1959 mark 78a

[pugerz]

I just recently bought this boat for 200 that has this mark 78a on it. When i went out to look at it, I kinda knew from the pictures that it was a 1959 motor. What puzzles me tho, is the pictures of the 1959 motor shows all chrome on the cowling. This one is mostly chrome but has some black stripes on it. The front face plate is all chrome and some black in the middle, but on the bottom where the chrome would be, It looks like a weathered red color. Below the cowling on the upper part of the lower end it is the same weathered red. The top of the motor is the standard white. Does anyone have any thoughts on this color differential? I want to repaint this motor and make look vintage, but now i am troubled. Please help with comments, thanks.

 

[emckelvy]

Re: 1959 mark 78a

Here's a couple of links which may help with the color scheme:

http://store.eastcoastmarineservice.com/category_s/95.htm

http://store.eastcoastmarineservice.com/category_s/104.htm

It's possible that someone has played "mix 'n match" with cowling or other parts. The pictures should give you some idea of what's supposed to be there.

HTH...........ed

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1959 mark 78a

Also, I believe there was a Mark 78AD model that was a "deluxe" version that had all the chrome bits. As Ed noted, it is not uncommon for 50+ year old motors to have a bit of an identity crisis due to mixing and matching of parts...

 

[pugerz]

Re: 1959 mark 78a

I looked at the east coast marine site and it looks like the picture, except bottom face plate was red and below that red. It said it could be ordered with various combinations too. I will take some pics and post when i get the boat at my house.