Engine is out and oohh yee, project No. 1....

Took the engine out the same time I lifted her of the trailer. No surprises, but I just want to show of the great engine mount bracing.... Nothing like 2 by 4's and some 5" nails.




The engine on it's new crate. Not for too long I hope........ 2 years maybe 3........




Also, check out the wiring. A "great" retrofit with one "handy-box" at the engine and one under the dash. Four-lead household cable. Ground wire to starter.........




Just want to give a "honorable mention" to project No. 1. Getting this one done first will "grease the wheel" when it come to getting woody-boat expenses "approved" in years to come. My wife's first car, a 1969 MGB which she bought on her 16th birthday. Are in good route to get it finished for her big 4-0 next May. Engine is out being rebuilt by one of the best mechanics I ever met, Wade Marston here in Shrewsbury, old school and can-do. New valve seats for unleaded gas, total rebuild. He might restore and rebuild the flathead six as well. Just waiting for the bodyshop to pick her up for a back to original British Racing Green paint job (and a few pounds of Bondo....).

Off the trailer, out with the engine.

$200 worth of materials from Home Depot + 2 days of labor to build lift frames, $150 for a pair of 2 ton chain falls from Grizzly, $30 for a pair of 4" straps from a on-line shipping supplier and we're ready to lift the boat off the trailer.




All strapped up and ready to lift. Will my frame hold? After all they are made so I can take them apart for easy storage.



Everything just fine, no bending or flexing. So I guess my "rule of thumb" engineering works...... (the clamps are only for keeping the chains away from the boat)



Finally off the trailer and on the dollies. Now you can really see the exceptional beautiful lines. I guess that is why these boats are sought after today.
Now back in the garage for removal of all interior hardware over the winter, and hopefully turn her over to start the woodwork in early spring.