The 1975 Nightmare Miller Project

« **on:** August 26, 2007, 10:59:24 PM »

Looks can be deceiving but here's a glimpse of what I have to start with.

It has a lot of potential, just needs someone who cares about the work they do.

I'll be showing photos of the befores and afters as I go along.

« **Reply #1 on:** August 27, 2007, 07:24:08 AM »

Greg from what I've heard you've already made a bit of progress ..keep sluggin Tom

« **Reply #2 on:** August 27, 2007, 07:37:16 AM »

good looking boat

« **Reply #3 on:** August 27, 2007, 07:59:02 AM »

I saw that Miller for sale when I was selling my Miller, they're allmost identical. Type in High Life in the search bar on the top right of the home page.

« **Reply #4 on:** August 27, 2007, 08:16:34 AM »

Quote from: jet boat performance on August 27, 2007, 07:24:08 AM

Greg from what I've heard you've already made a bit of progress ..keep sluggin Tom

Hi Tom, I have made some progress but I was in a discussion with someone else on this board and they thought it would be a good idea for me to start a thread from start to finish. So I thought I would do that and go from the trailer wiring all teh way back to the pump.

How's your project coming along?

Greg

« **Reply #5 on:** August 27, 2007, 08:18:38 AM »

What engine and pump are in your Miller?

« **Reply #6 on:** August 27, 2007, 10:08:22 AM »

Quote from: FORKEDUP on August 27, 2007, 07:37:16 AM

good looking boat

Thanks, but looks are deceiving. Things have been wrong from the trailer wiring to the shift control cable. And I've only started to get them fixed. It holds water

and the engine fires right up. Mostly minor things are wrong but I don't even want to take that chance.

« **Reply #7 on:** August 27, 2007, 10:09:55 AM »

Quote from: hotrod56cars on August 27, 2007, 07:59:02 AM

I saw that Miller for sale when I was selling my Miller, they're allmost identical. Type in High Life in the search bar on the top right of the home page.

I picked this one up in Modesto. Got the guy to drop the price $1000.00 and it's a good thing, I'll need that to do the repairs and then some.

Since you named your High Life I think I'll call mine MGD!! They sure do look alike with the exception of exhaust and pumps.

« **Reply #8 on:** August 27, 2007, 10:27:45 AM »

Quote from: GAWnCA on August 27, 2007, 10:08:22 AM

Thanks, but looks are deceiving. Things have been wrong from the trailer wiring to the shift control cable. And I've only started to get them fixed. It holds water and the engine fires right up. Mostly minor things are wrong but I don't even want to take that chance.

nice thing about a boat...always something wrong or something you want to change with it

« **Reply #9 on:** August 27, 2007, 11:04:32 AM »

Quote from: FORKEDUP on August 27, 2007, 10:27:45 AM

nice thing about a boat...always something wrong or something you want to change with it

I guess you are right about that.

« **Reply #10 on:** August 27, 2007, 03:19:08 PM »

Quote from: hotrod56cars on August 27, 2007, 01:51:15 PM

It s a Ford 460 c.i.d. big block hooked to a Jetovator by Berkeley.

« **Reply #11 on:** August 27, 2007, 04:00:12 PM »

Quote from: GAWnCA on August 27, 2007, 03:19:08 PM

It s a Ford 460 c.i.d. big block hooked to a Jetovator by Berkeley.

I guess the two MIller's were sister in appearance only, mine had a 455 Olds and a Jacuzzi.

« **Reply #12 on:** August 27, 2007, 04:05:28 PM »

Quote from: hotrod56cars on August 27, 2007, 04:00:12 PM

I guess the two MIller's were sister in appearance only, mine had a 455 Olds and a Jacuzzi.

Well, Miller made a damn good hull so they could outfit them however the customer ordered them.

« **Reply #13 on:** August 27, 2007, 07:36:20 PM »

Here's another shot of my boat.

« **Reply #14 on:** August 27, 2007, 08:32:23 PM »

Quote from: GAWnCA on August 27, 2007, 07:36:20 PM

Here's another shot of my boat.

Damn dude, is that a bubble deck?

Yep, it sure is, I just compared your pictures to each other. Bubble decks are sweeeeet.

Mine wasn't a bubble deck. What year is your boat?

« **Reply #15 on:** August 27, 2007, 08:42:41 PM »

Quote from: hotrod56cars on August 27, 2007, 08:32:23 PM

Damn dude, is that a bubble deck?

Yep, it sure is, I just compared your pictures to each other. Bubble decks are sweeeeet. Mine wasn't a bubble deck. What year is your boat?

1975 Is that something special?

« **Reply #16 on:** August 27, 2007, 08:54:37 PM »

Quote from: GAWnCA on August 27, 2007, 08:42:41 PM

1975 Is that something special?

I was just curious because the other Miller bubble deck I saw was a '78 or '79. It being a bubble deck doesn't make it worth more less $, it's just a personal prefernce kind of thing. That's a good looking boat with a good engine/pump combination. That's a lot better of a start than a lot of other fellow jet boaters get.

« **Reply #17 on:** August 27, 2007, 08:56:49 PM »

Quote from: hotrod56cars on August 27, 2007, 08:54:37 PM

I was just curious because the other Miller bubble deck I saw was a '78 or '79. It being a bubble deck doesn't make it worth more less $, it's just a personal prefernce kind of thing. That's a good looking boat with a good engine/pump combination. That's a lot better of a start than a lot of other fellow jet boaters get.

Thanks Hotrod.... And then there's this one....

This when I was picking it up to bring home.

« **Reply #18 on:** August 27, 2007, 08:59:37 PM »

I saw that boat advertised on Craigslist, it was priced about the same as I was pricing mine. If you got a $1,000 off of his asking price, you flockin scored.

« **Reply #19 on:** August 27, 2007, 09:04:24 PM »

Quote from: hotrod56cars on August 27, 2007, 08:59:37 PM

I saw that boat advertised on Craigslist, it was priced about the same as I was pricing mine. If you got a $1,000 off of his asking price, you flockin scored.

I've seen some better deals on that list since.... BUT a few that looked good in the photos turned out to be real dogs. I got it in Modesto.

« **Reply #20 on:** August 27, 2007, 09:36:45 PM »

Damn G ! That thing is sexy . I still dont run into too many Millers with Berks and fords in them . Nice score !

-beerjet-

« **Reply #21 on:** August 27, 2007, 11:45:18 PM »

Quote from: beerjet on August 27, 2007, 09:36:45 PM

Damn G ! That thing is sexy . I still dont run into too many Millers with Berks and fords in them . Nice score !

-beerjet-

Here's a shot of the engine and interior before I did anything to it.

I did some re-plumbing and re-routed the plug wires so they weren't rubbing on the headers. I also took the ski tow off.

« **Reply #22 on:** August 28, 2007, 09:59:40 AM »

Looks like you had a pretty good head start .

-beerjet-

« **Reply #23 on:** August 28, 2007, 10:43:01 AM »

Quote from: beerjet on August 28, 2007, 09:59:40 AM

Looks like you had a pretty good head start .

-beerjet-

Yeah I did. I called it the Nightmare because of all the little crap that could turn into big problems. I would rather take the time and fix those things now rather than get out on the water and have it create a big problem. Oh well, winter is coming and that will be the time to fix stuff!

« **Reply #24 on:** August 28, 2007, 11:37:50 AM »

Quote from: GAWnCA on August 28, 2007, 10:43:01 AM

Yeah I did. I called it the Nightmare because of all the little crap that could turn into big problems. I would rather take the time and fix those things now rather than get out on the water and have it create a big problem. Oh well, winter is coming and that will be the time to fix stuff!

Thats right . When I bought my Saguaro , I took it out twice and both times it had to be towed in . Two years later (mainly do to no money ) wiring got cleaned up and figured out for the most part , Motor was torn down to the short block and it looked good .Heads were sent to the machine shop and the guy told me to save my money "They're fine , they dont need any work." Carb was rebuilt by me and my crew chief . We put in new push rods , new Lunati timing set w/torrington bearing , new SFI approved balancer . Figured out the hard way that it had a solid lifter cam

We reassembled it .

The pump was blasted and powder coated and reassembled with a rebuild kit. Later on got new gages and a diverter and a new bimini top and most recently got full interior the way I wanted .

Anyways , the point is to take your time and try to go over everything . If you havent hit the water yet , it should make you hungerier to finish . I replaced all the hoses in it too. It was all a build up to a 4 day house boat trip to lake mead that we did for a few years . The test went well. Adjusted the timing and tuned the carb . Those were the best 4 days I've ever spent on the water absolutly flawless . To this day that boat has been very good to me .

Keep in mind , EVERYTHING was removed , gone over and either replaced or fixed . The rewards were pricless and the wife wont let me get rid of it . Good luck and we're here to help.

-beerjet-

« **Reply #25 on:** August 28, 2007, 12:00:47 PM »

Quote from: beerjet on August 28, 2007, 11:37:50 AM

Thats right . When I bought my Saguaro , I took it out twice and both times it had to be towed in . Two years later (mainly do to no money ) wiring got cleaned up and figured out for the most part , Motor was torn down to the short block and it looked good .Heads were sent to the machine shop and the guy told me to save my money "They're fine , they dont need any work." Carb was rebuilt by me and my crew chief . We put in new push rods , new Lunati timing set w/torrington bearing , new SFI approved balancer . Figured out the hard way that it had a solid lifter cam We reassembled it .

The pump was blasted and powder coated and reassembled with a rebuild kit. Later on got new gages and a diverter and a new bimini top and most recently got full interior the way I wanted .

Anyways , the point is to take your time and try to go over everything . If you havent hit the water yet , it should make you hungerier to finish . I replaced all the hoses in it too. It was all a build up to a 4 day house boat trip to lake mead that we did for a few years . The test went well. Adjusted the timing and tuned the carb . Those were the best 4 days I've ever spent on the water absolutly flawless . To this day that boat has been very good to me .

Keep in mind , EVERYTHING was removed , gone over and either replaced or fixed . The rewards were pricless and the wife wont let me get rid of it . Good luck and we're here to help.

-beerjet-

Thanks Beerjet for the encouraging words and sound advice. But, until I do take it out, I really won't know what I have or what I may need to do. The wiring will be replaced over the winter along with the gages. I also need to take it down to the local car wash and blast the engine and bilge. They are dirty with grease and grime. The jetovator trim control is for a boat with a floor in it so I'm getting ready to drill for stringer mount. I've got some new plug wire looms that I want to mount too. New wires coming on Thursday.

I've met some pretty good people on the forum along with a couple who think their shit don't stink and everything they say is absolute fact. Other than those few, everyone with the knowledge has chipped in. I see that with others as well. I've used the heck out the guys a Berkeley getting information as well. So, all in all everyone is great!

« **Reply #26 on:** August 28, 2007, 01:18:04 PM »

Keep in mind , EVERYTHING was removed , gone over and either replaced or fixed . The rewards were pricless and the wife wont let me get rid of it . Good luck and we're here to help.

-beerjet-
[/quote]
sounds like what i am doing, it is very much worth every second spend doing it, if you have the time, when you are done you will no everypiece of you boat

« **Reply #27 on:** August 28, 2007, 01:50:46 PM »

Quote from: FORKEDUP on August 28, 2007, 01:18:04 PM

Keep in mind , EVERYTHING was removed , gone over and either replaced or fixed . The rewards were pricless and the wife wont let me get rid of it . Good luck and we're here to help.

-beerjet-

sounds like what i am doing, it is very much worth every second spend doing it, if you have the time, when you are done you will no everypiece of you boat

AS LONG as you don't let the HONEY-DO list get too long.

« **Reply #28 on:** August 28, 2007, 02:04:06 PM »

that's why the boat takes so long

« **Reply #29 on:** August 28, 2007, 02:21:40 PM »

Quote from: FORKEDUP on August 28, 2007, 02:04:06 PM

that's why the boat takes so long

Well, I'm sure that if I were to look, that list has grown and my Honey AIN'T happy!

« **Reply #30 on:** August 29, 2007, 06:02:17 AM »

Well, 2 new issues reared their ugly head last night. One, I installed some new plug wire looms and now I've got wires with a lot of slack in them and others that are almost as tight as a banjo string. I have ordered new wires from Summit and I hope I can get this issues resolved, taking my time to lay out the wires by their length and fit. Second issue is the feeding of fuel. This Miller has saddlebag tanks and a single electric fuel pump. The right tank is completely dry and the left tank has about 5 gallons of gas in it, but I fired up the motor last night just to get the oil back up in the motor and it was running along and then just died, like it was out of gas. I'm think that the right tank ran dry and the pump just started sucking air. My idea is to add in another fuel gage and sending unit so I'll know what's in each tank and maybe adding in a switch over system so that I know when a tank may be getting empty.

Anyone have any better ideas? I've thought about adding a crossover line in the bottom of the tanks like I had on my trucks (semi's) so that the fuel self levels.

Thanks,
Greg

« **Reply #31 on:** August 29, 2007, 08:59:52 AM »

personally i prefer to have my tanks on a switchover valve, that way when one runs dry, i know i need to head back in, or else, i do not run fuel level gauges, so that is my only way of knowing

« **Reply #32 on:** August 29, 2007, 09:02:05 AM »

Quote from: FORKEDUP on August 29, 2007, 08:59:52 AM

personally i prefer to have my tanks on a switchover valve, that way when one runs dry, i know i need to head back in, or else, i do not run fuel level gauges, so that is my only way of knowing

Well, this has a gage but only one sending unit so it's only showing what's in one tank. I think I'll look into the switchover valve, got any suggestions?

Thanks, Greg

« **Reply #33 on:** August 29, 2007, 09:14:28 AM »

i wish i had gauges, but i am not cutting more holes in my dash, i was running a manual switchover valve, but that was a pain in the ass, run out of gas, run to the back of the boat switch tanks, restart, all before getting swamped, i will be installing an electric one this time, my old boats used to have an old chevy truck electric valve, not sure if coast guard approved or not (doubt it) but was inexpensive and never had a problem with it.

« **Reply #34 on:** August 29, 2007, 09:45:43 AM »

Quote from: FORKEDUP on August 29, 2007, 09:14:28 AM

i wish i had gauges, but i am not cutting more holes in my dash, i was running a manual switchover valve, but that was a pain in the ass, run out of gas, run to the back of the boat switch tanks, restart, all before getting swamped, i will be installing an electric one this time, my old boats used to have an old chevy truck electric valve, not sure if coast guard approved or not (doubt it) but was inexpensive and never had a problem with it.

Well let me know what you come up with and a link. I sure didn't like the thing dying in the driveway, but I guess that's better than out on the water and wondering what went wrong.

« **Reply #35 on:** August 29, 2007, 10:20:31 AM »

If you're running two saddle tanks both tanks need the exact same length hose or you'll get what you got, one tank runs out of gas before the other.

« **Reply #36 on:** August 29, 2007, 11:10:30 AM »

Quote from: hotrod56cars on August 29, 2007, 10:20:31 AM

If you're running two saddle tanks both tanks need the exact same length hose or you'll get what you got, one tank runs out of gas before the other.

They are and the hoses are equal. I think what happened is before I picked up the boat the guy drained one tank and part of the other. So one tank had some on the bottom and the other had a couple of gallons. I've sucked up all that was in the empty one and the fuel pump started sucking air on that side. I've still got gas in the one tank and I'll clamp off the empty tank and see if the problem goes away, if it does, I'll know what that problem is and it's solved. If not, I'll have to look elsewhere. I think I'll put a tank switch over valve in and run a second sending unit and gage. Later on I may put a cross over line in the bottom so they equal out.

« **Reply #37 on:** September 01, 2007, 07:53:05 AM »

Ok folks, I'm on a quest to find a good picture of the old style (1970's) Miller Custom Boats name plates that use to be put on the top of the hulls and on their trailer fenders. If I can get a good enough photo I can clean that up and then put it on my CNC machine and cut new ones. Also, need to know what bolt pattern and size bolts are used on the wheels, along with bushings. This thing sounds like farm equipment when towed. Thanks, Greg

« **Reply #38 on:** September 01, 2007, 11:17:57 AM »

Miller is still in buisness .

(805)934-3938

www.MillerCustomBoats.com

-beerjet-

« **Reply #39 on:** September 01, 2007, 11:27:53 AM »

Quote from: beerjet on September 01, 2007, 11:17:57 AM

Miller is still in buisness .

(805)934-3938

www.MillerCustomBoats.com

-beerjet-

I know and I've emailed them and got no reply except "good luck on your project." I guess all they are interested in is IF you come spend money with them. Thanks for the info.

« **Reply #40 on:** September 01, 2007, 12:59:45 PM »

Quote from: beerjet on September 01, 2007, 11:17:57 AM

Miller is still in buisness .

(805)934-3938

www.MillerCustomBoats.com

-beerjet-

Thats funny, the moved the company to Santa Maria...what a Sh&t Hole!

« **Reply #41 on:** September 01, 2007, 01:58:02 PM »

I have only 1 tank with a gauge also, I just run the one without until it's empty then switch (electric) to the other one so I can be sure of remaining gas, but my boat doesn't go real fast or act differently when the engine shuts off. It just glides to a slow stop. I can usually get it started again on the other tank before it completely stops. Of course I try to switch before that happens

« **Reply #42 on:** September 01, 2007, 02:53:00 PM »

Quote from: The Chaz on September 01, 2007, 01:58:02 PM

I have only 1 tank with a gauge also, I just run the one without until it's empty then switch (electric) to the other one so I can be sure of remaining gas, but my boat doesn't go real fast or act differently when the engine shuts off. It just glides to a slow stop. I can usually get it started again on the other tank before it completely stops. Of course I try to switch before that happens

Hi CHaz, Thanks for the info now tell me where you bought yours and what you bought. This would work for me as well. Greg

« **Reply #43 on:** September 01, 2007, 03:35:07 PM »

The Hondo has 2 10 gallon saddle tanks with no fuel gauges. The first time I ran it out of fuel both tanks were dry, but this past weekend when I did it again

one tank was empty and one still had 3 1/2 gallons left (the lines appear to be the same length).
I also want to install a valve of some type but haven't decided what will work best.

« **Reply #44 on:** September 01, 2007, 04:07:08 PM »

Quote from: crewchief22 on September 01, 2007, 03:35:07 PM

The Hondo has 2 10 gallon saddle tanks with no fuel gauges. The first time I ran it out of fuel both tanks were dry, but this past weekend when I did it again one tank was empty and one still had 3 1/2 gallons left (the lines appear to be the same length).
I also want to install a valve of some type but haven't decided what will work best.

I like the idea of the electric switch over so you can do that on the fly from your seat. Something about messing around HOT headers doesn't appeal to me.

« **Reply #45 on:** September 01, 2007, 05:30:21 PM »

Switch came with the boat... I'll check and see if I can find some kind of manufacturer ID on it.

Sorry for the bad cell phone pic, but I dont see any ID on it...

« **Reply #46 on:** September 01, 2007, 08:01:45 PM »

Quote from: The Chaz on September 01, 2007, 05:30:21 PM

Switch came with the boat... I'll check and see if I can find some kind of manufacturer ID on it.

Sorry for the bad cell phone pic, but I dont see any ID on it...

No problem. Thanks for trying. I should be able to find something at Auto Zone.

« **Reply #47 on:** September 05, 2007, 05:56:33 AM »

Well, the Nightmare Miller lived up to it's name last night. I took the boat out for it's first run on Sunday. Was cruising along when the engine rattled and then lost all power. Stopped going forward but engine was still running, although very rough. Shut it down and was towed back to the ramp, loaded the boat and went home to check things out. #1 plug had water on it so I was thinking just a blown head gasket. So I started tearing into the engine and then it happened. Pulled the heads and didn't see anything wrong there, so I turned the motor and the #1 piston just sat there while the others moved up and down. It's machine shop time. Well, I look at it this way, I'll have a fresh engine and know what has been done to it. There's a place here in town called CASCAR Engine Rebuilding so I guess they get a basket case and hopefully give me back a running engine. I'll give them a call today and see how big of an OUCH it's going to be. Still might be up and running in a couple of weeks.

I sure wasn't looking forward to this but I guess that's how it goes when you buy an unknown.

« **Reply #48 on:** September 05, 2007, 09:01:25 AM »

Go to Dells don't waste your time anywhere else.

« **Reply #49 on:** September 05, 2007, 09:13:01 AM »

Quote from: Emanon Performance Marine on September 05, 2007, 09:01:25 AM

Go to Dells don't waste your time anywhere else.

Where is Dells? I just talked to CASCAR and if I take in my engine and all the parts, he'll return me a complete rebuild, ran on his stand in the shop, for $1700.00 and the place is only 7 miles away and does marine 460 work. He's located right next to a marine shop as well. The rebuild kit from Summit is $600.00 and no work done and no warranty.

« **Reply #50 on:** April 24, 2008, 06:13:56 AM »

Well, The old Miller is going back together and I'll start a new thread that will describe all that has been done from when I picked it up until now. May just put up a link to my web site so it doesn't take up too much space or band width here.

GAWnCA

jet boat performance

FORKEDUP

hotrod56cars

GAWnCA

hotrod56cars

GAWnCA

GAWnCA

FORKEDUP

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beerjet

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beerjet

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FORKEDUP

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FORKEDUP

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FORKEDUP

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FORKEDUP

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hotrod56cars

GAWnCA

GAWnCA

beerjet

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OC2Vegas

The Chaz

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crewchief22

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The Chaz

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Ema Non-Performance Marine - BANNED

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