'84 Ranger 373v

This last January I traded two 10' Huckabee Dippin Sticks for this....

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After many hours of sweat equity and a total of about $850 ($500 for the used motor with a good lower unit), I'm about to be able to venture about in a rig that has modern electronics, a Herculiner floor and an overall satisfaction of being able to customize to my taste without worrying about much of anything. The rod holders are mainly for transport only and I plan to make some PVC holders to store rods upright when on the water. I didn't want rods/reels laying on the rough flooring getting scuffed with every little bump in the road. Thanks to Tom for a couple of electrical questions whilst pulling out my last tuft of hair.

The result of my sweat....

https://youtu.be/34EonqSp9uA

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Reaper .... I wouldn't let the guy that sold it to you, see it. He might beat you to death with those Huckabee rods :bash :Rofl

Seriously though, brother .... that "mess" turned into one fine looking fishing machine !! :HandsClapping GOOD FOR YOU !!

... cp :kewl

Click on the video link. I have a theme song.

I've done a few aluminum boat projects in the past. Had fun doing it. May try a fiberglass next.

Good job.

Man that looks great! You done a heck of a job bringin life back to her!

I bet you will get your money's worth out of it! Great job!

Really nice work!

Excellent job there reaper!

U Done Good , have had my 1985 Ranger 350 since 1985 garage kept and still Love it .RR

Great job Craig!

I'll give you four rods for it, double your original investment!

Great job..............but that spare won't make a hundred yards......... :)

WOW! I said I would never do another rehab, that makes me want to.
Your smile at the end said it all!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Davedirt

Great job..............but that spare won't make a hundred yards......... :)

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I have a spare spare with good rubber that was donated along with the seats. I also scored a ladder that fit the 395v and will need a minor modification to work on the 373v. Patience was the key for sure. I probably had 8-900 hours in it but a third of that was just leaning up against it thinking about what and how I was going to tackle certain things. The electrical was very frustrating at times and I still need to come across a new timer for the livewells.

Yesterday I hooked up the cups, stuck some fuel in it and tried to get it to fire up. No Fire. Not sure if kill switch is good but it is being held in by the stay. After I get enough coffee down me this morning am breaking out the meter to see if I can track down the issue. Wondering if it could be corrosion up under the flywheel. I'll figure it out though.

Man that is UNBELIEVEABLE!!! Great job!I have never been a fixer upper, but u got me wanting to try now!

Nice job! We always called those Rangers "lead sleds" but they were a stable ride.

I have found over the years the thing that helped me most was plenty of pictures before I started ripping out all the wiring to replace everything. I recently chased down an electrical issue with my boat that had been a gremlin for 2-3 years. I had looked at it 100 times but until I removed the wires, the problem never looked like a problem.

Your comment about leaning on the boat is a classic pose for me. I find the hardest part of any job is getting thru the dread of starting it.

good job

looks great

Reaper, having spent a little time in a boat factory I know the work you put into that, and you did an excellent job. Very good work.

Now that is SWEET!!