Upgrading steering and floatation

[pop528]

I am restoring a 1960 Glaspar Lido with a 1960 Johnson 40 HP. I would like to upgrade the cable and pulley steering to a more modern system. Can anyone provide me with a list of parts I will need along with directions on converting the old mounting point on the outboard to take the single cable connection on a newer system. If this isn't possible does anyone have a source for a replacement kit for the old steering?
I would also like to add foam blocks not only to stiffen the hull but for safety. The boat has plenty of long narrow hidden spaces which are easy to get into.

Thanks,
pop528

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Upgrading steering and floatation

go to iboats marine store , steering i would use a rotary system, very user friendly. it is an expensive conversion. there is nothing wrong with a properly maintained cable/pulley system. i love them.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Upgrading steering and floatation

Check your cable/pulley hardware...should still be anchored tightly to the boat, good, workable pulleys/springs and a good cable hub behind the wheel. If you have all that, you can replace the cable for not much $$ from a big box store. If you regularly maintain the cable/pulley system...it is very reliable. You can find replacement pulleys/springs at online chandlery stores that handle sailing hardware.

 

[boatflipper]

Re: Upgrading steering and floatation

I recently upgraded my pulley system to a 'mechanical steering' system (the technical term for what I think you are wanting to do.) I have a 1966 33 HP Evinrude that had the pulley system and I converted it to a rotary steer. It took me about 5 hours from start to finish and it really wasn't hard at all, I just measured time and time again to make sure it would be perfect. The only thing I don't really like about it is the fact that the steering rod has to mount where the pulleys hooked on to the motor at, and you have to drill the holes out a little, but I don't think that is a problem. Here are the links to the only 2 items you need to order.....For everything you are looking at about $250 tops (including shipping.) Good Luck!!

EDIT

 

[geedubcpa]

Re: Upgrading steering and floatation

You could shop ebay or craigs list for a junk boat that has the modern steering - I have seen a few junk boats in the columbus ohio market that people basically were giving away - at anyrate it would be worth stripping the steering system out and then taking the hull to the junk yard.