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Need a recommendation

S

Steitel

New member
I'm new to this site but have fully restored a 1977 checkmate convincer.... My family originally owned the boat in 77 and sold it in the mid 80's, I found it in the late 90's and restored it completely. Even had it gel coated by Bill Combs in Ohio... I tried to stay true to the spirit of the original deviating slightly. Now here is where I need some advice. As some of you may know the original Ford 351 windsor has rear exhaust risers and through prop/outdrive exhaust. I am very very particular as to who works on my boat. I want to find someone locally that I can trust to modify the exhaust manifold to center risers with through transom pipes. I also want to equip the system with silent running...

Additionally, I have some minor craking in the gel coat. I live in Northern New Jersey. Does anyone have a recommendation for a talented guy that can do this job justice???? Please let me know thanks.....
 
Welcome to the board. By coincidence I have the same boat only with a 302 thats currently under construction and it has also been in the family for decades. Sorry I can't help you with a local guy in New Jersey as I live in Ohio but you can check out eBay and price out the center rise conversions as well as a Silent choice. I've seen the kits in both 3" and 4" but like you I haven't pulled the trigger to actually cut holes in the transom.
 
manifolds

bar makes replacements for almost everything

sierra has a lot

gleem is the new guys on the block but just as many listings as sierra

gleem seems to have really god lightwieght aluminum manifolds

pleasurecraft used the 351 untill 2005 or so
so lots of parts still available

they used center riser on the inboard ski boats from the 90's up

good luck daren
 
Thanks for writing back... yep you have it right... cutting holes is my issue.. I have great guy near me but he is really a hot rod guy but does a fantastic job on boats... problem is he is accentic as hell and very hard to work with... I would love to see pics of your boat.. I have several of mine in 77 and now after restoration...
 
My boat is currently in the restoration phase as I still working on replacing the floor. It spent 20 years under my dad's care and he isn't one for "routine maintenance" so once the floor is done and the interior is replaced and the gel is cleaned and buffed...etc...etc... There are a few pics in the Overhaulin section under "Convincer project" but I haven't had a chance to add to it lately.
 
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