Thread: LET RESTORE BEGIN

Hello everyone, sorry it has been so long since posting any updates. I have been busy on other projects and really haven't gotten anything done to the boat except wishing it was done. With all the rain we have had about the only thing, till this morning, I have gotten done was bailing water out of the boat that accumulates on top of the tarp between the seats. Well I hope to have gotten that part fixed for now and will know later today with more rain expected. I went to Lowes yesterday evening and bought some PVC pipe in 3/4 inch size and cut some lengths so it is bowed up when wedged between the gunnels. Didn't even need to take the tarp off to put the bows in place, easy in easy out. Not a lot of bowing of the pipe but more than enough for the water to run off providing the bows don't slip and flip around upside down...I have a bit more to do on the house before it gets to clod, then the weather will determine how often I get out to work on the boat as I don't have a garage to work on.
Unfortunately this gives momma time to come up with more for me to do and not work on the boat. We will just have to see....Well till I get something else done on the boat, Eric, AKA "Jamesdean".

Been quite a while since I updated this...though I could not remember the tittle and started one " Let the Rebuild Start" I believe it's titled. So, up to date now, I did get some work done on it today. Remember this is how the Bow started. After today... , I added an aluminum plate 23" to the bow and Rivited it in place, so I could attach my trolling motor.... Now this pic of trolling motor it's just sitting on top and the plate is clamped on as I was checking fitment...I will get it attached in the next couple of days.

This old EVINRUDE of mine is something of another animal. If it sits more than a day without being started, My back wont let me get enough uuuumph to pull start it, SO I found an outboard part supplier that had the parts to put electric start on it at a fairly resonable price for everything and even gave me a warranty on the used parts. the whole kit for and shipping right at $200.00. Not bad when the net cheapest without any warranty was a third more. So it wasn't break the bank. I spent the rest of this pretty day getting it almost finished. I hit a snag when it came to installing the neutral safety switch. The switch itself wound up being on the opposite side of the bracket from what I needed. I think I can switch sides and it work. If not I can bypass the switch all together. All thats left for the install is drilling two holes in the lower cowl ( one for the starter button and one for the battery cables), attach the switch and cables, and if I can get the switch installed correctly the wire from the solenoid to it needs extending as the wire on the solenoid for it is only about 4" long right now.

I put the Motor on the boat and took some pic's Thought I might have needed a jack plate but I think it sets about right. I need to get a couple more sticks of angle aluminum so I can install the front deck from the back of the front bench to about two feet under the bow extension. Think I'm going to put some indoor/outdoor carpet on the deck. The bow nose plate is going to either get Gator Skin or some non-slip tape...prior to mounting the trolling motor. I just haven't made my mind up yet on that. Well, That's it for now. I will try to update this more often as the weather is getting better and I can get more done on it. After I get the deck done, I start on either painting the boat with some accent, or starting on the trailer. I got to sand, and wire wheel it, then primer, then paint. Haven't decided on color yet. It will either be the same as the accent colors on the boat, or a redo of the color it is now. Only time will tell. Thanks for reading this ole thread and the update. Please feel free to comment and maybe suggest some colors. I will probably be using Rust-oleum paint. Again, thanks for reading my little ole story on my Restore project. Eric, AKA, 'Jamesdean"

Well with Momma on the road this Mothers Day I spent some more time on getting the starter hooked up on the boat. Got everything installed and hooked up, and rechecked all the connections. With everything looking good I connected the battery and hit the start button. Nothing, Notta, zilch. UUUURRRGH!!!!! So got the multi-meter and went to double checking everything again. Found 13.03 volts across the solenoid without pushing the button, Bingo fond the problem....To double check it I found a heavy jumper wire and went from the battery side of the solenoid to the starter and it started to crank. Called my ace in the hole mechanic to see if he had a part number so I could get one and he actually had one in stock. So I pick it up today and see if I can get this thing running...Eric, AKA Jamesdean

Good luck

Well, With the help of my ace in the hole mechanic, Mike B., who recently retired and was gracious enough to supply a new solenoid and confirm my test findings, I am proud to say, I now have electric start on my 1961 Evinrude Fastwin 18 H.P. motor...Just finished at about 1345hrs.(1:45pm for those that don't know)...WOOOOOHOOOO!!!! Now when the rain stops, on to more things. I have the paint and primer for the trailer, a new back keel roller as it wasn't there when I bought it, a new wire kit for the lights, and some new sealed LED tail lights. Will go to the store on Friday and get the LED amber marker lights for the side, As well as the paint and primer for the boat above the side rail of the boat. That's for right at the moment, I might get a bit done between the showers, depending on radar outlook...that's it for now. Eric, AKA jamesdean.

Thank you Speck, it all came out good...

Your doing good....i enjoy reading your progress and looking at your pics

Congratulations on the electric start!!
I too enjoy your post, keep it up.


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