TOPIC: New Member 1957 18' Bell Boy Express

Hey, everyone

I just acquired a 1957 18' Bell Boy Express with motor and trailer. It's going to take a fair bit of work, but the price was right. (Haul it out of here and it's yours!)

Since I have it stashed over at my daughter's place right now, I haven't been able to give it any kind of in-depth inspection. The exterior looks pretty good, although it needs quite a bit of cosmetic work. Hard to tell about the interior, since it's full of accumulated debris that I haven't cleaned out yet. (Gotta get over to Katie's) It absolutely needs a new transom, and windows, though.

I have no idea what the engine is, since all the obvious identifying markings are missing. They guy who gave it to me was in the process of liquidating an estate and had no idea just what it was. Although he said it was running when the boat was parked about 10 years ago. We'll see. Need to do a close inspection to try to find any label plates attached to the block, etc. that would help me ID this motor.

The trailer is serviceable, but in need of cosmetic work. A re-wiring wouldn't be a bad idea, either. No problem there.

Anyway, I think this down on her luck lady has a *lot* of potential, and can't wait to get the restoration started.

And I have no doubt I'll be posting *lots* of questions before she's done. <g>

Welcome aboard and waht a great find. I always like the "pocket cruisers". Yep she'll be a good project for sure but excellent once done. From the cover on the motor I'd say Chrysler, maybe 135 but not positive. Get the part number off the engine and go to marineengine.com and you can find out what size it is.

Bob

I don't think it's a 135. It appears to be a 3 cylinder and I think Chrysler's big motors were 4 cylinders.

Thanks. I think she'll be a real princess when she's finished.

Do you know where I should look for the engine number?

Check around the transom bracket for a rivetted plate with the info on it.

Bob

Sounds good. I'll be heading over this afternoon.