1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

If you are referring to the rectangular 4 hole pattern in the transom then...If you don't know what they are for then... You're NOT gunna like my answer. If it were mine, I would grind em out, feather em, then layer some glass and resin, sand, fill, prime and re-Paint. Then from the inside, Mix up some THICK PB fill the holes and do the same on the inside as the outside,
Grind, Glass, Sand and fill. That's how and what I'd do. Others may have other ideas.

 

[andgott]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

Those 'factory' holes are likely the old mounting holes from whatever outboard was installed originally... If they had a merc on there, it'll probably line up. But- If not, they probably won't...

I'd fill them if I were you.

Those mercs are sweet old engines... I just picked up a 1961 '500' inline six.... It'll likely go on my '61 Custom Craft. Vrooom!

 

[Psiclown]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

I was going to fill them originally but knew I would be going with a bigger motor. They came with 45 HP Sears from the factory so this Merc prolly won't line up. I'm with you guys in filling them. Not a huge deal. I'll do it after I flip it back over. Start with the inside dishing and layups, get the transom in, and then do the outer skin. I'd rather not have any more holes in the transom than is needed.

I got the third and final coat of paint on the hull last night! Going to let it sit until NEXT weekend before flipping. I have plenty other crap to do like make a couple of engine stands. The one that came with the Mercs is kinda wobbly and I want to have a mobile one with casters.

 

[Psiclown]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

I got a 6 gallon fuel tank for Christmas. Will this be enough for this new motor? Finally got the motors unloaded. My buddy almost broke his finger....... but.......$h!t'll buff out.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

I think you'd prefer a 12 gallon capacity whether that be a single 12 gallon or two 6's.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

Yep 12 gallons and a 5 Gallon tank in the Truck Just in Case!!!!

 

[andgott]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

Those mercs will make quick work of 6 gals of gas- I'd say at least one more 6 gal tank- If not 2...

Use the 'rule of 3rds'- 1/3 of your fuel on the way out, 1/3 on the way back, and 1/3 reserve... When the first tank is MT, it's time to head back.

Of course, you can vary that 'rule' based on your boating environment. If there are places to get gas along the way, you can be a little more casual about things...

 

[Psiclown]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

Roger that, thanks. I'll grab another 6 gallon tank since they're easier to lug around. Last night I built one of those motor stands they have stickied. Turned out perfect, I'll post some pics tonight. I have some leftover stain from my fence I'm going to hit it with.

 

[Psiclown]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

Here's a some pics of the motor stand.

And right after a little Thompson's Water seal.

 

[Psiclown]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

So the motors are not identical. The "better" one is a 1966 and the other 1963. Which kinda sucks since the 66 is missing the hood. I left a message at Nick's Outboard Marine. It looks like he has a hood on his site for $40. I don't think it has a pull start, which would have been a cool option. Gotta pick up a battery and dust off the ol' compression tester.

 

[blacksmith04]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

Nice job on that aluminum! Great to hear that I can use a propane torch. I have been researching the heck out of it and everyone was saying acetylene only. I'm happy now lol. Did you grab that stock at a regular hardware store?

And yes the motor is cool I lucked out with the find. The guy I bought it from had 4 other boats and some guy who owed him money gave it to him as payment. (or so the story goes lol)

I use porpane to fire both of my forges. Lots of blacksmiths do. One of my forges gets hot enough to burn steel.

 

[Psiclown]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

Got another motor stand built today. The guy at Nick's Marine wants $100 shipped for a hood for the 66. Gonna make sure it runs right before blowin' that coin. They look vintage mean, I love it.

66 Merc

63 Merc

I was digging through the pile of crap that came with them and found a couple of trim plates.............score.

 

[archbuilder]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

I have to say the Mercs are cool looking from that era! Hope they both run like a top! Here is some inspiration for you! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvjVEqt48HM

 

[Psiclown]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

I have to say the Mercs are cool looking from that era! Hope they both run like a top! Here is some inspiration for you! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvjVEqt48HM

Yeah I love that video...haulin' ace! And I just found an upper cowl for $35 w/o shipping. BUOYA!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

Hey Clown,

Go here and place and ad for the Parts you need for your Motor(s). It's free. Just join the site. LOTS of Great info there. I think you'll enjoy it. These guys are the EXPERTS and they can find ANYTHING you need AND they will NOT charge you an Arm and a Leg.

http://www.aomci.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=Webvertize

 

[Psiclown]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

Thanks Wood. I just registered and posted a wanted topic.

 

[Psiclown]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

What kind of rubbing compound should I use to buff out this hull with and should use a buffer or just by hand? Any advice on polish and wax?

 

[archbuilder]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

3M makes some great rubbing compounds. One they make actually breaks down as it is buffed and becomes finer as it is buffed out. I would use a wool bonnet on the flatter areas with a machine. Tight cures I would do by hand. I'll try to remember to look at the name on the compound tonight and post it for you.

 

[Psiclown]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

3M makes some great rubbing compounds. One they make actually breaks down as it is buffed and becomes finer as it is buffed out. I would use a wool bonnet on the flatter areas with a machine. Tight cures I would do by hand. I'll try to remember to look at the name on the compound tonight and post it for you.

Thanks Arch. What kind of machine; orbital or rotary? I'm scared lol....don't wanna burn the paint!

 

[archbuilder]

Re: 1964 Arkansas Traveler Restoration

I use a rotary, keep it almost flat on the surface and go slow.