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by Corsair
Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:17 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

When the shop was done, they asked if I wanted the old shaft log timbers. Some of the wood grain was beautiful. When I said no - the fellow put his foot on it and folded it up into small pieces. So - I guess it was really rotten! Now on to electrical.
by Corsair
Wed Oct 10, 2018 9:09 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

Well, we certainly didn't intend to do a boat restoration, but it is becoming one. Last fall we thought the starboard shaft log was in poor condition, and planned to have it replaced this spring. Two days prior to the trip up river to the shipwright shop, the port shaft log started to leak badly - o...
by Corsair
Wed Aug 09, 2017 7:13 pm
Forum: Engines & Powertrain
Topic: Chrysler Engines
Replies: 1
Views: 2092

Chrysler Engines

Where can I find the specifications for the Chrysler engines listed for late 1930's Chris Craft? The specification book from the Maritime Museum provides names, but no data - ie 4, 6 or 8 cyl, CID, etc. It just lists names such as Royal, Imperial, etc. Thanks Mark
by Corsair
Wed Aug 09, 2017 1:26 pm
Forum: Cockpit and Cabin Interiors
Topic: Light Blue Pettiflute Vinyl
Replies: 1
Views: 4807

Re: Light Blue Pettiflute Vinyl

Still looking for a source. Any ideas???
by Corsair
Wed Jul 19, 2017 8:23 pm
Forum: Cockpit and Cabin Interiors
Topic: Light Blue Pettiflute Vinyl
Replies: 1
Views: 4807

Light Blue Pettiflute Vinyl

1962 45 ft Connie Specs call for Light Blue Pettiflute vinyl fabric on the deck house top. (I refer to it as the salon roof). It was also used on the forward deck seat cushions. Any sources for this or a close color? I don't have a color reference.
Thanks
by Corsair
Wed Jul 19, 2017 7:59 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

Muffler/Riser Devices; Thanks to Jim Staib at "Fine Wood Boats", I learned that the large oval items on the back of the 431 engines are indeed the original muffler/riser manufactured by Chris Craft, AND that they are stainless steel. I stripped off the paint, and verified that the body is stainless...
by Corsair
Wed Apr 19, 2017 10:09 pm
Forum: Engines & Powertrain
Topic: Engine Rocker Cover Decals
Replies: 2
Views: 3018

Engine Rocker Cover Decals

I'm rebuilding a pair of 1962 431 Engines. As nit-noid as it is, I want to reproduce the decals that should be on the Rocker Arm Covers. I've seen some photos on the web, but none clear enough to be able to use as a basis for reproduction. They are white on the left end with red 275 HP wording, silv...
by Corsair
Fri Feb 24, 2017 4:26 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

New chines in the works. Didn't look bad on the outside. Pulled a plank just above the chine that looked a bit crushed on the bottom edge. Had very minor leakage from that area last summer. Found chine rot. Pulled more planks. Same story. Will replace most of port side and part of starboard. Big tha...
by Corsair
Tue Jan 10, 2017 9:23 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: instrument lights
Replies: 11
Views: 10709

Re: instrument lights

I'm in the process of converting to LED's in our 45' Connie. One issue was the original 12VDC fixtures with screw in bulbs having edison bases. We found 12VDC edison bulbs for about $4 each including shipping. We have been happy with LED's from www.superbrightleds.com/cat/led-boat-lights/ They have ...
by Corsair
Thu Jan 05, 2017 5:16 pm
Forum: Engines & Powertrain
Topic: What to do with old engines after repower?
Replies: 8
Views: 4173

Re: What to do with old engines after repower?

I'm sure somebody will want them. I searched for a long time and found an identical pair in a salvage boat last spring. They are classic and strong motors. I'd be very interested in the instrument cluster! Contact me via email: [email protected] Thanks
by Corsair
Wed Dec 14, 2016 4:07 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

When we bought Corsair we noted one cracked side window in the salon, and very minor water leaks at the fore and aft ends of the salon windows on each side. We learned that if we removed the plate glass it would have to be replaced with safety glass. We decided on laminated vs tempered due to the sl...
by Corsair
Wed Sep 07, 2016 10:06 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

KIMG0476.jpg
New safety screen to keep grandkids on board!
by Corsair
Mon Aug 22, 2016 10:07 pm
Forum: Engines & Powertrain
Topic: Paragon rebuild question
Replies: 26
Views: 12626

Re: Paragon rebuild question

I am looking for a shop to rebuild a pair of Paragon transmissions attached to 1961 Lincoln 431 engines. The ones in the boat are: Starboard- HJAC25 S/N 4P6357 & Port - HJAC25-O S/N 4E5582. (not a typo it is 4E) I have two sets of spares: Starboard - HJAC25 S/N 4P2642 & Port - HJAC25-O S/N 4P8743 an...
by Corsair
Wed Aug 10, 2016 5:16 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Porthole Seals & Other Progress

Spent a day poring through Granger and McMaster Carr catalogs. Ordered & returned rubber seals that didn't fit. Talked to several marine suppliers with no luck. Then found a source for the correct porthole seals. It is Wefco Rubber Mfg Co, Inc in Canoga Park, CA. Website http://www.wefcorubber.com. ...
by Corsair
Tue Jul 26, 2016 9:10 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

Hoping for more input / data on the mufflers. Perhaps they were specific to the 431's in cruisers. Anyone else out there have them or serviced them?? ALSO - I would like to replace the hardened seals on all the port lights. Any sources you would recommend? They are 13/32 square rubber with a hole in...
by Corsair
Mon Jul 18, 2016 9:39 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

I'm not opposed to replacement if the existing ones are at the end of their life. I haven't studied the fiberglass units nor how they would be fitted. Hoping someone will provide info on the existing mufflers! Progress is occurring on Corsair in our first year efforts to ensure comfort and safety. N...
by Corsair
Sun Jul 17, 2016 9:26 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

In the parts list and operation manual for the 431 engines in the Corsair, no mufflers are indicated or discussed. However the motors in the Corsair, and the motors I recovered from a salvage boat have large oval mufflers. They seem to be welded up out of heavy steel plate. Is there any information,...
by Corsair
Sun Jun 12, 2016 9:22 am
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

KIMG0249.jpg Tine is flying by. I spent 3 days on my back sanding and repainting the anti fouling paint on the boat. On May 15 she went into the water. We had a winter here with very little snow and very dry humidity levels. My first experience waiting for it to soak up was a bit nerve racking. Aft...
by Corsair
Fri Apr 29, 2016 8:06 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

Troy - Thanks for the tip. I got a replacement part for the anchor light "mast" from Jim at Fine Wood Boats. Great to deal with. Hoping to get "Corsair" in the water in about two weeks. My grown kids have been consuming our time. Grandbaby #10 arrived in Chicago area on 4/12 and #11 arrived in Minne...
by Corsair
Thu Apr 07, 2016 7:54 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Correct blue stripe color
Replies: 6
Views: 9013

Re: Correct blue stripe color

The blue stripe in the 1961 and 1962 Chris Craft Catalog is wider than those shown in the 1963 and later catalogs. Also in '61 the waterline stripe was red, in '62 midnight blue. I notice in later catalogs the waterline stripe is raised a bit and white is shown between it and the anti fouling paint....
by Corsair
Wed Apr 06, 2016 5:24 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Porthole trim
Replies: 7
Views: 9544

Re: Porthole trim

Check your area for metal shapers. There are usually shops near where airplanes are restored. They have the tools and skills to make all kinds of odd shapes. I have some car parts reproduced near here, and the quality and fit is excellent.
by Corsair
Sat Mar 26, 2016 8:25 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

I was looking our boat over last weekend after I removed the winter cover. I noticed repair work on the Mast / anchor light assembly. It's the assembly that leans forward like a ballerina. It is a structurally good repair, but poor aesthetics. This must be a zinc or pot metal casting. It was broken ...
by Corsair
Fri Jan 22, 2016 9:25 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Correct Interior Stain Color
Replies: 1
Views: 5233

Re: Correct Interior Stain Color

My boat came with a can of original Chris Craft interior stain. The (beat up) paper label only contains the name Chris Craft, and other mix, stir instructions. Thought there may be original supplier info, but not visible if it was ever there. The Maritime Museum included a list of stain colors when ...
by Corsair
Wed Jan 13, 2016 3:53 pm
Forum: Engines & Powertrain
Topic: Onan Generator
Replies: 16
Views: 6813

Re: Onan Generator

We have a great machine shop locally that rebuilds a wide variety of engines including most of the sprint car motors in our area. They are familiar with the 431's and have done a few of the marine variety. Rebuild cost is relative. Probably 2 1/2 time the cost of a small bock Chev and far less than ...
by Corsair
Tue Jan 12, 2016 11:10 pm
Forum: Hull Construction
Topic: tell me about your bottom - double plank :)
Replies: 8
Views: 9787

Re: tell me about your bottom - double plank :)

Al: That's great information. Thank you. My boat search began about a half a year ago. My best decision in that process was to contact several shipwrights to ask advice. I was fortunate to meet Mark Sauer from St Paul Shipwrights. He steered me through the process, and generously spent an afternoon ...
by Corsair
Tue Jan 12, 2016 10:55 pm
Forum: Engines & Powertrain
Topic: Onan Generator
Replies: 16
Views: 6813

Re: Onan Generator

John: Thanks for your concern and advice. Thankfully there is a new hot water heater and other such items in the boat. The generator however seems to be original. I have significant experience in another asylum called antique cars. I love old mechanical things and restore them completely, then run t...
by Corsair
Wed Jan 06, 2016 8:22 pm
Forum: Electrical Systems
Topic: Electricial Diagram 30 ft Constalliation cruiser
Replies: 5
Views: 3568

Re: Electricial Diagram 30 ft Constalliation cruiser

I have a 1962 Chris Craft Constellation. The wiring diagram is listed as back ordered on the hull card, and none was found in the boat documentation. Any suggested sources?
Thanks
Mark
by Corsair
Wed Jan 06, 2016 8:06 pm
Forum: Hull Construction
Topic: tell me about your bottom - double plank :)
Replies: 8
Views: 9787

Re: tell me about your bottom - double plank :)

Al: I’m a new owner of a 1962 45’ Constellation, and have been away from wood boats for over 30 years. Hope my questions are not too basic, but here goes: Why did you have the chines replaced on your cruiser, and what was entailed in that project? I’ve been reading about damage that can be done to c...
by Corsair
Tue Jan 05, 2016 9:19 pm
Forum: Constellation Enthusiast Group
Topic: Restoration?
Replies: 52
Views: 38488

Re: Restoration?

Whoa: Finally done with the holidays! One pre-Christmas santa run to Illinois to deliver gifts and see grandkids. Then back home to the Fargo area for five days of rotating company as other kids and their families could come. Whole family now aware of the big boat purchase. Most think we're NUTS and...
by Corsair
Tue Dec 22, 2015 10:43 pm
Forum: Engines & Powertrain
Topic: Onan Generator
Replies: 16
Views: 6813

Re: Onan Generator

Well, here’s the deal. Life is full of compromises. Compromise 1: My lovely spouse who approved the boat purchase wants; her electric “stuff”, to cook on the electric stove top, to take a shower in hot water provided by the electric hot water heater, etc. So, rule one: Give her lots of electricity! ...