimal edges.
Louie
douglee25
06-10-2006, 08:26 AM
That is going to be sweet looking!! I can't wait for the final pics. I'm keeping my tabs on this project :)
Doug
Flash-FX
06-11-2006, 03:04 PM
That paint thing..Decisions...Decisions...
Hey Slug..Its Looking good so far. Sweet paint/paint booth..
Check out this pump mod from Japan. There is some loss in translation
but pictures pretty much wrap it up. Stock 144mm hookup.
http://www5.ocn.ne.jp/~shinrace/jet/fx-tune.html
Looking back I wish that I had done exactly that. At the time Blowsion led me to believe that they had a bolt on solution only days away which sounded better than more fibre glass mods. The way this build is going I will have a finished ski with no pump in about two or three weeks time.
waxhead
06-13-2006, 05:15 AM
jap translation sorted for you slug
i know some one who speaks awesome jap
waxhead
06-13-2006, 05:16 AM
looking good by the way
:biggrin: Thanks Wax. Can I'll borrow her for a couple of hours. :wink1:
FL-cracker
06-13-2006, 06:12 AM
Thats the pimp shizzel right there! I cant believe how bad a$$ you made a FX1!
SuperJETT
06-13-2006, 08:23 AM
Wow, I had not seen this thread until just now, I have no idea how I've overlooked it so long. Awesome work slug!
romack991
06-13-2006, 10:38 PM
cough, cough, nominate for next month's custom, cough
douglee25
06-15-2006, 02:03 PM
cough, cough, nominate for next month's custom, cough
Agreed.
Doug
Agreed.
Doug
Thanks guys
I'd be honoured to see my ski as custom of the month but we're not there yet. Stay tuned, there's still more cool stuff to come.
I was hoping to build my motor this weekend but I didn't get as much time as would have liked. Most of the time I got was spent doing crap jobs like cleaning bolts and making gaskets. I did assemble the bottom end. New Hot Rods crank, new starter motor, new bendix gear, new UMI coupler and a near new stata assembly with Seadoo plugs in the lead to make engine removal a little easier. The cases were painted in 2pac and the bed plates were powdercoated. Looks like new.
Freestyleriverrat
07-09-2006, 07:16 AM
I don't think I have ever seen a bendix looking so good
waxhead
07-09-2006, 07:35 AM
Looking awesome Dale
I don't think I have ever seen a bendix looking so good
Only just out of the plastic. Nearly all parts in the motor and especially the electrics are brand new.
onesojourner
07-09-2006, 09:26 AM
that ski is so sweet man.
freestylegeek
07-09-2006, 09:38 AM
Nice job there slug!
It's comming along great.
Anyone who uses metalflake on there ski gets a big 'thumbs up' from me! :biggthumpup:
felix5oh
07-09-2006, 05:05 PM
oh my god, i'm just blown away. What a great ski.
Sharky
07-10-2006, 07:43 AM
Dale get that bad boy on the water i wanna see it fly, awesome work.....
been i while since we had a ride.. when is it ready
pete
waxhead
07-10-2006, 08:15 AM
Thw wife cant wait to come around and pick it up
she is for ever gratefull to you dale
Dale get that bad boy on the water i wanna see it fly, awesome work.....
been i while since we had a ride.. when is it ready
pete
I keep saying two or three weeks and two or three weeks later I'm still no further ahead. It WILL be on the water in time for our summer though. Can't wait to get back out there. Looking at these crystal clear winter days that we are getting is killing me at the moment. I run along the Broadwater each day wishing I was out on my ski.
Thw wife cant wait to come around and pick it up
she is for ever gratefull to you dale
How grateful?:wink: :biggrin:
Things still moving slow :banghead:
Keith
07-29-2006, 09:18 PM
Sometimes slow is the only way to go. Especially when the final product is going to be so awesome. All I can say is WOW:bigeyes:
Aka Kane
08-08-2006, 11:49 PM
...any updats on this project? I like how your pole is mounted, how much glass work did you have to do?
...any updats on this project? I like how your pole is mounted, how much glass work did you have to do?
Still no new work to report :banghead:
The hull is still at the painters. It was nearly finished then someone dropped a cabinet on it and damaged the paint in a couple of places. I thought that it would have been repaired last week but I haven't heard yet. I'm not pushing the painter as he is charging me next to nothing for his work.
I'm STILL waiting on Blowsion to let me know whats happening with their pumps.
The pole bracket is becoming tricky. When we cut the bucket into the nose we took measurements for the height from a Blowsion bracket but didn't realise that their brackets move the pole forward. Now I need to get a custom bracket made which no one around here is interested in doing. I think a UMI bracket might solve my problem but they won't return my emails.
There is alot of little jobs that will be tricky but I can't start them until I get the hull back.
This thing is sucking up money like there's no tomorrow.
Hopefully this project will be back on track soon.
Wetracer
08-14-2006, 12:21 AM
Hey Slug, if the Blowsion bracket moves the pole forward, I would think that would be a bonus. It would basically be like getting a shortened handpole and help eliminate porpoising
The problem with moving the pole forward is that I think that it will bind on the front of the bucket that we have cut into the nose. I went to the painters today and took some measurements to double check.
I wish I had my camera with me. The dust on the ski is that thick you can't see where the black finishes and the silver starts.
superramjet
08-18-2006, 09:28 AM
beautiful glass work and nice paint too. That has to be the cleanest motor I've seen. Very impressive build.
waxhead
08-18-2006, 06:11 PM
Can you hurry and and get it going i want to ride it
Lucky me i get to dial the carbs in
this thing is going to be a rocketship( im kinda excited to ride it )
Superjetjim
08-18-2006, 06:22 PM
Ever seen this? - it might give you some inspiration (sp?)
http://www.queenford.8m.com/fx1_project_pics.htm
Its for sale on ebay right now in the UK! search on ebay.co.uk
Freestyleriverrat
08-20-2006, 08:54 AM
I bet those are great for freestyle! :bigeyes:
wavehog
08-20-2006, 11:23 AM
I feel your pain,have been working on my fx project for what seems like eternity.Had to buy a square nose to feed my habit and as i type, resin is drying on its broken hadlepole and cracked nose.(riden 10 times):banghead:You are doing awsome work!I like a nonconformist. will post pics of my "ash tray" soon. Good work takes time.
Flash-FX
08-20-2006, 08:27 PM
Ever seen this? - it might give you some inspiration (sp?)
http://www.queenford.8m.com/fx1_project_pics.htm
Its for sale on ebay right now in the UK! search on ebay.co.uk
I think it was just sold again.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Freestyle-FX-1-Lighter-than-a-superjet_W0QQitemZ120020073543QQihZ002QQcategoryZ1 295QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I finally got my hull back from the painters on Monday. The hood is back to the fibre glassers to have the liner re glued. It delaminated without even seeing the water. The motor is nearly complete. This weekend I'm going to assemble as much as I can. I'm also making a template for a pole bracket since we can't find one that will fit. Blowsion has let me down big time with their pump so I will have to start making my own now. I'll post some pics this weekend.
waxhead
09-14-2006, 07:02 AM
Dale can you paint my engine to
that looks awesome your one
Dale can you paint my engine to
that looks awesome your one
I can put you on to the guy that did mine. It's not perfect but he is very cheap if you pay cash.
2nd nature
09-16-2006, 12:34 PM
http://www.x-h2o.com/showthread.php?t=7541 lookslike this guy can do your pump.
sic701
09-18-2006, 06:02 AM
Hi Guys,
Thanks for your help SLUG asked me to let you all know his computer is temporarily down but hopes to have it up and running in the next few days.
He will post more pics of FX1 and is very interested in talking to you guys about the pump conversion.
Cheers
Mark
waxhead
09-18-2006, 06:28 AM
i will be redoing his computer tomorrow night so he will be on here again soon
I had a look at the fx yesterday
its looks awesome when you get close to it
C-Rock87
09-18-2006, 10:51 AM
nice build
Back on line at long last. Thanks Wax.
Progress on the build is still moving slow. I've decided to run the stock pump (modified) to at least get me on the water for our summer. Once winter comes around I'll cut the bottom out of the ski replacing the intake area with a larger one and maybe fit a magnum pump. I'm waiting on a custom pole bracket which will be ready next week. It will incorporate a new latch for the front of the hood. Assembling this ski has been painful. Nothing just bolts together. Everthing has to be modified or fabricated. Last weekend I spent two full days doing work that should have taken half a day. Hopefully this weekend I'll fire up the motor.
Island750
10-05-2006, 01:36 PM
Good luck, this has been an awesome build to follow
Spent this morning installing the mats. I made my own templates and cut the mats from a blank. There is a layer of foam under the base mat and dash mat.
I took these pics with my phone so the quality is not great
Here's some pics under the hood. Also one pic of the hand holds.
Flash-FX
10-08-2006, 08:55 AM
Looks like your almost ready to drop her in! Sweet!
I just realized that Skat-Trak makes FX-1 Swirl impellers.
18-23,19-24,20-25. If you did not already mod out a SJ swirl impeller yet, just a different pitch selection.
Good Luck!.....More pictures!:headbang:
douglee25
10-08-2006, 09:41 AM
Awesome man! I wish I was near you to ride it!
Doug
Phill
10-08-2006, 11:28 AM
Dang! That thing looks sweet!!
cambo au
10-09-2006, 04:03 AM
looking good slug havnt looked for a while i wanna here how it go s
chart102
10-09-2006, 11:12 PM
hey slug, ive seen other guys put that curve on top of theyre rails. if u dont mind, how did u go about doing that? id LOVE for my SJ to have that. but im not sure how long it takes and what to do. PM me if u want. thanks
Phill
10-09-2006, 11:37 PM
Yes I would like to know about that too....
douglee25
10-10-2006, 12:08 AM
You pretty much just pencil the curve on the side of the gunwale, take a reciprocating saw and cut. Then you glass the top end, feather some filler, and paint.
Doug
hey slug, ive seen other guys put that curve on top of theyre rails. if u dont mind, how did u go about doing that? id LOVE for my SJ to have that. but im not sure how long it takes and what to do. PM me if u want. thanks
I spent ages trying to draw the curve in the side of the ski with a pencil. In the end I took the rubber moulding from an sxr and just traced it. I didn't see what sort of saw Lee used to cut it. It was then glassed from the inside through the cut outs for the footholds. After that the outside was glassed and faired. Those rails are now about an inch thick.
looks sweet man i just came across the build, best ive seen :biggthumpup: makes me want one:arms:
We're nearly there at long last. The motor is back out and that ugly stock head is off. I had it machined and it came back with 210psi. Would have killed my motor before it was run in. I've got an ADA girdled head arriving in the next couple of days. I spoke to a race car builder yesterday and he has come up with a simple way to make the 144mm pump fit. My swirl also arrives next week. Still having trouble latching the front of the hood. Hopefully we'll overcome that hurdle this week also.
Two maybe three weeks and I will be back on the water on Australia's most expensive Fx1:Banane01:
Stay posted
The part that I hate the most is done. The 144mm pump conversion. I took the hull, pump and some photos from tricky to a local guy who builds drag cars and this is what he came up with. The best part about these brackets is if you have to replace the pump all you have to do is grind the wear ring casing a little rather than start all over. The reduction nozzle is untouched. If you drill new holes through the tray at the rear all you need is the front section of the bracket and two spacers. The brackets are now at the powder coaters. The stock pump shoe will stay in for this summer. We opened it up to 130mm for now. I'll make a 144mm pump shoe and open up the intake duct next winter.
waxhead
11-08-2006, 03:01 AM
That looks awesome
Slug,
on the first pic that looks still quite high...
do you have enough clearance for the ride plat using the stock mount ?
Very well done.
Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to try the ride plate out for clearance. It's not as bad as the pic makes it look but it will defianately need some grinding and probably a D cut in the ride plate. I had to drop the brackets off to the powder coaters and the hull at the engineers for the pole bracket. I'll pick them up Friday and fit it all on the weekend. Hopefully I'll be posting a pic on Saturday night of everything fitting easily.
waxhead
11-08-2006, 06:24 AM
you will not be fitting a jetdynamics one on there thats for certain
Nor a drop nozzle. Pitty, I think it could do with one.
Maybe you could have done the bracket with an angle so that it goes above the nozzle instead of under it...
therefore you could gain the few milimeters of the thickness of the bracket...
Anyway thanks for the info... will do mine in a couple of months.
Flash-FX
11-08-2006, 07:53 AM
Looks good Slug. Question....since the 144mm pump is approx. 1" larger in overall diameter, To maintain the existing driveline angle of the FX, Wouldn't the pump need to (looking at the boat upside down) go down? Instead of being shimmed up?:dunno: The driveline should be as straight as possible so the driveshaft splines/rubber dampner/bearings don't get tore up.
I'll try to post a pic of a old Hydrodynamics ride plate from my 550 for you. It has a "teardrop bubble" formed into the bottom that gives a little extra clearance for the pump housing. You might be able to cut a hole in a regular aluminum ride plate and fashion a similar bubble. Using a piece of 3003H soft aluminum the "race car builder" guy could weld in... Just an idea.
gj_fx1
11-08-2006, 08:33 AM
better test fit it with a drive shaft before having the brackets coated.
Bonzia Bob
11-08-2006, 09:07 AM
Looks good Slug. Question....since the 144mm pump is approx. 1" larger in overall diameter, To maintain the existing driveline angle of the FX, Wouldn't the pump need to (looking at the boat upside down) go down? Instead of being shimmed up?:dunno: The driveline should be as straight as possible so the driveshaft splines/rubber dampner/bearings don't get tore up.
.
The driveline angle is going to be way off. I hate to say it but the pump needs to be way closer to the boat. I hope it works out for you :biggthumpup: On the ride plate, I have seen some people put an aluminum spacer between the mounts on the boat and the ride plate. That might be easier than grinding the ride plate.
I'll try it with the drive shaft in this weekend. I'm confident that the angle is spot on. The guy that made the brackets is a perfectionist. I gave him the original fx1 pump so that he could get all his measurements. He worked on centre measurements front and rear. The pump sits perfectly square against the shoe. I'll be very surprised if it doesn't sit correct.
Bonzia Bob
11-08-2006, 04:18 PM
I'll try it with the drive shaft in this weekend. I'm confident that the angle is spot on. The guy that made the brackets is a perfectionist. I gave him the original fx1 pump so that he could get all his measurements. He worked on centre measurements front and rear. The pump sits perfectly square against the shoe. I'll be very surprised if it doesn't sit correct.
It's not the side to side measurement that concerns me, its the up and down.
Flash-FX
11-08-2006, 07:35 PM
Here's the Hydrodynamics ride plate pic from my 550. The "bubble" allowed the plate to be tucked up a little more without rubbing the pump. It handled well in the surf.
tricky1
11-09-2006, 01:33 AM
you will not be fitting a jetdynamics one on there thats for certain
Why sure you can get a JD under it. The pump needs to be closer to the boat.
waxhead
11-09-2006, 01:50 AM
Damn you tricky teasing us with pics like that
It's not the side to side measurement that concerns me, its the up and down.
Give me some credit Bob. After looking at the rest of my build do you think I would only concentrate on the side to side alignment and forget about aligning the pump up and down.
Tricky do you have any pics showing the clearance between the pump and the boat?
The pump is in :Banane01: minus the prop. That won't be here to the end of next week now:frown: The alignment is perfect.
I'll take some more detailed pics of the brackets tomorrow when the pump is back out
FX-6.9 Boy
11-11-2006, 12:23 AM
pump looks good....hope it kicks as much a$$ for you as it did for me...rock on....
butti
11-11-2006, 12:26 AM
looks like a fine peice of engineering to me!:biggthumpup:
What type of steering nozzle are you guys using???
Flash-FX
11-11-2006, 09:03 AM
What type of steering nozzle are you guys using???
I'm experimenting with a Saito nozzle. It offers trim adjustments . A little heavier than a stock SJ but my boat is way lighter to start with. The 1 thing I noticed is that since the SJ nozzle is shorter than the FX "buzz bomb" nozzle, the steering seems less responsive. It definitely needs to be quickened up.
It looks like the prototype Blowsion:clown: nozzle got some "quicker" treatment also.
What are you doing for the steering cable?
I'm guessing the easiest solution will be a sj cable. I haven't taken any measurments yet. That will be one of my jobs on the "to do list" for this week. I first have to find a steering nozzle that fits. The bracket for the steering cable on the sj nozzle hits the ride plate mount.
Matt_E
11-11-2006, 11:25 PM
The SJ cable won't mount right to your pole. THe pole end is too long.
Unless you're using a SJ pole.
Here's a few more close ups of the bracket system that we have used for this conversion.
We took a little off the hull for clearence. the under side of he pump is sanded only because i fitted the stator section upside down then had to correct it:dunce: The pump shoe has been opened up to 130mm.
The SJ cable won't mount right to your pole. THe pole end is too long.
Unless you're using a SJ pole.
the pole is a superjet pole. standard length. i wasn't happy at first when i found out that it wasn't shortened but i think that it might work in my favour now.
Matt_E
11-11-2006, 11:53 PM
Excellent!!! Just shorten it, it's easy.
It's painted now so I don't really want to cut it if I can help it. I've fitted a Blowsion shortened turn plate. Hopefully that will be enough. If it still feels too long I'll cut it and repaint it through winter.
Matt_E
11-12-2006, 12:33 AM
One other thing you might consider are straight bars with the XMW turnplate...it'll take another inch off.
This week gone I was hopeing to have the last few jobs that have to done by other people finished. They let me down AGAIN. My head and prop should have arrived from the US. They are still sitting over there somewhere. The wife came up with a list of jobs that needed to be done. In the end all I got done this weekend was the steering. tricky said that the fx1 steering cable will work. Well it does but you have to make a new mounting bracket up at the pole. Thats all I could come up with anyway. The steering is slightly better to the right but it looks like it should function alright.
Something else I found out was when you press a fx1 drive shaft and bearings into a sj pump the back bearing seats 8mm deeper into the stator housing. Another new part to fabricate. If you look closely you will see a spacer ring against the bearing. That takes up the gap between the bearing and pump cone stopping decelaration from forcing the drive shaft back.
I was hopeing to put it in the water for the first time this weekend but thats looking doubtful now.
Well my head and prop finally left the US today which puts me another week behind. I really wanted to water test it this weekend.
Here's a couple of pics of the pole bracket we made. I made one out of MDF first to make sure everything fitted and worked ok. The bracket gets anodised black tomorrow.
While things have been a bit slow on the build I decided to retire the old trailer that I made 8 years ago and build a new one. I bought some wheels to match my ute some time ago but they were too big for my old trailer, so of course the only thing to do was build a trailer to suit the wheels.:rolleyes:
Its off to be gal dipped next week then new carpet on the ply, a couple of skids, a few other bits and pieces and walah - new trailer to match the ute. My new baby (fx1) has to be safe during transit to and from the water.
For you local guys, check out ozpwc classifieds for you chance to own my faithful old trailer. A carton of jim tins and its yours.
douglee25
11-25-2006, 07:29 AM
Bastard!:biggthumpup:
Lookin' good!
Phill
11-25-2006, 12:07 PM
What the heck is that car/truck looking thing?
WFO Speedracer
11-25-2006, 01:35 PM
You should get that guy to make you some more of those brackets along with the pump spacers.I am sure you could make a pretty penny selling those.
goodq
11-25-2006, 01:44 PM
What the heck is that car/truck looking thing?
Holden Thunder I think
Rickster
11-25-2006, 01:55 PM
Holden Thunder I think
Holden VG Ute I think..:dunno:
h2odesperado
11-25-2006, 01:56 PM
Holden Ute I thought. Or is that just what those funny aussies call truck lookin thingys? either way, bring it to the states GM!
Rickster
11-25-2006, 01:58 PM
Holden Ute I thought. Or is that just what those funny aussies call truck lookin thingys? either way, bring it to the states GM!
When they do bring something to the states, they tend to fauck it up anyways... Look at the Pontiac GTO...:banghead:
waxhead
11-25-2006, 03:41 PM
Ford falcon xr6
Dont you guys whatch the v8 supercar racing
www.v8supercars.com
Truck?? A truck is a vehicle is a that hauls tons and tons of freight intersate not something that fits in your garage. Its a ute or in this case a sports ute. Over here we like car like comfort and handling in a work vehicle. That "thing" in the back ground will out perform and out handle most sports cars and at the the same time it will carry a jet ski, tools or what ever else you want to throw in it.
http://www.ford.com.au/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1137384216525&pagename=FOA%2FDFYPage%2FDefault1024&c=DFYPage
http://www.fpv.com.au/index.aspx
If you'r not a Ford person then you are a Holden person. Its almost like a religion. You have to understand our culture.
http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/vehicleentry?vehicleid=15
http://www.hsv.com.au/index_eseries.asp
Oh and by the way, chicks dig blokes in utes. Translation - girls love a guy in an Aussie ute.:biggthumpup:
waxhead
11-25-2006, 05:15 PM
the Fords are better
Fords are like yamaha
Holdens are more of a seadoo / tigershark kind of thing
This ski is so so close to being finished now:woot: .
Pump is finished. Except for the prop that should arrive this week but thats an easy job. Arriving at the same time will be my JD ride plate and my ADA head. My carbs just need some paint and then Wax can work his magic and dial them in. :hail:
Next weekend I will be out in the surf running her in:Banane01:
oh and of course stickers, lots of stickers
waxhead
11-26-2006, 05:59 AM
What steering nozzle is that
What steering nozzle is that
I'm not sure Wax. I had a 650sx nozzle which fitted but it had a cut out in the side which would let water jet straight when at full lock. I went to John Daleys and found that one which is exactly the same except for the cut out.
Thanks for your help today Wax with the electrics. It turned out to be the earth wire. I didn't know where to start at first. You saved me from some major frustration.
waxhead
11-26-2006, 06:43 AM
its all good
i am glad to see it close to going
Flash-FX
11-26-2006, 07:49 AM
Looking good there Slug. The hoodlatch/pole bracket came out killer.:cheer:
You are kidding about the stickers...aren't you? It looks too clean to mess up...unless someone is paying you.
Hey Wax, your # 97 on the role call list to Daytona. Are you still coming up?
waxhead
11-26-2006, 07:54 AM
Nah i got stuffed around on some engine parts and didnt get the engine out in time so i cant afford
shame
but maybe next yeat
douglee25
11-26-2006, 08:30 AM
Slug,
Two words.... AWESOME LOOKING!
Doug
2nd nature
11-26-2006, 10:16 AM
that ski is pimp.
CoreyLKN
11-26-2006, 10:19 AM
So, how again did you get a good shape like that on the tray. Mine dont seem to look the same not matter what.
Phill
11-26-2006, 12:40 PM
Truck?? A truck is a vehicle is a that hauls tons and tons of freight intersate not something that fits in your garage. Its a ute or in this case a sports ute. Over here we like car like comfort and handling in a work vehicle. That "thing" in the back ground will out perform and out handle most sports cars and at the the same time it will carry a jet ski, tools or what ever else you want to throw in it.
http://www.ford.com.au/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1137384216525&pagename=FOA%2FDFYPage%2FDefault1024&c=DFYPage
http://www.fpv.com.au/index.aspx
If you'r not a Ford person then you are a Holden person. Its almost like a religion. You have to understand our culture.
http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/vehicleentry?vehicleid=15
http://www.hsv.com.au/index_eseries.asp
Oh and by the way, chicks dig blokes in utes. Translation - girls love a guy in an Aussie ute.:biggthumpup:
I guess I need to get out more.....
cambo au
11-27-2006, 03:51 AM
i am impressed slug it looks awsome will it be on the water by chrissie we are coming up to see wax to get kizzas motor set up would love to see that bad boy on the water
Should be on the water this weekend. I registered it today.
You can ride it if you want.
When are you guys coming up? Are you bringing skis with you?
cambo au
11-29-2006, 03:51 AM
yeh i am bringing my ski up and kizzas hull dont know when pretty much just got to paint and foam kizzas ski we got the tubbies on and the footholds and the rest of the surf kit done so just depends on the painter i would say after chrissie i am sure wax will let you know never ridden a fx1 actually i have never seen one on the water cant wait
kx454
11-29-2006, 09:45 AM
dude you gotta get out and ride that thing, its awesome
Well right now I should be bouncing around like a kid before xmas but instead I'm drowning my sorrows over a bourbon or ten. In short I'm F##king Pi##ed Off!!!. My JD ride plate due here two days ago. That hasn't even F##king left the US yet. My prop and Head. Somewhere in F##king transit. Looks like it will be lucky if they arrive by the end of next week. Sorry about the language but I was really looking forward to getting back on the water. Especially after the week I've had with dealing with dickheads at work all week but thats another story. Oh yeah, my stickers aren't ready either. What else can go wrong??? After eleven months, whats another week :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
douglee25
12-01-2006, 10:38 AM
Blah. Don't you hate when $hit like that happens?
Doug
I just started it and what a sweet sweet sound. No prop and a stock 760 head. I can't wait to ride it. It sounds sharp. It is screeming bottom end. I love it whan you stab the throttle and the engine has that crisp, sharp crack sounding exhaust note. It's not dialed in yet and it already sounds awsome. It is going to be a long week waiting on these last couple of parts.
Flash-FX
12-03-2006, 08:54 AM
Congrats!!:arms: :arms: :arms:
We need a full handling report.:cheer:
waxhead
12-09-2006, 01:26 PM
Slug took it to the water yesterday and we started to dial it in
this ithing is going to fly
I forgot how small they were but its some thing you get used to
the ski is awesome
the pump conversion is awesome as well
it just works, its cheap easy and it just plain works
the no frills pump conversion
well done dale
douglee25
12-10-2006, 08:20 AM
Sweet! Where ya at Slug? What are your impressions?
Doug
It sure was good to get back on the water again. Saturday we started dialling in the motor. Thanks to wax everything was pretty close. One jet change and lower the pop off and we were pretty much there. The pump felt good, the steering worked well but I will be trying to get it steering a little faster. Sunday everything felt great, the motor was getting faster & faster with more tuning and then the cooling blocked. We couldn't clear it on the beach so that put an end to the day.
Today I received my ADA head. The engine is finally complete. Bring on the weekend!
I'll get some decent quality pics of the ski this weekend with a camera to replace these pics that I have been taking with my phone.
Flash-FX
12-13-2006, 07:28 AM
Looking good there!:cheer: The first thing I noticed with my pump mod is the steering response is not like the good ole FX-1. I have the cable end/ball setup about as quick as it can be (ratio wise). All the way out on the Umi steering plate, and in the middle hole on the Saito nozzle. The inboard hole selection makes the steering cable bind on the pump housing :banghead: . Sounds like you might be experiencing the same control differences.
Looking good there!:cheer: The first thing I noticed with my pump mod is the steering response is not like the good ole FX-1. I have the cable end/ball setup about as quick as it can be (ratio wise). All the way out on the Umi steering plate, and in the middle hole on the Saito nozzle. The inboard hole selection makes the steering cable bind on the pump housing :banghead: . Sounds like you might be experiencing the same control differences.
Oh great. The reason I chose the Fx1 for this project was because I like the way they turn. I like that old school Kawasaki type turning. I thought that I was tipping off the side because I was out of touch. I didn't realise that the pump conversion would affect the steering as much as it has. I also have all my settings set as extreme as possible. Maybe a longer steering nozzle might help???
special fx
12-19-2006, 08:44 AM
Any updates on your handling concerns???
Handling has improved alot with the JD ride plate. The nose of the ski is still not coming around as hard as I would like through the turns. You're really busy in the tray trimming back and forward. You'll be carving out a nice tight turn, then all of a sudden the back end will slide out. It is getting alot better with time. I tore the scoop grate out the other day riding in the mangroves. It broke into six pieces leaving the hull inserts and pump shoe undamaged and the prop with only a tiny chip in one of the blades. If anyone has a grate that they want to sell please let me know. I wouldn't mind trying an old two bar grate with all the scoop at the pump shoe. I think the intake area is too small for the top loader style grates.
I still haven't got any decent pics to post yet. The weather has been overcast and the surf has been either really small or really messy.
Mile9c1
01-03-2007, 08:03 PM
Just my experience, but I can't turn for **** with the JD plate. I think it raises the back end too much (hard to say, I only rode it once, and had to take it off it worked so poorly for me). Which plates have you tried?
I was very surprised how much angle is on the JD plate. Also the quality of the plate was poor. I had to grind the sides and tidy up some rough areas in the casting.
The other plate that I tried was a Riva Groovy. I had to grind it and pack it down on washers to get it to clear the 144mm pump. It was horrible. The nose sat too low (probably from the washers) and it slid all over the place.
Finished At Last :Banane01:
Flash-FX
01-04-2007, 05:38 AM
Killer setup! :cheer:
FL-cracker
01-04-2007, 07:12 AM
That ski came out awsome! Mad props!
yamaslut
01-04-2007, 08:52 AM
amazing work...
douglee25
01-04-2007, 09:37 AM
Very nice man. One of my favorite buildup threads that I've followed this past year.
Doug
WaveDemon
01-04-2007, 09:47 AM
very sexy, hows the hook up with the new pump?
YAMA CAT
01-04-2007, 10:08 AM
That FX is beautiful! :purr: :purr:
just joe
01-04-2007, 01:04 PM
Slug,
Did you also have to shim the JD plate with washers to get it to clear the pump? I have been test fitting mine and it seems many washers will be needed, pushing the plate well below the bottom surface of the hull.
h2odesperado
01-04-2007, 07:25 PM
wow. just beautiful, the whole setup.
I agree with Mile on the handeling of the JD plate. I "D" cut my JD plate. Actually I just cut the concave part out to the second noch from the rear. Handels awsome! At high speed it tracks really straight, I think the ends act like skegs. I may cut one more section out and shorten the ends so I don't spear myself.
yamaslut
01-05-2007, 07:21 AM
I agree with Mile on the handeling of the JD plate. I "D" cut my JD plate. Actually I just cut the concave part out to the second noch from the rear. Handels awsome! At high speed it tracks really straight, I think the ends act like skegs. I may cut one more section out and shorten the ends so I don't spear myself.
that's scary, please do that. :skull2: :skull2:
:biggrin:
douglee25
01-05-2007, 08:30 AM
Big time scary. I banged my shin pretty good on my extended ride plate this past summer. I had swelling the size of a baseball in about 5 minutes. I think I sat in the ocean for 30 minutes trying to get the swelling to go down. No dice either. I could not imagine what that thing would have done.
Doug
yamaslut
01-05-2007, 08:37 AM
Big time scary. I banged my shin pretty good on my extended ride plate this past summer. I had swelling the size of a baseball in about 5 minutes. I think I sat in the ocean for 30 minutes trying to get the swelling to go down. No dice either. I could not imagine what that thing would have done.
Doug
it would be ugly
I hate to jinx myself, but have been very lucky with injuries, none. -knocking on wood- I have been ridding with that plate for about a year now. Mike Serlin had a pretty good injury by having the ride plate come down on his thigh. That JD is a thick plate and does not cut easy (as a $120 plate shouldnt). I'll get to it soon though.
After much deliberation I have fitted a set of tubbies. I still have some experimenting to do with the ride plate and rear sponsons to get the handling where I would like it. I had no idea that changing the pump was going to affect the steering as much as it has. I've never been a fan of tubbies but at the moment I have nothing to lose. I haven't had a chance to ride it yet, hopefully I'll take it for a ride through the week. I'll also get them painted through the week. If you think they look ugly in the pics you should see them in real life.
douglee25
01-28-2007, 03:22 PM
So I guess it's not hooked up very well then with the new pump? I think the black tubbies look awesome on the ski. Nice color contrast with the grey.
Doug
wow! what a difference tubbies make. I should have put them on from the start. The ski handles the chop really well now especially sideways chop. If you own an fx1 and you don't have tubbies, get some!
Matt_E
02-07-2007, 09:16 AM
They make a huge difference on a Superjet in sideways chop.
hurrican5547
07-21-2007, 10:25 PM
you like the blowsion tubbies on the fx? i heard they cause pretty bad porpoising, no? Amazing bike btw, i'm in love
spence
08-01-2007, 08:55 PM
sweet ski man the back looks awsome
shorty
08-07-2007, 10:58 PM
I've been following this build for some time and have to say you did an amazing job! I have been wanting to put a 144mm pump in my fx-1 for a long time now and think your way looks to be the easiest way. I was wondering if you could have the guy make another set of brakets to install the 144mm pump in. Think about it and shoot me a price. Again nice ski!
turbo626
11-15-2007, 12:17 PM
great read. I took my time and spent about an hour and a half reading all the posts and lookin at pics. So pure and crisp. Nice jet ski mate!
Cheers
Jeff
This build is my inspiration. I am already doing a pretty big project, but once school is out next year, I am totally lowering my pole bracket on my FX and making the pole flush with the hood. Well done on your ski, well done.
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