A collectors Item or not?

[64osby]

I found this at a garage sale today, you don't want to ask what I paid for it.

A 1929 Johnson Motor Company Model A-45 Sea Horse 3 HP 2 Cyl.

It looks a little rough, silver spray paint, tank is dented and the spark plug wires are taped to the handle, but it looks like its all there. And it spins

I'm trying to figue out if I should leave it at my office or take it home. My wife keeps telling "NO MORE PROJECTS"

Anybody out there that can tell me something/anything about this beast.

For a cadet, I think this is a pretty good find, what do you think?

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: A collectors Item or not?

Nice old engine, but the old racing engine's far more valuable.

 

[64osby]

Re: A collectors Item or not?

I'll have to go back and see if he has one of those racing motors under a blanket in his garage like this one was.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: A collectors Item or not?

to be honest, these guys can tell you a lot more about it. http://www.aomci.org/

 

[64osby]

Re: A collectors Item or not?

tashasdaddy Thanks I'll take a look.

I was looking on the web, found a match to the gas tank for sale at a museum site.

get it for a little $, fix it for a lot of $ and sell it for less than that. Isn't that the way it works.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: A collectors Item or not?

Outboard collectors are a frugal (cheap!) lot. You can buy a very nice motor from the late 20's, 30's and early 40's in running condition for no more than ~ $250 and a pristine runner in immaculate condition (read better than new) for 700 to $900, but you have to convince the seller the motor is going to a good home, and not going to be slapped on a beat up tinny and banged around. If you don't have a restored, period boat, these guys won't sell to you. I own two 30's motors (both runners) and my cousin has at least three (now maybe four). He also has a better than new mid forties 14' Penn Yan Cartopper.

 

[F_R]

Re: A collectors Item or not?

Outboard collectors are a frugal (cheap!) lot. You can buy a very nice motor from the late 20's, 30's and early 40's in running condition for no more than ~ $250 and a pristine runner in immaculate condition (read better than new) for 700 to $900, but you have to convince the seller the motor is going to a good home, and not going to be slapped on a beat up tinny and banged around. If you don't have a restored, period boat, these guys won't sell to you. I own two 30's motors (both runners) and my cousin has at least three (now maybe four). He also has a better than new mid forties 14' Penn Yan Cartopper.

The Old Outboard Book lists the A-45 at $100 for a nice original running motor to $10 for a parts motor. People seem to think the book is right on when buying, but way off when selling. Wonder why that is?

 

[64osby]

Re: A collectors Item or not?

Doing a little research. I was a little amazed to find that over 31,000 of these units were made. So I can see why they might not be that valuable in terms of Big Dollars.

It looks like I have another project to work on. Should be fun. I would think the older they are the simpler they are to work on. I have a 62 Land Rover thats great, one vacuum line, points and condenser, no computer, no radio, and built like a tank.

Where do you find a manual for this one?

Maybe this one will work on the back of my canoe.

 

[Rick.]

Re: A collectors Item or not?

1929!! So where do you stoke the coal in it? Good on you. I like to have a project or two on deck but they are rarely projects my wife thinks are worth while. Have fun. Rick.

 

[64osby]

Re: A collectors Item or not?

Rick

1929!! So where do you stoke the coal in it?

It was an eco gas engine for it's time. Maybe ObamaMotors can help me convert it to an environmentally friendly engine. Or better yet, Cash for Clunkers for old outboards, saving the environment one 2 cycle engine at a time.

If I get this one fixed or my 60 Sea King 5HP then I can go look for a little fishing boat project. What a deal

My wife will grumble at the projects but they usually turn out pretty good. I know she loves our 64 Crosby and the 62 Land Rover.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: A collectors Item or not?

You can get a manual from outboardbooks.com. Just got one for my 1938 Elto Pal.