1953 Alumacraft project

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screennamie

Seaman
Joined
Nov 28, 2011
Messages
59
Looking for steering options that wont cost an arm and a leg. I may just go teleflex but I would also like to keep something unique and original to such an old boat.

Does anyone know where I can get cheap rope tiller steering parts or have any laying around I could buy for cheap?

Specifically a helm/drum or the part that hooks up to the motor

tiller rope steering.jpg
 
S

screennamie

Seaman
Joined
Nov 28, 2011
Messages
59
Re: 1953 Alumacraft project

Awesome! Thanks guys. I'm in the parts gathering stage right now. I just got my starter in the mail, solenoid and mount for the motor. I really want to do my research before purchasing steering. I know it isn't cheap. And I'm not all that positive it'll float come spring. Purchased my first boat at the beggining of winter and the motor seemed to start strong even in the cold. Wouldn't stay running too long though.

I'm going to be doing a lot of fixin and tuning before hooking up the starter though this spring. Already sure I'm going to need to replace some rivets and get rid of some rotted wood.

Thanks again for all the help.

And I'm on the West side of MI.
 
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andgott

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Sep 2, 2009
Messages
801
Re: 1953 Alumacraft project

Of course, you NEED to post some pics of the boat, too- Just to prove you've got it ;)

Cable steering, while 'authentic' to the boat, isn't necessarily the best option if you plan to use the boat a lot- The more modern teleflex systems are better. I replaced the rope and cable system on my boat with a rotary helm, and don't regret it AT ALL. Depending on the setup of the boat, you'll probably be able to conceal it pretty well so it really isn't noticeable. Unless you plan on using the boat for show, I'd highly recommend a modern steering system.

-Andrew
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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S

screennamie

Seaman
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Nov 28, 2011
Messages
59
Re: 1953 Alumacraft project

I'll get some picutres up as soon as I can. The ones I have on my phone look pretty bad when I bought it. I did some initial cleaning out of leaves and unhooked the motor and fogged it before storage.

I think I may end up going with a teleflex. I've heard the rope and pully is pretty unsafe and illegal some places.

I also haven't decided if I'm going to keep the window one piece or cut it and shorten the dash to a console. Any insights there would be great? Do you guys think it would be a bad idea to make a shorter windshield and dash?

I have plans with the inlaws to pressure wash it and really inspect the transom. It doesn't look too rotted but really rough. Which is surprising because the seat backings and bottom pads are really nice, just need to re-sew a stitch here or there.
 
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screennamie

Seaman
Joined
Nov 28, 2011
Messages
59
Re: 1953 Alumacraft project

Finally got the pictures off of my phone. These are the roughest ones from when I first bought it. I've got the leaves and water out, stored the motor and covered her for the winter. I'll be posting some after pictures this spring with any luck. :) I've since gotten my starter, bracket, and solenoid parts wise. Just need some steering and paint and lots of elbow grease! Surprisingly the battery and lights still work too!

Any recomendations on cost effective paint brand?

1.jpg
2.jpg
3.jpg
4.jpg
5.jpg
 
Woodonglass

Woodonglass

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Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,929
Re: 1953 Alumacraft project

Page #10 in my "My Flamingo" thread listed below has all the details on the Valspar paint and how to apply it for your boat. I kept the Rope & tiller steering on my 61' boat but have not splashed her yet. My research tells me anything under 40 hp the rope and tiller is still good for. Over that and you should go with the Teleflex.
 
makingthemhappy

makingthemhappy

Cadet
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
13
Re: 1953 Alumacraft project

curious what you decided to do with the windshield, they are not the easiest thing to find, If you are going to hack it away, perhaps just buying a smaller one and selling the big one would be an option.
 
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screennamie

Seaman
Joined
Nov 28, 2011
Messages
59
Re: 1953 Alumacraft project

I did decide to keep it. I'm going to remount after I get my lights wired. already finished installing the starter, solenoid and wired it. And it works! No more pulling the rope for me :)

I'd like to do a nice white/blue or white/red paint job. But I'm thinking of taking her hunting too so a nice tanish yellow oughta match the reeds. Topped with a descent blind or burlap should hide it perfectly too.

Heres an updated pic of the console so far.
electrical mounted.jpg

and a short clip of me workin' it :D
 
S

screennamie

Seaman
Joined
Nov 28, 2011
Messages
59
Re: 1953 Alumacraft project

ezmobee said:
Valspar tractor paint from Tractor Supply used with the available hardener.
Click to expand...

For a small boat this size 14' do you think one gallon would do the trick? I haven't even looked at price yet. Wondering how much to get.
 
Woodonglass

Woodonglass

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Messages
25,929
Re: 1953 Alumacraft project

Again, Check Post #12, It has all the details you need.
 
leslielbk

leslielbk

Seaman
Joined
Jun 8, 2011
Messages
56
Re: 1953 Alumacraft project

Doing my favorite thing - looking up solutions to my boat problems. I have a 1958 Alumacraft Deep C, and as I work my way through one thing and another, I see my steering cables are cracked and old. The steering wheel is pretty sad-looking too. I see your post, and wonder if this might be a good idea for me - just change the whole thing. Maybe get a new wheel, although that might kill me. Do you have any advice on how I would figure out what to get? And do you think a new steering wheel is blasphemy? I've never seen any old ones for sale.
 
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