1956 Evinrude Lark - Ready for water!

[lindy46]

So here's some pics of my latest project - a "56 Lark. I ended up converting it to 12 volt. Had a 12v starter from a '58 but the bolt pattern was slightly different on it. So, had to open up the bolt holes some to get it to fit the '56 starter bracket. Worked like a charm! Got a 12v choke solenoid and I'm in business! Motor has 135psi compression in both cylinders and starts right up after a tune-up and carb clean/rebuild. A few seals in the lower unit and she's tight. A lot of work, but, hey, us old retired guys gotta keep busy with something!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Lark - Ready for water!

WOw! 135psi had to have been right at showroom compression! Fantastic job. I also like the 12volt conversion. YOur trim pieces were perfect--must have been a low hours motor that was taken care of?
What boat are you goint to put it on? I'd like to see a pic of it in action on the water.
I really like the looks of all the '56 models.
Later,
JBJ

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Lark - Ready for water!

Compression surprised me too. The P/O said it had good compression, so I didn't check it before I bought it. The guy had three of them and a bunch of parts for $200. So I have two more to work on! Trim was all removed, polished and re-painted as was the entire motor. My wife says, "sell it" as I have too many hobbies which cost me money! She just doesn't understand - I'm retired - I'm not supposed to make money anymore - just spend it!

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Lark - Ready for water!

S-W-E-E-T!! Now I know what my old, beater, parts horse Lark is supposed to look like. How did you paint the trim, especially the colors on the chrome faceplate? What paint and colors did you use? Geez...wish all of mine had the lifting bar at the back of the bottom plan.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Lark - Ready for water!

Just sanded the chrome with some 220 grit wet sandpaper to rough it slightly, primed it and painted it with good old Ace Hardware red enamel. I used the same technique last year with my '57 Lark and the red has held up fine outdoors part of last summer and all of this summer. That Ace enamel is good paint and inexpensive, but the colors are limited. For the cowl colors, I have best results with Dupli-Color touch up auto paint. I match it up as close as possible - not exact, but close enough for "driver" motors. I've had terrible luck with Krylon lifting the old OMC colors, so don't use it unless I strip to bare metal.

 

[n0rr15]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Lark - Ready for water!

You have given me hope sir. I have this same engine on a traveller boat that my grandmother gave me and I am working hard on it. The motor starts right up (only ran it for a second). I bought the gearbox assembly (original) and now I am waiting on a friend who says he has the curcuit box? that goes with it.
I may have some questions for you and if you have time to answer occasionally that would be soo helpful.

Rick

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1956 Evinrude Lark - Ready for water!

You have given me hope sir. I have this same engine on a traveller boat that my grandmother gave me and I am working hard on it. The motor starts right up (only ran it for a second). I bought the gearbox assembly (original) and now I am waiting on a friend who says he has the curcuit box? that goes with it.
I may have some questions for you and if you have time to answer occasionally that would be soo helpful.

Rick

No problem - good luck!