57 actually a 56... is this bad?

[josh9676]

Ok, so i just found out my "1957" johnson 7.5 HP motor is actually a 1956... I was wondering if this was a bad thing for the value of the motor. i was surfing around on ebay and i havnt found anything for a 1956 7.5 HP motor. I was considering restoring this motor, but from what i can see, there are very few 1956 7.5's left out there, and i was wondering whether that was good or bad for the value. I noticed a few outstanding looking 1957's on ebay going for close to 700 dollars, and i was wondering if i got mine looking that good, if i could maybe get that amout too, or if i should just run the thing the way it is. Thanks

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 57 actually a 56... is this bad?

Tons of 1956 Johnson around. I have two of them in my basement. 1956 was the first year for the Johnson 7.5 hp, although Evinrude had been producing it for years. None of them are worth much. You will be hard pressed to get $700, but you can try. The tune-up and gearcase reseal alone will cost $200-250.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 57 actually a 56... is this bad?

Josh, probably the main difference between the '57 and '56 7.5hp is the paint job and decals. Almost all the parts, if not all are interchangeable. I can't imagine anyone paying $700 for one unless it's in practically new condition, and rarely if ever does anyone make any money on those old motors. I'd enjoy it like it is if I were you, and not expect to ever make a dime on it if you sell it. If you want to restore it cosmetically, think long and hard on it. I have restored a few cosmetically and now it's no big deal to me. I'd just assume have it look old and original. One last thing, they must have sold a billion of those things because they are fairly easy to come by. Even I have a '55 fleetwin and a '57 johnson and evinrude fleetwin. I guess they sold so many because they were such nice little motors.
I can for sure tell you that a '57 is worth no more than a '56.
Later,
JBJ

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 57 actually a 56... is this bad?

The only way I justify putting $$ into an old motor, is popping over to the iboats' new motor section and pricing a new one. $2000 for a new Yammy 6 makes putting 50 bucks in the old Johnny 6 occasionally look like a bargain....and 5 grand for a new Evinrude 40 HP 2 stroke makes me taste a little bile.....and appreciate my fine 1969 40 hp johnnyrude a little more!

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 57 actually a 56... is this bad?

they built more motors in 1956 than in any one year in the history of outboards. The one's you are seeing on Ebay for that money are probably shill bids.

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: 57 actually a 56... is this bad?

Tons of 1956 Johnson around. I have two of them in my basement.

Two in your basement, eh? I hear there's alot of FRESH water up there in Ontario. Let me know if you want to clear some room up downstairs - HA!

Great motors, tons of parts available, and reliable as all get-out! Good link to follow, no mechanicals, but all the cosmetics you may want/need:

http://www.nymarine.ca/

BOB

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 57 actually a 56... is this bad?

Two in your basement, eh? I hear there's alot of FRESH water up there in Ontario. Let me know if you want to clear some room up downstairs - HA!

Great motors, tons of parts available, and reliable as all get-out! Good link to follow, no mechanicals, but all the cosmetics you may want/need:

http://www.nymarine.ca/

BOB

We are fortunate to only have fresh water in Ontario and a huge supply of old outboards. I have seven 1950's Johnson/Evinrude 7.5 hp motors in my basement. If you were closer I'd say come by and take your pick. I plan on selling a few this spring anyway.

 

[josh9676]

Re: 57 actually a 56... is this bad?

Ok thanks for the input guys, i just paid 25 dollars for a complete seal kit for the lower unit, and i plan on probably tearing it apart this weekend to hopefully find the bad seal and put an impeller in it. After that i guess i will run it as is now.