Hi Bill,

 The Miss Bardahl got a quickie restoration when she came out of the Goodwill. 99% of the wood and aluminum sheeting was original at that point. Time has since taken its toll on some of the 50+ year old parts and so they need to be replaced (rot). We are also adding a few new systems as mandated by our insurance (fire suppression and emergency kill switches). Hoses are being replaced as necessary especially fuel lines (leaks and hose decomposition are not good things).The engine was a used engine when installed so, is being disassembled partly to check it over and repair if necessary. The plan is to run the boat again this Summer. We're always looking for more volunteers. Feel free to come down if you like. Tuesday and Thursday evenings--we'll even feed you dinner. 200 hrs. of work earns you a ride too!

Hi Hans,

We'd love to have you come visit. Evening work crews on Tuesday and Thursday nights start around 6 pm. Be sure to bring your camera!

Glenn

Can't wait to see the Green Dragon snort fire and roar with the thunder of her super charged Allison

Thought I'd post an update on the first "Green Dragon". The restoration has turnred into a bigger job than first expected. Greg Hedman is in charge of "all things boat" and has found lots  wood /aluminum frames that have seperated from each other over time. The glues used back in 1958 are not what they are today. New frames have been made  and installation should begin in the near future. There was also lots of wood contamination with oil hidden inside the hull.. Cleaning continues, then the exposed wood is being resealed as necessary. Aluminum pieces were added (glue & through bolts) to some deck frames that were found to have  cracks from age. The work is slow, but Miss Bardahl will be a good solid boat when finished.

The engine overhaul continues. It was decided to take the engine all the way down and completely overhaul it.  The main & rod bearings were replated, the valves and seats have all been ground, clyinders honed and straightened as necessary, and finally  the cylinder banks were reassembled. The block and accessory housing have been reassembled and painted.  We are awaiting the arrival of new rings projected for early May, then final assembly can begin.

Pictures in my 2 photo albums: " 1958 Miss Bardahl boat repair" and "1958 Miss Bardahl  engine repair" were both recently updated.

If you ever wanted to help restore a hydroplane come on down Tuesday and Thursday evenings and lend a hand. And remember if you put in 200 hours, you'll earn a ride!

Glenn

I was in my teens, and going to high school in Seattle, when she was running.  My buddy and I used to love watching that green thing move out on Lake Washington.  Got to meet both Slovak and Regas.  Remember taking a wood model of Miss Thriftway, and converting it over to a Miss Bardahl. (doing the cowling and tail was the real challenge)  Looked pretty darn good too.  Have lived up here in Alaska for many, many years now.  So you can imagine it's a little tough to just hop in the car and drive on over.  But if I was down there, I'd sure be over there constantly to help out on this restoration your doing.  It would give me great joy.  Who knows though, if I could shake loose for a month or two, maybe I could come down.  Sure would love to.

Keep up the good work, wish I was there, Rob

My wife and I flew down for the Mariners 'Home Opener' this spring.  While in town, we stopped by the museum and saw the progress on this, and took a bunch of photos of her.  Was told at the time, that it needed to be ready to go this summer some time.  Has it happened yet?  Sure looked like there was a lot to do yet.  Would give my 'eye-teeth' to be there for the re-launch.  We are planning our next trip down for "next" summer, as Nancy's family is having a reunion right at Seafair time.  Will be in Spokane while the Seattle race is happening, but hope to be at Tri-Cities for that one.

Robert, are your pictures available for viewing?  I was helping on the restoration but have not been able to get back for over a year.

Steve

Robert, the Miss Bardahl is now targeting a completion date of late September/early October.

Thanks Glenn for the update.

Steve:  as it turns out, only 11 of them turned out very well.  But, I'd be more than happy to share them if you'd like.  The shots I took are close ups of the interior frame work.  I'm interested in this as I hope to start soon on a 5' to 6' model of her.  Not for the water, but as display only.  And - I want it to be "stick-by-stick" exactly like the original.  All the bulkheads, nuts, bolts, everything, just like the big gal. (but in miniature of course)  So this is why I was more interested in the interior framework.  There are also a couple shots of the tale assembly sitting on the floor.  If this sort of shots would be of interest, let me know.  About the only way I have of sending them to you would be as an email attachment.

Yours, Rob

Haven't heard anything lately.  What's the current status?  Has the restoration been completed?  When we were there back in April, there was still a lot to be done.  But were told that the goal was to have it up and running by the end of the summer.  Fill me in if you can.

Thanks, Rob

Hi Rob,

The hull is currently upside down getting some new aluminum.

What do you think?

It looks really great!  Saw it Saturday.  You guys are doing really nice work. Will be great to see her back on the water.