1978 240 Weekender Project

[240_weekender78]

24712[/ATTACH]We are bringing this old girl out of the pasture and back out on the lake! A little about us we are in Little Rock, AR but boat on gorgeous Lake Ouachita in Hot Springs, AR. We have acquired a 1978 240 Weekender with 228 305 Chevrolet V8. This engine was left without plugs and is they type of V* that you ostly see blown up. We have purchased an 85 350 5.7 ltr that is running with its Alpha One drive. The repower is pretty much handled, the motor swap will be done by professional mechanics- after that im on my own. What I will want to do after the heavy lifing is done Motor swap, out drive service etc.)
1.We are wanting to fix/upgrade/install the genset-do not know the status or if one is there.
2. Upgrade/replace fresh water/toilet/shower fittings and systems for flawless operation. (10 and 11 yr old girls and wife will be aboard so mission critical
system):}
3.Avail myself of any gotchas or things to watch out for or to check while the engine is out, and while the seats are being redone. if anyone has patterns I barelyt know what it it supposed to look like and we might customize it a bit. Anyway this is def Hole in the Water material and we alreay have 1400 and its not even on MY trailer yet. OUCH Wish me luck!!!
Thx
TL

 

[Pyrojodge]

You have your work cut out for you... since the engine is out check the transom and stringers and be sure they are solid.

Look for tea color stains on the fiber glass (not a great sign)

As far as the head. I can vouch that vacuflush is the way to go... in the long run you will be happy with the setup. As far as interior and seating if it needs replaced make it your own and make it functional. If you plan to keep this boat then make it to your requirements. If you plan to sell in a year or two then go more mainstream.

Many people have done great jobs bringing their classics back from the dead. Best of luck to you I'm subscribed to your progress...

Oh about the color... I like the tan sea rays. They def stand out along a sea of white boats...

Welcome to CSR... great source of info and great people...

 

[240_weekender78]

"TAN?" it is white. I mean was white....is no one going to point out its a 220 OV? :huh:"according to the plate" I got more pictures from the prev owner verifies its a 220... I don't mind really but my ID says 240 Weekender DOH! Thx J for the advice, I will be getting that 305 out and off to its final rightful restful piece of ground in a patch of nice fluffy WEEDS...
The running 5.7 from donor 1980 Cobalt although maintained as running fine I think it will be best to start out right and build it with enough juice to push this rig. Would it be a stretch to convert to thru transom exhaust. I had a cuddy with a 350 MAG but sold it 2 years ago and it ran amnd sounded great like that. Or is that crazy talk>???

 

[moparlvr4406]

I was going to ask if it was an overnighter...
Sisnce mine is a weekender :wink:
Welcome to CSR and join in on the HIWC

 

[Pyrojodge]

TL...

You can contact a moderator and have your name changed....

Also, the first pic I saw I thought it was a classic tan ray.( had one as my first boat) but I guess you could call it off white.

As far as switching the engines and rebuilding the 5.7 sounds like a good start. Be prepared to do some work as I am sure the outdrives don't match. (Or do they)

Thru transome exhaust. Not my cup of tea but hey. At this point you have an empty canvas. I do not like the exhaust pouring on the swim platform. I like the side exhauset ports but again its just my preference. Also going through the side no need to worry about going through the transome core...

I am going to state that as soon as you get the junk motor out and the outdrive... look over the stringers and transom with a fine comb. Now is the time to fix them and fix them right. Good luck and CSR has a great wealth of knowledge!