My FX-1 Build

[demolition_x]

Picked up an FX-1 and now getting into it.

Plans are to reinforce the whole ski, foot holds and the 144 pump.

Already have the ski stripped, defoamed and ready for reinforcement. The foam was dry as a bone for the most part. I noticed a little water (maybe a teaspoon) near the ride plate mounts. I have to say though this ski is light when it is stripped. It really surprised me. I have to give big props to Pancaker for helping out on this build, We have been bouncing ideas back and forth and he def has some good ideas to make this ski nice.

The biggest problem we have encountered is the pump and the pump shoe. We took the pump shoe out and traced the wear ring onto the shoe and it is down to paper thin in many spots. The only feasible way I could think about grinding the shoe out would be to epoxy it back to the hull with the voids filled and make the shoe and the hull one. Then grind the shoe up to the desired opening.

 

[special fx]

Nice....keep'em comin' I love watching FX builds!

 

[demolition_x]

Today we figured out the best way to approach the pump. We decided to cut out the high parts of the pump and make the pump cavity have the same height. Still havn't decided if the pump is going to be the 650 kawi pump or the 144 pump I have. Since i have a nice 144 pump with tbm cone and big hub 12/17 I would really rather run that pump. After test fitting it some we should determine which way to go. The FX-1 pump cavity is only a half inch smaller in width.

The nose got some work done today along with some 404 and epoxy in the bond rail and motor mounts.

Also weighed the hull in its current state and it weight 65 lbs which was nice compared to a sj.

 

[MNTURBO]

cool project - you gonna put a SJ tank in there? its up there on my list

 

[surferdude345]

Looks good Rich- you gonna put the sq. nose motor in this ?

 

[demolition_x]

Yep the square motor goes in this when its all finished.

I was planning on putting the SJ tank in as well. My carbs are a little thirsty so I would like to maximize my riding time.

 

[demolition_x]

Getting back to working on the ski.

Put the workshop in order today and should start working on it pretty soon.

 

[MNTURBO]

got any updates? I still gotta tackle that pump shoe this winter....

 

[demolition_x]

I have been prepping to start reinforcing. Glass should arrive tomorrow.

I have decided to to run the 650 pump instead and have all the goods to make that happen. Should start working on it this week.

 

[demolition_x]

been getting some work done here and there.

Laid a few layers of s glass over the pump mounts and beefed up the pump inlet with several layers of 1708 so that is ready for some grinding.

Laid about 8 or 10 layers of s glass on the nose bond rail, which should be indestructible from a lawndart.

Plan on reinforcing the sides of the tray this week and possible grinding the inlet for the pump. What is the best way to figure the alignment for the pump? I am assuming the distance back is dictated by the intake grate. But whats the best way for the driveline?

 

[MNTURBO]

you going to fill in the areas where the pole trim piece was was?

 

[dbredleader]

FX-1 Build

That trim piece is crap. I painted mine, but It's coming off. I like the ones w/ turf in place of the trim. Glassed in looks nicer tho.

 

[MNTURBO]

That trim piece is crap. I painted mine, but It's coming off. I like the ones w/ turf in place of the trim. Glassed in looks nicer tho.

I used to have turf there, but after a couple nose stabs it started coming off, even after I screwed it down

 

[demolition_x]

yes it has been filled in with epoxy and 404.

 

[just joe]

Good idea on the nose reinforcement, have you considered glassing in the nose foam or creating a chamber to fill nose with expanding foam? It's one of those "too late now, will do next time" for me.

Great start!