Hi there,

I recently picked up a bit of a project boat with hopes to get it on the water and have a cheap cruiser. I was told its a 1976 Colorado Custom 21' boat, though I can't seem to find any info on them. It has an olds 455 with a cracked block in the boat, and it came with a "good" olds 403. It has a Berkeley pump, though I'm not sure what model yet. It's been sitting for a while, and definitely needs some TLC, but they don't come up for sale too often around here.

The plan is to try and get the 403 into the boat and running and take it for a test drive asap before winter, and then if it floats/drives I can tear into it over winter and have it ready for the spring.

All this to say, what sort of things do I need to look at? Is there anything I need to make sure of before I take it out on the water? After doing a quick lookover, it appears the cables are froze up. Are they serviceable, or will I need new ones? It currently has dry headers, the PO said it was fine, but is it really okay? I always thought you needed water cooled headers.

The floor in it feels solid, but I still plan on pulling the interior and checking everything out, along with new carpet. Is there a go-to place for the vinyl? A couple of the seats are cracking, and all are pretty dry rotted.




I'm open to any and all advice!

Thanks!

to start with the 403 (should have good heads) they use a letter to let you know which set you have . the closer to A the better. Ka being one of the best C being the best. lots of things you can do to a 403. dont discard!

just replace the cables easy to get.

vinyl, ebay is the easiest same with carpet. the seats they sell and or make fiberglass, my opinion the best and easiest way to go unless you can sew and have a sewing machine.

last headers dry or wet really doesn’t matter unless you have kids and or dont like loud . ( just don’t touch them) you can buy inserts to quiet them down .

good luck and enjoy!!!!


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