Thunderbird trihull project started

[cyberslurpie]

This is my first boat and as usual with any project that I do, I am in over my head with what I am going to do to it but I like it that way.. This is how I learn.

So after removing 5,000,000,000 rivets around the seam, and digging out most all the old foam and rotten wood, this is what I have.

more photos in next post limmit 5

 

[cyberslurpie]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

here is more photos... my plans are to make it a inboard powered by a small chevy 4 or 6 cylinder. So I need to know how to set up the stringers properly since I am redoing them anyways.

I am a good mechanic and I can do some carpentry but this is my first boat.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

I hope you have done your homework on converting an outboard to an inboard.
I also hope you have deep pockets. Marine engines and outdrives are NOT cheap. Also your boat appears to be a 15 footer which will NOT leave much room after the motor is installed. You can learn alot from reading ALL of OOPS thread in this forum. He extended the length of his boat to accomodate his inboard. It IS your boat and you CAN do what you want but IMHO, by the time you are done you could buy an i/o boat in good conditon for a lot cheaper than what your cost will be to convert this boat.

I'm just sayin...

 

[drewpster]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

I tend to agree with Woody but I have seen boats with wheels, wings, and motorcycle engines in them so why not?
The question is..how good are your engineering skills. Anytime you deviate from the original design of the boat you risk uncharted territory. If you have the money, time and know-how to do it then I say go for it. But if you just want a good reliable fun boat I recommend you stick to what you have and go back with an outboard. Wood is right about the cost. Just getting one back factory costs a pretty penny and you may have a hard time finding anyone to make recommendations on how to do it...considering the liability.

my 2 cents
enjoy
drewp

 

[cyberslurpie]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project underway

Re: Thunderbird trihull project underway

well using what I had and doing some wheeling and dealing on craigslist. I came up with a 75 hp sears elgin. I was leaving the guys house and 3 miles down the road he called my cell and asked me to come back. he said he had another one for me. I got back to his house and he gave me a 45hp elgin too... damn sweet deal there.

neither runs or turns over and 1 is missing a carb but I think I can swipe one off of another engine around here.

The main thing is getting them to turn right now. on one of them, the flywheel moves about 1 cm and the other is froze up solid. here are some pics too

 

[cyberslurpie]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

this is where I am at working on the hull... 99% of the old floor and supports removed...

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can,

 

[Tony T.]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

Sure you can just keep chugging along your getting there with each post.

Tony

 

[cyberslurpie]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

I just found the 75 hp model #'s
6660754

so that makes it a 1966 year... now I need some online youtube vids on how to diagnose and rebuild them...

 

[cyberslurpie]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

Sure you can just keep chugging along your getting there with each post.

Tony

thanks... I need all the motivation that I can get

 

[coolness]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

Hey Cyber...

Quite an ambitious project you have. I am excited to follow your progress!! Keep the pics coming. How much did you pay for the boat?? Any pics of it before you started gutting it??

 

[cyberslurpie]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

Hey Cyber...

Quite an ambitious project you have. I am excited to follow your progress!! Keep the pics coming. How much did you pay for the boat?? Any pics of it before you started gutting it??

yes the pics are on the first post... that is how I got it... total wreck

the boat was free on craigslist. and the motors, I traded a 25 gallon air compressor for them.

and since I have a follower now, here is a project budget breakdown

boat = free on craigslist
45hp & 75hp sears elgin motors = traded a 25 gallon air compressor for them
grinder (to remove old fiberglass floor and stringers) = $30.00
extra grinding disk = $5.00
fiberglass supplys to fix holes in transom = $15.00
labor to remove floor and clean up hull = lots of blood and sweat

currently working on motors.. I will keep you all posted with pics comming soon. I ran serial #'s on the 75hp elgin and it was made in 1966.
I haven't checked the 45hp yet. I also noticed the 75hp 3 cylinder has a distributor and the 45hp 2 cylinder has 2 coil pack ignition. I assume that means it has points.

I am also cutting a door hole in the side of my shed so I can get the boat in before I start laying the stringers. shed is 12' x 16' and boat is 6' x 15'

Today I am making motor stand(s) so I can work on motors

 

[cyberslurpie]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

I just found out that crysler bought out elgin and west bend and a few others in 1965. my 75hp is a 1966 and the 45hp is a 1967.
this is why I couldn't find any info on it... I have to search for crysler outboads

 

[cyberslurpie]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

45 hp is now parts motor... I just pulled the engine and then pulled the carbs and reed valves and then I looked inside... the crank is rusted... #$#$@$%^@ 2#$%45 @#$%4 @#$%4 @#$%&$%^* 4%^&# 34%^#

 

[RobbyA]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

I haven't posted, but I will be following this. That is a mighty big project and I would love to see it splashed.

I saw the pics the other day when you first posted and my immediate reaction was

That's as about as bare bones as you can start with.

Good luck. I will be checking on your progress as you go.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Thunderbird trihull project started

That's quite a project. Post your Elgin questions in the Other Outboard Brands section. I know another member recently got a 60's West Bend (also pre-Chrysler) going.