So, first off, I want to give a major shoutout to
crazyinkc . Not only did he help me out tremendously with the console and steering, he's been a constant source of advice and feedback for a noob boater like me. Grade A dude right there, ladies and gentlemen.
So, we decided that the 65 hp Johnson wasn't going to be worth the trouble. It needs a fuel pump, fuel line, starter, prop, plugs, coils, and more than likely carbs rebuilt. In addition to that, we would also need to run a transom bracket of some kind to attach the steering cable, since that motor was too old to have a tilt tube. Since the toon transom is so narrow, this might have been a pain, so we made the decision to search for a newer motor. Put my American Fender Strat up for sale to fund it. Admiral wouldn't let me go into savings for one, so it had to be a toy for a toy.
Strat sold this weekend, and I found a nice deal on craigslist. It's a great running 1984 60 HP Johnson, with controls, and a complete second parts motor for $600. Drove up last night and picked it up. Started first bump of the key, pissed water like mad out the pee hole, and went into gear without fuss. Goal is to rig saturday, and perhaps lake test sunday??!!?!?
That face you make when you get your hands on a new Johnson....
And here it is...
I'll need to get a new prop, as the 17p that's on there is probably a bit much for the Toon, but at least we have an end in sight!