For some time we
have been toying with the idea of creating a magazine-like "column" devoted to
restoration projects involving our favorite family of outboards. We want to go into
as much detail as possible, including lots of pictures and technical data covering the
whole process. We want to include as many projects as there are willing
contributors. The column can become a conduit between owners for the enjoyment and
benefit of all. We don't ask that you belong to any club or other organization
(although membership in the Antique Outboard Motor Club
certainly is worthwhile), just have an interest in preserving a small part of
history.
If you are interested, let us know by contacting us at curator@pfs-ware.com. We will get back with you immediately and discuss how a project can be done.
Our first restoration is an Oliver 6 HP J4 owned by Ed Jeter of Little Rock, Arkansas. Ed recently received the J4 from his 89 year old father who used the motor on Lake Dardenelle on the Arkansas River. The motor apparently hasn't been run in more than 30 years and Ed has agreed to work with us on reporting his restoration project. He has done a number of automobile restorations, mainly sports cars, and it sounds like an interesting time ahead. View Ed's first article
The second project is being undertaken by Rich Johanson of Richland, Washington. A number of years ago, Rich purchased a pretty much trashed 1956 5 1/2 HP J2 to use as a "parts" motor to restore an Oliver manufactured Wizard of the same lineage. Both motors sat around for an extended period and, well...Read the article
Dan Tannehill's neat restoration article on a Martin 40 has drawn many laudatory comments, including plaudits from Mr. & Mrs. George Martin! Check it out
Tweaked your interest on doing a project? Have anything else you would like to criticize or suggest? Don't be bashful! We are just a click away.
Rich Johanson (rejohan@televar.com) sent an interesting inquiry to Paul Moneski about a Wizard 5.5 & Oliver 6 he owns. Paul graciously answered Rich (copying message to us) and Rich has given us permission to reprint both messages here:
Mr. Moneski,
I got your address from an Oliver outboard motor web site (you can find anything on the
internet!). I was wondering if you could give me some information about two
outboards that I own. I inherited a 5.5 HP Wizard that was returned to my
grandparent's Western Auto store in the late '50's by an apparent unhappy customer.
It was missing a piece that extends into the steering column (that is another
story). This metal/aluminum? piece connects near the engine head with three screws
and extends into the column that pivots. The model of this outboard is
OC585 and S/N 601 1522. I would like to know the year of this model.
After I inherited the Wizard motor (it was in pieces in a box), I learned that it was made
by Oliver. I then ran across an old 5.5 HP Oliver that did not run and purchased it
for parts ($20). I took the missing Wizard piece out of the Oliver parts motor but
it was broken. This must have been a weak part. The part was a perfect fit so I had
it welded and put the Wizard together using the welded Oliver part. It started on
the third pull. After a few uses the part broke again. The Oliver motor is Model J2
and S/N J100487. Could you please tell me what the year of this motor is also? What
is the name of this part and do you have one available? Until I ran across this web
site, I thought I was the only one in the world that owned two outboards manufactured by
Oliver tractor company.
Thanks,
Richard E. Johanson
Richland, WA
HI RICHARD,
JOIN THE CLUB. AS YOU
HAVE LEARNED,OLIVER OUTBOARDS HAVE A FEW WEAK POINTS.MOST OF THE PIVOT TUBE-SWIVEL
BRACKETS (P/N 496145JA ) HAVE BEEN BROKEN AND ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY !!!
I SUGGEST THAT YOU DO
BETTER REPAIR BY SUPPORTING THE INSIDE OF THE TUBE WITH AN ALUMINUM ROD OR BAR OR PIPE
TUBE AND RE-WELD FOR THE STRENTH NEEDED. OTHERWISE,THESE PARTS WILL CONTINUE TO BREAK.
GOOD LUCK!
YOUR OLIVER IS A 1956
(100,001---102,999 ) AND YOUR WIZARD-OLIVER IS A 1958 ( READ THE MODEL # BACKWARDS FOR
YEAR AND H.P.) EASY, HUH ?
I DO STILL HAVE
SOME OTHER PARTS LEFT INCLUDING GASKETS AND A WATER PUMP IMPELLOR. ALSO, I CAN COPY MY
WIZARD OWNERS-PARTS MANUEL IF YOU LIKE . MY COST IS 10 CENTS A PAGE PLUS SHIPPING.
BEST REGARDS,
PAUL