1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

[Lil' Rhody]

Got started today by removing some interference and then the OD assembly from the transom. All components looked reasonably decent to my untrained eyes. I have decided to covert this to an outboard set-up due to $$$ constraints which I know is making some of you cringe... However with some of what I'll save on a engine rebuild I will put towards keeping "the classic look" as close as humanely possible.
A few photos os todays events-

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Rhody you are in for some work converting to an outboard. I will say it looks like your Chocolate Lab is happy about the new purchase .


Rick

 

[Lil' Rhody]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Convert to an Outboard??
Don't know what I was thinking way back then
Well Memerial Day week-end it is- So here goes;
I have acquired a running 3.0l 135hp Mercruiser (1989 I think) and %98+ of needed components thus far. I have her cleaned up and ready to get started with a little extra coin I have put away for a rainy day. She will be called the "Rising Sun" which will incorporate a rising sun logo I will post up later. I am gonna stick with simple basics stuff to get her sea trial ready. As my learning curve diminishes I will accomplish more but steady as she goes for now guys. This week-end I intend on repalacing a few rotted pieces of wood under the bow where the control arms for the windshield wipers go. I will also repair the bow hatch by replacing a couple of hardware items on the sliding guide. If time allows I might mock-up the stainless bow rail pirated from my '71 Holiday along with a few other things... I going to grab a Mercruiser manual early next week and make time to read it cover to cover hoping to absorb some of it in- Sh!t I am still learning the names of all the drive components so bear with me.

 

[Lil' Rhody]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning


In case everyone forgot what I am working with here...

 

[Lil' Rhody]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Ooops,,,

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Hey! Where ya been?

Here is a link that jumps over to the iboats I/O section that has your OEM Mercruiser manual.
I downloaded #1 for my 68 Holiday w/a 120 merc and it has been worth my weight in gold!

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1693398#post 1693398

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Looks like a chorre on the inside. But its empty and the outer hull looks ok so it off to work you go . Good luck I bought a AHMmmmmmm restorable 16 supersport and it will be about what your looks like inside. A lot of new wood and interior but what else could I do with my spare time . LOL

 

[starcrafter65]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Guys,

I know you have been religously following my resto link - if not....I just finished replacing a 120+prealpha with 3.0 + alpha one.

ANy questions just holler - also - I ended up with a very nice complete VGC merc120 outdrive - everything from the coupler to the prop - including the trim components - pump etc....

More Pics!

 

[Lil' Rhody]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning


Retrieved motor, the very last component from donor boat with boom this morning around 7:30am. Went off without a hitch and got it palletized and home by 9:00am. Took some measurements conducted a little prep work and then it decided to rain.

 

[North Beach]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Dang Rhodey, that is one ugly boat! I don't know why you're restoring that thing. Heck I've only ever seen one of em

 

[Lil' Rhody]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

This guy down south tricked me into it...

 

[Lil' Rhody]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Putted around making a few minor repairs that have been bothering me. Replaced hardware on the deck/bow hatch allowing it to open and close and then prepared interior for engine drop in. Trying to get in a rythhm to allow a better and more sensible sequence for the upcoming show,,,
Wifey keeps coming outside to look and then just shakes her head.

 

[Lil' Rhody]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Parts I ordered have finally arrived, will pick-up tomorrow and go full tilt after that...

 

[Lil' Rhody]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Acquired everything needed and began installation of engine components today. Had to slightly elongate two holes from the MR drive to the Alpha1 engine mount/gimbal housing to bolt up. Installed seals with some marine silicone around that and bolted up the two parts... I am now replacing the old forward engine mount as it also is just slightly off kilter from the original 2.5l 110hp engine. So far so good! Will post some photos in sequence soon...

 

[North Beach]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

AW we need them pics man!!

 

[starcrafter65]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Speaking from doing the same thing:

First - I got it done and everything works great. You'll need a new dash electrical harness - they changed - see if you can nab it from your engine - along with cables etc. The linkages are all changed from 1960's to 1980's.
Check the lower shift cable before you mount the gimbal housing - along with bellows etc. I think the trickiest part was getting the linkage settings beween the three cables adjusted. It was worth it for me to find a local marine mechanic do this.

The more pieces you can get from a donor the better- exhaust connectors and aluminum pieces come to mind - as even the motor and drive I had did not meet up exactly

I had the carb professionally cleaned (100 bucks) and it did wonders for performance - they dip it in a solvent that clear everyhting and put all those tiny pieces together. I would take the starter and alternator off and take them to a parts store and have them tested (usually free) before your drop the engine in. I didn't and they both needed work.

NAPA has all marine components by the way - fast and cheap!

Again - I did the exact same thing over the last 8 weeks so ask if you have ann questions.

 

[starcrafter65]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Also - and forgive if you already know - you'll need the alignment tool when you mount your motor to the transom unit!

Obvious other - check gimbal bearing, change oil....

Tell me to shut up and any time!

 

[Lil' Rhody]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Photos as promised:
PLEASE, keep that commentary coming too.
Installed Transom Bracket and Bell Housing on Tuesday evening. Dropped in engine and pulled gimbal out Wednesday afternoon. Have an alignment tool standing by for after the new Gimbal goes in when I bolt on the drive next week-end. Trim stuff will be done. My plan is to get her running in advance of any sea trials to work out any kinks including a possible carb cleaning and linkage hurdles I encounter. Everything is on hold for the entire holiday week-end anyways so again thanks and keep spewing that information my way OK....
Might construct a wooden doghouse tomorrow, nothing fancy just for practical fishing purposes maybe in the vein of a bait station or something...

 

[starcrafter65]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Memories....mysty water color memories.....

Looks familiar - only 6 weeks ago for me!

 

[starcrafter65]

Re: 1966 Sunchief Restore II- In the Beginning

Forgot one - mount your bilge pump under the motor with a bracket before you put your battery/fueltank in