1955 CC Hurricane Restoration

As always thanks for the compliments guys.

Well Finally got the topside planking finished, starting to look like a boat again and I really like looking at it right side up.    



This last row of planking was a challenge as the bow had some major flare and the tumblehome at the stern required some creative clamping to get the joints tight. Very happy with the results but those planks took 4 hours to install both sides.


I then spent a little time repairing the top transom frame, once the 5200 cures I'll install the inner ply and start steam bending the transom planks. I'll need to make a run to the lumber yard for plank stock and deck plywood, I didn't think I'd be this far along and have run out of material. Time to hand pick the deck and transom Mahogany.

Gents - the phrase 'pictures don't do it justice' couldn't be more appropriate as it pertains to Alan's Hurricane. I took a 2-1/2 hour drive for the 'flippin party' to see this beauty in person. Well, that and to see the gang and get a ear full of tube audio. But I digress...

Alan's craftsmanship must be seen to be appreciated. The build quality, exacting standards and innovative procedures he is using simply can not be fully captured with a camera.

Thanks for documenting this build so thoroughly, Alan. It is just one more generous act you do for our community. In the same breath, it both inspires and scares the crap out of me to do a project of this magnitude.

Let us know when the turnover party is. I'd drive down again just to hear the 331 fire off for the first time.

Well I had to dig down to page 7 to find this thread, I've been working but nothing ground breaking. With some help from Dana we got all the bungs glued in this weekend. That was quite a project because I actually had to remove every single plank screw and drill the   counterbore deeper, then reinstall the screws. 1500 screws in the topsides so that kept me busy for a few weeks. Fairing in the topsides took more material off than I thought it would and the bungs weren't setting in deep enough. I went coservative with the screw depth because of the thin 3/8" planking and it bit me, live and learn but it's done.




Also got the bilge painted but it will need a second coat.




Today I went up in the attic and set up beam consisting of 3-2x6 so I could hang my chainfall from it. Then set up 2 temporary columns for a little insurance. I've changed my plans for the summer and am going to work on mechanical issues while the deck is off. Just seems like the right time to do this while I have access. So the Hemi is going to get fired up in the next few weeks and the I'll drop it in for a test fit. Also hope to fit the exhaust again while the deck is off this should make things a little easier access wise.

Then I'm going to turn my attention to the motor and strip all the accessories off and paint and detail it.

Going to be a tight fit but I should have just enough height to lift the motor, slide the boat under and drop it in.

Finally got to starting the Hemi up today.

Had a few minor issues but some trouble shooting with the Boat Doc and it fired right up. Had to swap the coil out to a 12v unit but had no spark at the plugs. Pulled the cap and found the points were brand new but had a corroded film on them from sitting for so long. A quick hit with some emery cloth and it fired instantly.

Sounds nice and tight, no blue smoke at all and no rattling. Did have a little trouble keeping the raw water pump primed so I had to put it directly on the hose.

Sorry about video quality it was shot on a cell phone. may try to post something better later if I can get my video camera working

You can't imagine how relieved I am to hear this thing run. About as cool as it gets for a gearhead.

I'm curious, did you start it up off a 12 volt battery as planed? What about the ballast resistor? Did you use one?

Fantastic news ether way!!

8122pbrainard wrote: I'm curious, did you start it up off a 12 volt battery as planed? What about the ballast resistor? Did you use one? Fantastic news ether way!!

I used 12v battery, solenoid and a unresisted coil(autozone on a sunday!!! not many options). No resistor straight 12 to the coil, probably wouldn't last veru long but it didn't get hot for the 10 minutes I ran it.   The 12v battery cranked it over nice and strong. I need to talk to you about converting the generator over to 12v as I really think thats the way I want to go.

Very cool! Sounds good too!

8122pbrainard wrote: Oh, come on! That's not the "original" talk I like to hear. Plus, unless you have turned it over on a 6 volt, you don't have a comparison do you??!! Yes, it can be done and many do it. However, a healthy 6 volt system does work and did for many years. You just need twice the size battery cables and a decent battery. We can talk. 6 volt gauges will work on 12 with only a slight indicating difference. Since you want to send them in for the big $$$ restoration, you may want to talk to them about it. It involves coil rewinding adding the $$$$

I need to be able to run a bilge pump and blowers so thats why I'm thinking 12v. The 6v stuff is out there but very expensive. I think it will easier finding a 12v voltage regulator than a 6v also. The other thing is that I will not be sending the original gauges out for quite a while. Cocian wants $1200 to restore them and thats not happening anytime soon. I'm going to pick up a set of SW 12v wings for the time being. I'm not thrilled with them but they will do the job and I can swap them out later if I want.

Started tearing down the motor today so I can paint and detail.

Ps. You'll be happy to know the Chrome valve covers I picked up on ebay won't fit as I learned I have adjustable rocker arms and the covers I picked up don't have the bumps to allow for them.   Darn

81nautique wrote: Finally got to starting the Hemi up today. You can't imagine how relieved I am to hear this thing run. About as cool as it gets for a gearhead.

That was Awesome.....totally AWESOME!

Only thing sweeter to my ears is a BIG radial firing up on an old Warbird or hearing one fly over.

effin awsome!!!

What a great way to start the week thanks Alan.

are you running the gearbox?

i would say about 95% sure it has Paragon guts, i was shelf cleaning on Friday and found a bunch of old Paragon mechanicals and my guys were saying throw that sht out, im like FU, one of these days someone is going to need this stuff.
Paragon had close ties with Chrysler marine in the day

241 redram?? dont criticize, thats from memory, they used those alot in stationary power units, pumps, generators and to the likes.
241,331,392,426???am i missing any?

Eric,
The marinized version is the 331.

What about the gearbox guts question?