1963 MC1 Sterndrive Replacement

[leegoldring]

Just completed restoration of a 1963 Hydrodyne, and currently have the original MC1-4 (there were 4 MC1 versions in 63 alone). Don't have exact S/N as it was not at all visible, but know it is is the range 1534570 THRU 1684187. I would like to get some opinions on sterndrive replacement possibilities. By the time I replace rusted drive shaft, seals and other needs like worn forward/reverse gears, going to get very costly indeed. Tools to even work on these units are nearly impossible to come by. Biggest issue I assume will be refit of a new transom assembly? This current assembly will only fit this specific year - has a short yoke, even the EZ shift sterndrives 1 year later are no good. Engine in great shape and is a Merc 160 IL6. There appear to be plenty of Alpha ones available, but what would best approach be? Thank you for any and all advice.

 

[Bondo]

There appear to be plenty of Alpha ones available, but what would best approach be?

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... You answered yer own question,....

Convert it to an Alpha 1, from the flywheel Back,......

You'll have to redrill a couple holes in the transom, 'n open up the keyhole slightly, but it's No doubt the best way to go,....
The Alpha 1,... Or the Gen.II,.....

 

[Scott Danforth]

I love the cyclops grill on the boat.

 

[leegoldring]

That is good news Bondo. Any comments regarding the transom plate and associated assembly items. Currently MC1 had no interrupt switch, power steering, and the tilt (not trim) pump activates only one line per cylinder (that was set up back then as you know I am sure). Also have one of those older single control Morse shifters with the cool white ball on top (can it be reused?). So when piecing together the transom plate, what other parts do I need to be concerned with inside the boat for this retrofit. Again, thanks in advance for your response.

 

[leegoldring]

No Title

And here is an image of the current transom plate (same sterndrive, not my boat...)

 

[Bondo]

Any comments regarding the transom plate and associated assembly items.

Ayuh,...... As I said above, swap to Alpha, Everything aft of the motor's flywheel,.....

Reuse Only yer motor,....

You'll probably only have issues tryin' to marry the riser to the down-pipe,... It might take some creative engineerin',....

 

[leegoldring]

Bondo (or others please), would you mind providing some insight on an alternative to replacing with an Alpha - I am very interested in keeing this boat as vintage as possible - as crazy as it sounds! I have located an EZ Shift 1A as a possible replacement. I am confused regarding ratios, and compatability with my engine:
Currently have:
160 Merc
1963 MC1-4 Sterndrive (S/N is worn off, but am positive of model and S/N range) Ratio is 2:1 per my manual.

Want to replace it with:
1964 1A EZ Shift. Ratio is 1:84 per manual. The unit comes with transom plate and bell housing. I am aware that this EZ outdirve will not fit my current MC1 series bell housing - current retainer nut is a Hex and has a short yoke. I assume that with the replacement transom plate and bell housing, I will be OK mounting this with some alignment and possible redrill new holes. Thanks for your advice again.

 

[Bondo]

Bondo (or others please), would you mind providing some insight on an alternative to replacing with an Alpha -

Ayuh,.... I can't be much help, as those drives are Antiques,....

I've seen a few, but never did anything with 'em,...... 'n parts just can't be bought for 'em,....

The EZs are completely obsolete, 'n parts don't exist for 'em,....

Which is why I suggest updatin' to atleast the later MC-1s,.... say a '79, through '81,...
Though I believe the 1st Alphas in '83/ '84 are the Best, with the most grease fittin's on the transom assembly,....
The later MC-1s will look much like what you've got, with better hyd.s, 'n trim system,...

Goin' from a 2:1 to a 1.84:1 will require a different prop to keep the Wot rpm,s where ya need 'em,....
Usually, or should I say, now-a-days, the 2:1 is used for the GM I-4 motors,...
The 1.84:1 is used for the I-6s, 'n V-6s,....