TOPIC: Adding Tilt to a 1972 NON TILT Johnson

I have a 1972 Johnson Model 65ESL72S . It id not equipped for power trim , it has the hole markings , but the holes in the swivel bracket are not drilled through. How can I go about adding this option to this engine .?. I have found a few $$$ WORM drive units but I am unsure if that is usable on a 72 . I have a few Mercury trim units , But they Just WON'T Work on the JohnnyRude ... And Yes I am Always Looking for another Arkansas Traveler ... The engine pictured is not MINE ! Just a reference that I have used ...

Sorry to be late to the party. I don't think there was actually a TRIM and tilt unit for '72. There is a bolt on tilt unit but I don't know if you can trim out under power with it. I have a TILT unit on my ''76 Johnson that I can share pictures if you want.
couple of options; If you can find an old junk motor with tilt just pull the swap. Sounds far fetched because the tilt for '72 was an option that I suspect not too many people chose.
Craigslist or eBay might have a unit to fit your 72.
Here's a snapshot of the unit for the '72 65hp mounting. Check it out and see if the holes you mention are in the right place.
Hope this helps somewhat.

www.marineengine.com/parts/johnson-evinrude-accessories/index.php?year=1972&model=Electrical+1972§ion=Power+Tilt+Kit+65+Hp+Models&yid=34239&mid=34240&sid=35522

Anything on eBay is more expensive than a used motor.
You can try this guy. He has acres of used motors that he parts out.
greenbayprop.com/

I find it funny that Mercury had this available on many models. During the 60s most larger models had the option as a standard... Mercury also uses the tilt tube style steering assembly yet Others hung on to the old cable / pulley style steering..

Power tilt was a factory kit accessory in 1972. Power trim was first available in 1973, again as a factory kit accessory but not compatible with the 1972 models as far as I know. If you're looking for tilt only, you might be able to find used parts. Here is a photo of the kit option from the 1972 brochure.

I'm still looking LoL...

I am in a similar situation. I want to add power trim and tilt to the 1974 Evinrude 70 on my Fabuglas 160.There is information online, tons of part numbers, several used setups available but nothing 100% conclusive about what would have been original and what will definitely work. I guess I could just buy one of each of the 4 styles I have found then sell the ones that don't fit, but it would be better to buy the right one the first time. Any expertise is appreciated. And if anyone has a unit for sale that will fit, definitely contact me. Thanks!

If you have deep pockets buy them. A suggestion would be to go to marineengine.com and find the part number for the t/t for your motor. That way you can be sure without the expense. They have factory schematics and pics of the units for each application.
Good Luck

Sometimes I use a google search after I click the images button. Then I get to look at tons of pictures of the same year same size and same brand of motor. Often I find a picture showing me what I was looking for. Maybe that could also help you recognize the proper unit. I end up looking at lots of pictures because sometimes they show the wrong year or size motor. You can scroll through the pictures pretty fast though. Just a thought I had to help, but the technical information is better that was given before. Likely that serial number will lead you to the right assembly.

Okay ... So in my everyday search for a Tilt. Or T&T unit for my 1973 - 65 hp Johnson .. I stumbled upon a 1972 BassCat DLX . Complete w/ a 1975 V4 - 85HP Johnson. I bought it Sight Unseen... The tilt trim unit is complete. But I can't see removing it from the V4 engine unless the compression test shows otherwise... I'm happy I found the Factory Complete Boat ... But not sure if I have made progress on the Original Objective lol.....

LOL yeah that's usually how we all end up with "extra parts"!

Bob