Good Ford 351 Mechanic in Northern Wisconsin?

Hey guys - As posted in some other threads, I did a build on the 351W Commander in my '79 SN last winter. I live in Colorado but took the boat to my parents house in northern Wisconsin where it is going to live. Had a couple good weekends and then late summer started having some serious running issues. Couldn't pin down the problem, but eliminated as much as I could other than ignition.   After reading a bunch of threads for and against, I ended up ordering the simplest electronic ignition setup I could come up with -

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/dui-m35820-rr-rd

It was back-ordered and showed up in Wisconsin long after I had headed back to Colorado. My time in Wisconsin is going to be even shorter this summer than last, with everything going on - so I don't think I'll have the time or motivation to get this installed and get the boat running, and still have time to enjoy it.

So, with that long story....I'm wondering if y'all know anyone in northern Wisconsin (boat is in Minocqua) that is competent and interested in getting the DUI installed and getting the boat running for me.....so I can roll into town, crack a beer, fire it up, and listen to it purr (more rumble than purr) all weekend!! I'm happy to pay reasonable hourly wages, just don't think the dealer or any boat mechanic that I know is the best option for a 'Classic' like this.

Let me know if you have any ideas or anyone on the forum would be interested!!

Feel free to PM and I can give you my phone # or other contact info.

Thanks
OT

JQ,
I saw Aarons post earlier and have been thinking about his request. The problem is the DUI work needed is a modification from original and I know of no marinas/shop who would venture into something beyond a normal repair/service, Yes, many here have done the DUI conversions with ease and without problems. The other problem is the virus. Our Wisconsin governor has extended the stay at home order until March 26 so getting everything back up and running for summer will be hectic to say the least.

Aaron,
PM me and I'll get back to you with a phone number of a marina that MAY do the job. All you can do is call and ask. Would you be able to haul the boat over from Minocqua?

When are you planning to get back here? If you come before the stay at home order is lifted, you are required to self quarantine for 14 days. The county sheriff dept. is checking plus they have been checking on second homes that normally aren't occupied this time of the year. Is your parents home year round?

I’m not a mechanic but a fellow ccfanatic and would be happy to help as a local in relative close proximity (Rhinelander). Though I’ve not done a dui swap, With this group to lean, I am confident I could help get you on the water if you aren’t able to line up something else and totally understand if you prefer that route. I had an 83 sn2001 that we did an electric ignition conversion on, a 94 sport that I swapped the protec ignition out of, and most recently a 95 super sport that I had to do some ignition troubleshooting on, including distributor replacement. If you think there’s a way I can help you enjoy our already too short summer, let me know. I can manage to find my way around using a wiring diagram, multimeter, and timing light :).

Kyle

Dreaming wrote: I would think that you may want to check out a speed or hot rod shop.    .

Kris,
You haven't been in northern Wisconsin have you.

LOL.... never been to Wisconsin :)   if nobody races or has hotrods, what do you all do in the summer

Jay Ryden in Hazelhurst. His dad used to own Ryden Marine and Jay has his own repair shop. You can google it.

Dreaming wrote: LOL.... never been to Wisconsin :)   if nobody races or has hotrods, what do you all do in the summer

That one day- August 3, they jump in their boats and pull tubes around. When the kids turn blue it's time to go in. The rest of the year they work on the boat for next year. Some fun activates such as decorating your front yard with hanging boats,they make great wind chimes. Here hold my beer while I.......

8122pbrainard wrote: Oh come on Gary. Give us up here a break. It's going to warm up one of these days.

It's coming. If we can ever get out of here I'll bring some with. It was 94 here today. Opposite of Illinois winters - go outside for a bit come back in to cool down   

Well, I'm striking out here. No response from anyone I've contacted. kylem428?

I'm going to talk to Jonnyquest and get some tips on doing it myself if I can find time, but still looking for any other options if there are any. Lemme know!

Pete you’re not far from there and retired.
Why don’t you fire up the lesmobile and go fetch the boat drag it back the Brainard compound, drop the distributor in it Kyle can run up and give you some pointers.
Aaron can pick it up on his way north and if you time it right it would be like a CCF mini-mini. You could even throw in an alignment job, I’m sure the Aaron will make it worth your time.
Beats working at Homedumpo with a mask on all day.