Motor Cover Restoration

V

vettenuts

Seaman
Joined
Sep 6, 2010
Messages
62
I have a 1965 Johnson 75 hp that I just picked up and the motor cover had a big gouge in it. I think this was from the cover blowing off while the boat was being towed on a trailer. Is there any guidance or do it yourself pointers to how to restore the cover? I did find another used one, but the condition is only marginally better then the one I have now.
 
lindy46

lindy46

Captain
Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
3,886
Re: Motor Cover Restoration

Those fiberglass covers can be easily repaired with Bondo. Paints to match your motor are available through most Johnnyrude dealers. I think yours is the standard off-white which Johnson/Evinrude used for many years - PN771236. Not sure of the number for the silver.
 
Tim Frank

Tim Frank

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 29, 2008
Messages
5,346
Re: Motor Cover Restoration

If it is just a gouge, ^^^^^^.

If it is an actual hole, glass it. If you need help, the boat restoration forum has some real experts.
 
C

clifton63

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Messages
49
Re: Motor Cover Restoration

I just went through this. Here is what I did:

-used heat gun to heat and scrape off old decals. Can be done with hair dryer. Be careful here. I had to use a window scraper razor blade to get underneath, but it is easy to gouge fiberglass. You can try a paint scraper.

-fixed gouges with marine epoxy. sand area smooth with 100 grit

-fixed small pits with automotive glaze putty (spot putty).

- Wet Sanded whole thing with 200 grit

-wash with dawn soap

-wipe down with denatured alcohol.

-used a automotive sprayer and sprayed industrial "Alkyd Modified Acrylic Enamel" ($11 quart at Industrial / automotive paint supply). Do not waste your money on those "johnson" ready to spray paints. They are acrylic Laquer and don't hold up very well. Just take your engine cover to the supplier and they can match the color. Be sure to get the hardner for the paint. I did not do this and it takes a week for it to harden. You will get better results with a hardner.

-bought a decal kit on ebay and applied with spraying soapy water on back of decal and motor, then let dry.

ENGINE COVER LOOKS BRAND SPANKIN NEW!!!
 
V

vettenuts

Seaman
Joined
Sep 6, 2010
Messages
62
Re: Motor Cover Restoration

clifton63 said:
I just went through this. Here is what I did:

-used heat gun to heat and scrape off old decals. Can be done with hair dryer. Be careful here. I had to use a window scraper razor blade to get underneath, but it is easy to gouge fiberglass. You can try a paint scraper.

-fixed gouges with marine epoxy. sand area smooth with 100 grit

-fixed small pits with automotive glaze putty (spot putty).

- Wet Sanded whole thing with 200 grit

-wash with dawn soap

-wipe down with denatured alcohol.

-used a automotive sprayer and sprayed industrial "Alkyd Modified Acrylic Enamel" ($11 quart at Industrial / automotive paint supply). Do not waste your money on those "johnson" ready to spray paints. They are acrylic Laquer and don't hold up very well. Just take your engine cover to the supplier and they can match the color. Be sure to get the hardner for the paint. I did not do this and it takes a week for it to harden. You will get better results with a hardner.

-bought a decal kit on ebay and applied with spraying soapy water on back of decal and motor, then let dry.

ENGINE COVER LOOKS BRAND SPANKIN NEW!!!
Click to expand...

I would love to see pics as well. How did the paint match? My lower unit has paint issues as well.
 
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