Bare aluminum in 1933? Do I paint it?

[14decoys]

I’m just getting into this and have a question. I have cleaned up and repainted a few old motors and now I have a buddy who would like me to cosmetically restore his 1933 Johnson. From pics he sent me it appears the motor was bare aluminum. I’ve looked for paint and everything I see starts around 1940. Were they not painted prior to that? I know I’m not talented enough to take out tank dents and not be noticeable so the only way I can do it is to paint the motor with “dull aluminum” after using filler. Is this a normal way to do it or am I just going to ruin it? Thanks; Steve

[Tubs]

A- 65? J-65? OA-65? Other?
Tubs.

A "Boathouse Repair" is one thats done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

[Pondrocket]

FYI there is a paint section in members only forum could be of help you must be an active member to view…

 

 

Travis
AOMCI VP Communications
AOMCI Webmaster
webmaster@aomci.org

[14decoys]

its an A–65  Didn’t know about the paint section—-I’ll become a paying member as I’m sure I’ll have more questions.

 

[14decoys]

Well I paid for membership but the site sent the confirm to my old email even though I changed it. (I think) So I’ll wait for that and then check it out.

[AOMCI Webmaster]

Steve,

Only way to change your email on our system you would need to contact our membership chair Dave Nau his email is memberservices@aomci.org other than that if you had a registered account with us the email on that account will still be there…. Hope this helps.. FYI your account has your Raymond James email currently..

Travis
VP Communications AOMCI
webmaster@aomci.org

[14decoys]

Thanks Travis. I’ll contact him. I’ve retired and no longer have the RJ email.

[joecb]

Looks like we don’t have a definitive answer to the paint question as yet. So here is my $0.02 worth … To the best of my knowledge the pre-war motors that were “silver” colored were painted with simple aluminum paint, this for corrosion protection if not so much for appearance. Some parts, like aluminum flywheel  or fuel tanks were polished.  Our “dull aluminum” paint is the correct color. If you have an original motor that is aluminum “color” and you question if it’s bare or painted, try wiping with lacquer thinner, if it’s paint you will know.

Joe B

 

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14decoys

[davidk]

Pondrocket wrote:

FYI there is a paint section in members only forum could be of help you must be an active member to view…

 

 

Travis, where is the paint section you refer to?  Members only and then where?

 

[14decoys]

joecb wrote:

Looks like we don’t have a definitive answer to the paint question as yet. So here is my $0.02 worth … To the best of my knowledge the pre-war motors that were “silver” colored were painted with simple aluminum paint, this for corrosion protection if not so much for appearance. Some parts, like aluminum flywheel  or fuel tanks were polished.  Our “dull aluminum” paint is the correct color. If you have an original motor that is aluminum “color” and you question if it’s bare or painted, try wiping with lacquer thinner, if it’s paint you will know.

Joe B

 

Thanks for that! Exactly what I needed to know.

[Author]

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