Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 23

Thread: New "Antique Toy" Boat Project.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    1,553
    Rep Power
    16

    New "Antique Toy" Boat Project.

    On friday I just bought myself a new "Antique " mahogany speedboat.

    It is a 1929 Chris~Craft Mahogany 28' Tripple cockpit runabout .
    The boat is mostly all original & unrestored.

    I bought it from a friend who has owned it for about seven years.
    The reason I bought it was because he and an older so-called wood boat "Restorer" was butchering it's old bottom.
    They were cutting strips of plywood and using Stainless Steel Deck Screws to fasten it on the old outer sanded bottom with 3M 5200 trough both old double planked bottoms into it's oak frames.
    They were actually screwing this mahogany faced 3/8" plywood through both old bottoms on this double planked boat..
    They should be shot for doing this to such a rare boat.
    About sixteen of these boats were originally built.
    The boat in 1929 had a Chris~Craft designed & built A-120 V8 . That original engine is long gone.
    Sometime in the 1930s an A-120-A Racing engine was installed in this big impressive boat.
    The A-120-A is 845 Cubic inches with 375 Horsepower at roughly 2800RPM max .
    What a beast.
    That is the engine I bought with this rare boat.
    The Museum where all the old Chris~Craft factory records are stored has only six hull index cards still existing on these sixteen originally built boats of his type.
    In my short research only two A-120-A engines are known to still be in running condition.
    My engine seems to outwardly be in good shape.
    The marine exhaust maniolds and elbows
    are most likely shot; so I will need to have some new copper custom manifolds and naval bronze elbows hand fabricated,or .cast.
    The engine has twin ignition, and multiple carbs.
    I am already on a waiting list of a noted wood boat restorer to have a new proper double planked mahogany strip plank bottom put on this project.
    I am trying to decide if I should have West System Epoxy applied to it's new bottom ?
    Does anyone here have any experience with a Double Planked bottom with 3M 5200 to bed the outer mahogany strip planking ?
    What about West System Epoxy to seal the outer bottom?
    The boat's frames appear to be in good shape ?
    The boat is very solid indeed.
    We shall see when it is flipped-over and the old bottoms are actually finally removed ?
    The boat has an up-swept front deck,
    & a very large raised twin-hatch area in it's mid section.
    The interior, or what's left of it, was all dyed leather.
    The mice have had a real field day living in this boat over the years.
    The boat was last used in 1950 and has been sitting in a Md boathouse ever since on it's original cradle bolted to a home-built trailer with wire 21 " Buffalo Wire Wheel Company of America wheels.
    These wheels are similar to the wheels on my old 1926 Springfield Rolls~Royce Silver Ghost and my Springfield Phantom I autos.

    The boat has two fold-up windshields on it's middle and aft cockpits just like a duel-cowl phaeton auto of this era.
    One very large windshield is also up foreward at the driver's cockpit.
    This project cost me $65K.
    It will be moved to my home shop in Pa in a month or so.
    I just spoke with Scott Pearson about this project a few weeks ago never knowing that I would soon be it's new ower.
    I told Scott at that time that they were butchering this very rare boat.
    We were both outraged to say the very least.
    It just tore my heart out~~~
    I had to do the right thing and save this boat & restore it properly.
    It's another black-hole for tons of cash .
    BUT~~~
    It will be worth every penny and all the time spent on it's restoration.
    Last edited by silverghost; 05-02-2011 at 01:57 PM.
    "BENCHSEAT 18" ~~YellowJacket~~ project owner~
    1929 Chris~Craft 28' Tripple Cockpit Mahogany Speedboat / A-120-A 845 Cu.In. 375 H.P. Chris~Craft V-8 racing engine.
    24' American Skier
    Super Eagle 454 HO Skiboat
    1991 454 SS Chevy Super Sport Pick-up for towing my "Toys".

    There is no such thing as going too fast ~ ~~
    OR~ Being too old~ for a new "Toy"!

    Brad Hunter
    Huntingdon Valley Pa (Just outside Philly)~
    Ocean City NJ
    silverghost1926@msn.com
    215 947 4676 (PA Home)

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    4,279
    Rep Power
    21
    Wow, congrats!!!


    Pictures?
    "I don't have time to get into it, but he went through a lot." -Pulp Fiction

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    1,553
    Rep Power
    16
    Quote Originally Posted by Ghost View Post
    Wow, congrats!!!


    Pictures?
    I will post photos when I pull her from that dark Md barn where the "restorer" works & finally bring her home to Pa.

    In the meantime~~~
    Search Chris~Craft A120-A
    & 1929 Chris~Craft Tripple Cockpit Barrelback Runabout on the web for more info and photos of the other known existing engines & boats.
    "BENCHSEAT 18" ~~YellowJacket~~ project owner~
    1929 Chris~Craft 28' Tripple Cockpit Mahogany Speedboat / A-120-A 845 Cu.In. 375 H.P. Chris~Craft V-8 racing engine.
    24' American Skier
    Super Eagle 454 HO Skiboat
    1991 454 SS Chevy Super Sport Pick-up for towing my "Toys".

    There is no such thing as going too fast ~ ~~
    OR~ Being too old~ for a new "Toy"!

    Brad Hunter
    Huntingdon Valley Pa (Just outside Philly)~
    Ocean City NJ
    silverghost1926@msn.com
    215 947 4676 (PA Home)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Posts
    12,683
    Rep Power
    34
    In the book "The C-C story", there's 5 or 6 pictures of these engines being assembled.
    If I remember, it has a uncounterbalanced 180* crankshaft, seperate crank case, blocks and heads.
    I would appreciate any photos you post of the engine.
    Well done!
    If I were any less busy, I might even be a little envious.
    George Carter
    Central Florida
    gcarter763@aol.com
    http://kineticocentralfl.com/


    “If you have to argue your science by using fraud, your science is not valid"
    Professor Ian Plimer, Adilaide and Melbourne Universities

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    1,553
    Rep Power
    16
    Quote Originally Posted by gcarter View Post
    In the book "The C-C story", there's 5 or 6 pictures of these engines being assembled.
    If I remember, it has a uncounterbalanced 180* crankshaft, seperate crank case, blocks and heads.
    I would appreciate any photos you post of the engine.
    Well done!
    If I were any less busy, I might even be a little envious.
    George:
    With the great high-Quality of your restoration work I could always fly you up here to Pa and put you up for a few months so you can help with the restoration.
    How much would you charge per/hour for your expert services ?

    Let me know if you should ever run out of work on your own restoration projects at home down there ?

    At least with this project when finished it should be worth $200K +/-

    It's a shame my Father is no loger here to see this project.
    He would have LOVED it !

    He liked the Brass-Era & Classic Era autos & boats more than I .
    Last edited by silverghost; 04-30-2011 at 08:51 PM.
    "BENCHSEAT 18" ~~YellowJacket~~ project owner~
    1929 Chris~Craft 28' Tripple Cockpit Mahogany Speedboat / A-120-A 845 Cu.In. 375 H.P. Chris~Craft V-8 racing engine.
    24' American Skier
    Super Eagle 454 HO Skiboat
    1991 454 SS Chevy Super Sport Pick-up for towing my "Toys".

    There is no such thing as going too fast ~ ~~
    OR~ Being too old~ for a new "Toy"!

    Brad Hunter
    Huntingdon Valley Pa (Just outside Philly)~
    Ocean City NJ
    silverghost1926@msn.com
    215 947 4676 (PA Home)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2001
    Posts
    14,603
    Rep Power
    38
    Brad a friend of mine who has been in the wood resto biz for many years specializes mostly in Chris Crafts, I can put you in touch if you like.

    Phil
    No matter what your beliefs are "GOD BLESS AMERICA"

    Fully retired marine tech near 60 years in the biz.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Posts
    12,683
    Rep Power
    34
    Quote Originally Posted by gcarter View Post
    In the book "The C-C story", there's 5 or 6 pictures of these engines being assembled.
    If I remember, it has a uncounterbalanced 180* crankshaft, seperate crank case, blocks and heads.
    I would appreciate any photos you post of the engine.
    Well done!
    If I were any less busy, I might even be a little envious.
    I got curious about this engine and took another look at the book, (the Legend of C-C), it did indeed have a counterbalanced 90* crankshaft.....I must have been thinking about a different engine.
    The engine had a "base" crankcase, many studs that looked to be about 15"-18" long, seperate blocks, and, of course, seperate flat heads.
    In the picture, it seems that the rotating assembly was assembled in the crankcase w/pistons and rods going every which way, the blocks dropped on the studs and simultaneously the piston/rings inserted int the cylinders.
    George Carter
    Central Florida
    gcarter763@aol.com
    http://kineticocentralfl.com/


    “If you have to argue your science by using fraud, your science is not valid"
    Professor Ian Plimer, Adilaide and Melbourne Universities

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    1,553
    Rep Power
    16

    Chris~Craft A-120-A Engine

    Supposedly this A-120-A engine weighs over 1500 lbs.
    5" Dia pistons .
    approx 5 3/4" stoke.
    375 Horsepower @ 2800 RPM. 845 Cubic Inches .
    Federal Mogul Bronze Heads.
    I would love to see the engine's torque figures.
    I have no idea as to the marine gear transmission's drive ratio ?
    I believe it is geared-up ?

    This A-120-A supposedly pushed this old 28 foot classic to the low 50 MPH range.

    The fuel tank in this boat is made of Monel as is it's propeller shaft.
    Last edited by silverghost; 05-01-2011 at 08:29 PM.
    "BENCHSEAT 18" ~~YellowJacket~~ project owner~
    1929 Chris~Craft 28' Tripple Cockpit Mahogany Speedboat / A-120-A 845 Cu.In. 375 H.P. Chris~Craft V-8 racing engine.
    24' American Skier
    Super Eagle 454 HO Skiboat
    1991 454 SS Chevy Super Sport Pick-up for towing my "Toys".

    There is no such thing as going too fast ~ ~~
    OR~ Being too old~ for a new "Toy"!

    Brad Hunter
    Huntingdon Valley Pa (Just outside Philly)~
    Ocean City NJ
    silverghost1926@msn.com
    215 947 4676 (PA Home)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Posts
    12,683
    Rep Power
    34
    Here's a nice picture of an A-120...

    George Carter
    Central Florida
    gcarter763@aol.com
    http://kineticocentralfl.com/


    “If you have to argue your science by using fraud, your science is not valid"
    Professor Ian Plimer, Adilaide and Melbourne Universities

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    1,553
    Rep Power
    16
    Thank's George:

    Great photo of an A-120.

    It's hard to tell the actual size scale of this beast from the photo. To help you get a better idea of the scale of this massive engine~~~
    Picture TWO Big Block Chevys back-to-back and then add a massive marine mechanical gearbox.
    This is a flywheel foreward style engine.

    There was first the Chris~Craft A-70

    Followed Later the A-120 pictured above.

    Finally the A-120-A which had a longer stroke, Federal Mogul Naval Bronze High-compression
    cylinder heads.
    A race cam.
    Larger Valves
    Dual Ignition
    Dual much larger carburetors
    Bigger Twin-gear-style waterpump.
    Last edited by silverghost; 05-02-2011 at 01:59 PM.
    "BENCHSEAT 18" ~~YellowJacket~~ project owner~
    1929 Chris~Craft 28' Tripple Cockpit Mahogany Speedboat / A-120-A 845 Cu.In. 375 H.P. Chris~Craft V-8 racing engine.
    24' American Skier
    Super Eagle 454 HO Skiboat
    1991 454 SS Chevy Super Sport Pick-up for towing my "Toys".

    There is no such thing as going too fast ~ ~~
    OR~ Being too old~ for a new "Toy"!

    Brad Hunter
    Huntingdon Valley Pa (Just outside Philly)~
    Ocean City NJ
    silverghost1926@msn.com
    215 947 4676 (PA Home)

  11. #11
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Posts
    870
    Rep Power
    0
    congrats on your purchase, Brad. Love the old ChrisCrafts!

  12. #12
    mrfixxall Guest

    Fixx

    Quote Originally Posted by silverghost View Post
    Thank's George:

    Great photo of an A-120.

    It's hard to tell the actual size scale of this beast from the photo. To help you get a better idea of the scale of this massive engine~~~
    Picture TWO Big Block Chevys back-to-back and then add a massive marine mechanical gearbox.
    This is a flywheel foreward style engine.

    There was first the Chris~Craft A-70

    Followed Later the A-120 pictured above.

    Finally the A-120-A which had a longer stroke, Federal Mogul Naval Bronze High-compression
    cylinder heads.
    A race cam.
    Dual ignition
    Dual much larger carburetors
    Bigger Twin-gear-style waterpump.

    another pic from the 20's


  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    1,553
    Rep Power
    16

    Wow !

    Fixx Great Photo.
    Thank's for posting it here.
    This gives everyone a better idea of the actual scale of these engines.
    Note the large diameter of the pistons .

    I love the rotating engine building stand .

    I am told by several owner's of these engines that these engines are real torque monsters.
    One owner of the standard A-120 describes the torque as "Steam-Like".
    The A-120-A that I actually own is much more powerful than the basic Chris~Craft A-120 or older A-70

    I am still researcing & learning information about this engine , and the boat itself.
    I am by no means an expert on either.

    This will be a fun & expensive project indeed.
    Last edited by silverghost; 05-02-2011 at 02:02 PM.
    "BENCHSEAT 18" ~~YellowJacket~~ project owner~
    1929 Chris~Craft 28' Tripple Cockpit Mahogany Speedboat / A-120-A 845 Cu.In. 375 H.P. Chris~Craft V-8 racing engine.
    24' American Skier
    Super Eagle 454 HO Skiboat
    1991 454 SS Chevy Super Sport Pick-up for towing my "Toys".

    There is no such thing as going too fast ~ ~~
    OR~ Being too old~ for a new "Toy"!

    Brad Hunter
    Huntingdon Valley Pa (Just outside Philly)~
    Ocean City NJ
    silverghost1926@msn.com
    215 947 4676 (PA Home)

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Posts
    758
    Rep Power
    20
    There was a triple at Keels and Wheels this weekend. "Muse". I think its a similar model as yours. Awesome look. Congrats, especially with the A120!!!
    24' Nova Sprint 1971
    You are what you drive!

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    975
    Rep Power
    0
    Very, very nice, Brad. Pics!
    1988 Minx / Testarossa edition
    1965/6 Ski Sporter 351W/Eaton (doesn't run)

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •