IS it a collectors item?

[ewscroggins]

So Ive heard murmurs around the local area that my 58' Evinrude Big Twin 35 may be something of a collectors item. Any one know the details on something like that? Am i sitting on something that I can sell for a nice chunk of change and get a bigger used motor?

 

[geoffwga1]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

No.Though they are a very good and reliable motor when running properly but they are not exactly rare so don't give up the day job.LOL

 

[F_R]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

Well, in a sense yes it is a collector's item, if by that you mean collectors are interested in them. You should have no problem selling it if you want to. Location matters because shipping can be a deal killer.

But don't think you can retire on the proceeds. The Old Outboard Book places a value of $20 to $250 on it, according to condition. Results may vary.

You may be interested in the Antique Outboard Motor Club. They have a free classified ads page (Webvertze). Their website is www.aomci.org A quick look at last year's membership directory shows two members in Lewiston.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

The '58 Big Twin in my oppinion is one of the best motors built. I own a '57 model, myself. Like what has been posted here, don't plan on retiring with the proceeds. It would be a nice motor to fix up and put on a boat though.

 

[ewscroggins]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

Well I dont expect to hit the lotto on it I guess. For re-sale purposes, is it more desirable to have the original vacuum fuel system working, or upgraded to the electric pump?

 

[F_R]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

Collectors are looking for unmolested motors. Oh, and that is a pressurized fuel tank, not vacuum. Just so you know....

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

I wouldn't use an electric pump either. You can upgrade that motor to use a fuel pump, pretty easy. If you have a good working pressure tank, then you would be money ahead to stay with it. It costs about the same, to convert, as it does to get a new pressure tank, but replacing the pressure tank, requires no work on your part. So that is something to take in consideration. I have 5 pressure tanks in my posession, so I have no need to convert any of my motors.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

From what I've seen the antique engines that go for any amount of money are the ones that are professionally restored to showroom condition. Other than that don't expect to get a lot, as others here have said. The first thing working against you is the fact that there's a relatively small market for antique outboard engines (as compared to antique cars, for example). The other factor working against you is the fact that there are still quite a few of these older engines still available.

 

[ewscroggins]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

Well i guess im at somewhat of a cross road here, as my boat has no tank and no fuel lines. From what I understand the tanks are cheap, its the pressure lines that can get costly. And thank you for the correction, In my mind I was typing pressure not vacuum.

 

[scipper77]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

The Old Outboard Book places a value of $20 to $250 on it, according to condition.

I'd think that if by some chance the motor was in "original unrestored" showroom condition and had things like the original sales reciept, manual etc... it would certainly be a collectors item. Even then I don't see you getting rich off of it.

At the same time the old outboard book value of $20-250seems a little low. I would think for a mechanically updated, perfect running motor (magneto's, replaced, carb rebuilt, good compression....) $250 would be a steal. Of course I've also noticed that old 30-40 HP motors in need of a little work are way easier to find then say a similar 10 HP motor. That just might be a local thing due to some bodies of water having a 10 horse limit.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

Well i guess im at somewhat of a cross road here, as my boat has no tank and no fuel lines. From what I understand the tanks are cheap, its the pressure lines that can get costly. And thank you for the correction, In my mind I was typing pressure not vacuum.

The lines can be had for under $3 a foot. Typical length needed is 5-6 feet. Not a budget blower. The expensive part can be the two line connector that connects the lines to the engine. Your best bet if you want to use pressure tank, is to find one complete with lines and the connector.

You can then evaluate the condition of the tank, lines, and O-rings in the connector. All the rubber parts in the above mentioned can be fixed or replaced for short money. Plus you would be keeping your engine original.

 

[ewscroggins]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

I see, i was led to believe that the lines can cost upwards of $300

 

[kfa4303]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

$300???? Maybe $3.00 a foot? Where are you getting your info? I'm guessing from the same person who said you had a "collector's item"? While a very nice motor (the '58 35 hp Johnson is my favorite looking motor of the era. Gotta love that reverse two-tone!) it's only worth a few hundred bucks in working order. The good news is that they are very reliable and you can rebuild practically the entire thing, fuel lines and all, for about $150. You can get all routine parts like carb kits, tune up kits, reseal kits, fuel lines, etc....right here at iboats for about $25 each. Here are some handy links to get you started.

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/v...ntage-evinrude-johnson/377517/37751700001.htm

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/04/s/columns/max/24/index.cfm

 

[Gus-71]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

Hi!
I just bought brand new at omc dealer dual line (around 6 feet) female conector amd some clips and orings and it was under $200!

 

[coolguy147]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

My 1958 35hp Johnson came with a fuel pump.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

They didn't start installing factory pumps until around 1959, but you can easily convert the old two line tanks to a modern fuel pump. Here's how.......

http://www.leeroysramblings.com/Converting_dual_fuel_line.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtG4M7ye1N8&feature=related

 

[ewscroggins]

Re: IS it a collectors item?

Ya, im looking into the fuel pump conversion. My brother in law was the one who informed me about the old style fuel lines, but I take what he says with a grain of salt, obviously. Haven't had much time to work on it lately, been to busy moving. Hopefully ill get the deck finished next week and Ill start cracking into the motor.