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  1. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Other than the winch stand being way taller, that trailer looks to be identical or close to such. It appears that on that one the axle is in fact underslung... so maybe what I have is correct despite looking off? On my trailer, I just don't see how with the springs installed the axle isn't going...
  2. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Per more research and pondering, I think I am seeing what happened with the axle... I'm suspecting it was originally an overslung setup, and somebody converted it to underslung. Explains the tight wheel and keel clearance. So, if I fixed such (converted back to overslung), that would correct...
  3. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    I've seen that stuff before. That said, I found out what likely happened to the re-welded step. The angle roller bracket on that side was bent and I wasn't able to hammer it straight (at least with a 4lb drilling hammer, I didn't try the 4lb mini sledge). Likely, something terrible happened...
  4. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Thanks and noted. For personal and financial reasons I'm not looking to farm much if any of this out.
  5. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Took some measurements... Trailer is 95.5" wide... so yep, over 80". Looks like I need to add amber lights to the front of the steps/fenders, possibly move the forward set of amber lights (well, replace) to around the tongue, and replace the secondary set of amber lights in the back with red...
  6. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Doing some research. The trailer laws sticky is a dead link, but I did find this instead: (Removed link to avoid violating competitor company rules) This trailer is a Type 2 (pretty sure it's over 80", maybe 84"?... certainly under 30' and 10,000lb GVWR)... which is just combo lights and front...
  7. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    Define "just pass". The current trailer has about 6".
  8. ratdude747

    Found me a project trailer...

    I love my boat (1976 Starcraft Montego), but I hate the trailer, mainly how high it rides. It also seems to be be too big. While the trailer is older than the boat by a year (MFD. in 1975), it's technically not original, the original low-riding Aluminum dual-axle traded for this due to the...
  9. ratdude747

    1976 Montego 16- The "Free" Puppy

    Some updates from yesterday: Finally making a bit of headway with getting the seat cushion redone. The best auto/marine uphostery person in the county happens to be my manager's aunt... due to high demand I may end up on a waiting list, but if push comes to shove I'll add some foam and do a...
  10. ratdude747

    Boat Trailer Tail Lights

    Seconded. I found a deal for genuine Optronics lights on eBay... different style than original (went from square/round to "full clear" retangular), but I think they ended up looking and functioning nicer than original. I also (as I prefer) ran dedicated ground wires alongside new light wires. I...
  11. ratdude747

    Best "low effort" towable?

    Last season I tried tubing with my boat... and well, for me (and my wife) things didn't go well. We started with an old SportsStuff 4-person donut that came with the boat (and despite being 12+ years old, still worked great). While it was fine for some teenage guests (who were fit athletes) and...
  12. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 (302) Cylinder Head swap?

    Shot them a message. Probably not going to buy anything but an extra opinion never hurts.
  13. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 (302) Cylinder Head swap?

    Fair enough... If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And if it misfires due to an exhaust leak, then re-evaluate and then look into finding heads that already have hard seats if there is any question about the machinability of the existing heads. Supposedly after 1976 302 and 351 heads converged on...
  14. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 (302) Cylinder Head swap?

    I've also heard that boating is hard on engines and it'd be more likely to fail than a weekend cruiser car. Last thing I want is a leaky exhaust valve burning things down on the water.
  15. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 (302) Cylinder Head swap?

    As long as it is available for local purchase. For now it seems like auto parts stores still sell motor medic brand... But if that drops and lead substitute becomes an online-only purchase, then it becomes a pain. Btw, the heads aren't that far away... 5 hours (Kalamazoo, MI). I used to drive...
  16. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 (302) Cylinder Head swap?

    1976 Mercruiser 888... Covered in leaded fuel warning stickers and the like. Previous owners ran 100% leaded or (later) unleaded with lead substitute. Engine is completely stock other than having an Edelbrock performer 289 intake and Holley marine 4160 carb. Swap was done partially by the...
  17. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 (302) Cylinder Head swap?

    They're perfectly fine other than requiring lead substitute every 3rd fill-up due to having soft valve seats (added cost plus an inconvenience to have to find and buy). I have a lead on a machine shop too (same guy that did the machine work on my 1984 F150's 300 back in 2020)... The issue is...
  18. ratdude747

    Mercruiser 888 (302) Cylinder Head swap?

    One thing I eventually need to do on my Mercruiser 888 is swap or rework the heads so I no longer need to run lead substitute. I may have found a deal on some heads that likely have hardened seats... they're Ford D5AE-CA 351 heads that came off an OMC 302 (supposedly includes ARP 351-302...
  19. ratdude747

    1976 Montego 16- The "Free" Puppy

    Reviving this... now that the holidays have come and mostly gone, I can better budget repairs and upgrades. Things I want to get done before the upcoming season (aside from the annual oil/fuel filter change and waxing): Re-upholster rear seat cushion (a deferred repair from last season)-...
  20. ratdude747

    1976 Montego 16- The "Free" Puppy

    Test fitted the Hoyer lifter last night... Perhaps with some different casters I think I have a winner?
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