To paint or not to paint?

[ahollinger]

Dad finally broke down and gave me his '53 Johnson TN28 5 horse. It saw little use in the last 48 years. Still has the blue canvas engine cover that he bought with the motor. All I had to do to get it running again was replace the coils, the impeller, and some new Lower unit lube. She behaves like brand new. He had drained all the fuel from the tank, carb and lines last time he used it (1978 or so) and put it up. <br /><br />Seahorse,I looked at your pictures of your '53 restoration and I am in absolute awe. Beautiful job! If she ever needs a new home down south, let me know.<br /> <br />The question now is really one of philisophical debate. Does a collector find more value in the original paint with a scratch or two and a few dents in the tank, or a cosmetically restored engine? <br /><br />I don't really intend to part with this little motor, and she looks real good for her age,but before I decide to sand it down fill the dents,and make her look like Seahorse's, I thought I would ask the group.

 

[alcan]

Re: To paint or not to paint?

Hi Spider John<br /> Congrats on your new baby.They are great little motors.I bet you can't wear it out. Your dad couldn't do it.I've seen a few of them broken. But I have never saw one that was wore out! I read some place, that an outboard that didn't have a dent in the tank wasn't worth a hoot. All B.S. aside, bottom line, it's your world, you put that tree anywhere you want. Have fun and take good care of it.

 

[Spur]

Re: To paint or not to paint?

I camoed my 59 seahorse. Its worth more to me camoed. Just enjoy it.<br /><br />

 

[Grizzly]

Re: To paint or not to paint?

Sounds like an no-brainer to me, Spider. If there's any way you can afford another motor, save this one, it sounds like a jewel. If this is your only motor and you love the water, like most of us here, put that thing on a boat and enjoy the heck out of it. Life is good! -G.

 

[ahollinger]

Re: To paint or not to paint?

Thanks for the feedback all. I do have a 98 115 horse johnson on 277 sprint. Not the fastest rig, but she gets me to the holes I fish. Family doesn't care much for fishing, so I usually take my neighbor. It bothers me that I get to enjoy the lake without the family. <br />The 5 horse is a motor to use with my wife, kids and the dogs to enjoy the afternoon at a little slower pace.