Deck restoration questions

[Rollinsj]

Hello everyone, new to the forum but have been reading a lot of this awesome info from you guys. My main question is about removing my console. I have a 71' 18' malibu center console w/ a 73' 65hp johnson o/b and was wondering if it is dificult to remove the controls and control box on the console? Also is the steering system hard to remove? I a very skilled in carpentry so the deck resto i don't think will be a problem, just worried about messing up the controls. Thanks for any info, I will post pics today or tomorrow.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Deck restoration questions

I have found the control cables to be easier to remove from the motor than from the control box on my '73 Johnson. I've had the motor off twice and it wasn't a big deal. However I had to replace a throttle cable once and the control box part was a pain. The shift cable looked even worse to try to replace so I left it. The control box should be mounted using bolts that go into the box (box holes are threaded). You should just be able to back those out from inside your console without having to take anything related to the control box apart. It's been 5 years since I had the control box off so I could be fuzzy on that. But I remember it not being a big deal to unmount/remount the control box. Steering also shouldn't be difficult. If you have a rack system it is especially easy because you'd just need to remove the 4 bolts that hold the rack to the helm.

 

[Rollinsj]

Re: Deck restoration questions

Thanks ezmobee, gonna wait another 2-4 weeks to start the project to make sure the rain chances are little if none. Here in FL you never know when a shower or a storm are coming.

 

[allpoints360]

Re: Deck restoration questions

Are you going to remove the center console from the boat? Do you have any gauges?

I agree with ezombee that removing the control cables from motor can sometimes be easier. You might want to take a photo of the position of the cables in your motor, the shifter and throttle, so when you put them back on you have a reference. The steering cable is easier to remove at the motor, but you may have to lift the motor to free it. Maybe not.

The gauges may also need to be disconnect from the motor or could be disconnect from the back of the gauge. Depends on wiring.

Just take pics and you should be fine.