1969 1250 Mercury restoration

[JBKINWA]

I have a 1969 Mercury 1250 thunderbolt I bought many years ago. Parts at that time (1994) were unavailable due to limited internet. Recently was reviewing project and WHA-LA, Now parts look like they might be available. I only have a couple of years marine mechanical experience, but have 20 years aerospace, and 10 years heavy equipment mechanical experience. This should be a great project and very doable. Depends on parts availability and good info. Like many of the old WWII aircraft I worked on during my career, finding guys who know old girls like this can be hard to find. Any tips on what to look for that are project killers I would appreciate. When I bought it the compression was low. Needed oversize Pistons and rings, couldn't find them then. Also I seem to remember one of the case plates tended to corrode through and were hard to find at that time. Any info would be appreciated.
Thx Jim

 

[Faztbullet]

Need to tear it down and inspect it. Pistons are NLA and only NOS can be found. No gasket sets made new only NOS stuff. IMO just clean it up and make a mailbox out of itor find a newer motor and put cowling on it to make project year specific.

 

[jimmbo]

1969s have about the Sharpest looking Cowl Graphic Mercury ever used. A lot, but not all Parts, are still available, though they can be expensive. It seems Merc is trying to make it too Expensive to keep these old 2 strokes running, and is applying Pressure to get you to buy a newer cleaner 4 stroke

 

[DeepCMark58A]

John's old mercury website, you have to pay to join but the knowledge is priceless.

 

[Faztbullet]

The problem with 125's is was only made for 2 years.....that's the parts problem

 

[JBKINWA]

Thanks guys the responses. I know it’s been awhile. I did find some other complete motors but I am not willing to buy another boat anchor. Actually looking into replacing it with maybe a Suzuki 115 or 90 4 stroke. My Starcraft 18ft Family needs a total rebuild so all the options are on the table. I can rebuild the boat custom to my purpose and replace the motors cheaper than buying a comparable boat. I should be able to balance the boat by installing the fuel tank forward and converting it to hard top/open bow.