60's Chryslers

[dpropson]

I am in the market for a 30-35 hp outboard in the late 50s to early 60s vintage to outfit an old wood boat. I tend to lean toward the old Johnsons because of the availability of parts and service. I would like to hear comments from anyone about the old Chryslers, or Johnsons or Evinrudes for that matter. As always, thanks.<br /><br />Dennis

 

[alcan]

Re: 60's Chryslers

Hi Dpropson<br />I would think if you were looking for a period motor, the Chrysler would be too modern. You would need a West Bend. Chrysler bought out <br />West Bend sometime in the mid to late sixties. Any time we're looking at motors of this vintage we have to judge each motor as it is. Some are dandies and some are not. An old West Bend would definitely be more unique.

 

[dpropson]

Re: 60's Chryslers

Hello Alcan,<br /><br />The motor I am looking at is a '66. The boat is a '59. I am not looking for a musuem piece motor and the boat, while very nice (when I finish her) is not a show boat. It's a nice, old mahogany rig and I simply like the older motors. I will not beat the motor to death but I do want something fairly reliable.<br /><br />Dennis

 

[steelespike]

Re: 60's Chryslers

I would stick with E/J unless the Chrysler is exceptional.The E/J basic design dates back to 1950 many parts are available almost anywhere.<br /> It is bullet proof and I think has more grunt than the Chrysler.I think the E/J is a little easier to work on as well.

 

[sailor_turned_stinkpotter]

Re: 60's Chryslers

Hey Dprop,<br /><br />I was recently in the opposite situation...I bought a boat that had an old 63 Johnson 40hp electric bolted on the back of it. <br />I was amazed when I got the thing home and pulled it about a dozen times and the thing roared to life! It idled at very high rpms and died out, but it ran so I put a new head gasket, rebuilt the fuel pump, rebuilt the carb which actually had chunks of plastic in some of the ports from a deteriorated makeshift gasket, cleaned and regapped the points, put a new impeller, after which the engine literally ran like new. <br />I'm no expert, but I think if you find an old johnnyrude with high compression like mine had, you can fairly easily take care of the other stuff and have an extremely well runnning, reliable old motor too!(but my wife made me sell it because she wouldn:t got out with a motor ten years oler than she is.... )