TOPIC: 1956 Johnson Javelin Cowl Restoration

Wasn't easy finding one. Been looking since I picked up a '55 Falls Flyer in March of 2014. She came with a Mercury motor and I have since sold that motor. Then I was looking for a replacement and more appropriate Johsnon outboard. Thanks to my friend Norm, he sold me a beautiful and original condition '57 Johsnon Seahorse 35 hp. But as I searched the many Falls Flyer and articles online, the '56 Javelin always caught my eye, and my hunt for one began. My friend Norm pointed one out to me about 100 miles away from home; it was in horrific shape, but my main concern was the trim and front door of the cowl. Seemed in okay shape and everything was there. So my 9 year old nephew and I took a road trip to go get her one afternoon.

Here are a couple of pictures of when I first saw her. Like I said, she is in terrible condition overall; however the cowl trim is in decent shape and that's what I was most concerned.

'56 Johnson Javelin

Cowl

Nice, even has the recoil handle cover.

The 56 Javelin is 30hp I believe.

HandyAndy wrote:

Nice, even has the recoil handle cover.

Thanks Andy, I was fortunate that this cowl was complete.

Eduardo

VinTinFan wrote:

The 56 Javelin is 30hp I believe.

Yes, she is a 30 hp. The more I saw this one year model Johnson, the more I was attracted by her design.

Eduardo

Spent some time carefully removing the metal trim and emblems from the lid. I'm amazed at the condition of the emblems and even the metal in comparison to the overall poor condition of this '56 Johnson. It seems that this motor has sat for years out in the weather unprotected and yet not a whole lot of damage to the trim. And as you well know, the front cover on this particular model Johnson are extremely hard to find intact. I'm just happy that I have found one.

Front Door Cover


Metal trim and emblems removed


Javelin emblems are in beautiful shape


I'm amazed at the condition of the original cowl gasket too. No need to replace it.


Eduardo

Nice score! Good luck in the restoration.

Andreas

thompsonboat wrote:

Nice score! Good luck in the restoration.

Andreas

Thanks Andreas. Hoping to finish the restoration by the end of this month.

Eduardo

...ready for sand blasting. There will be some deep pitting for sure.

cowl left side

cowl right side

cowl front side

cowl top side

Eduardo

A true design of the 50's and quite elegant. Best of luck with the restoration. It's worth it.

SeaFlash wrote:

Eduardo

A true design of the 50's and quite elegant. Best of luck with the restoration. It's worth it.

Ah man, not only a beautiful motor you have there, but that picture of the motor shot is outstanding. Thanks SeaFlash for sharing that. If you don't mind, please share more of your awesome Javelin.

Eduardo

Eduardo wrote:

SeaFlash wrote:

Eduardo

A true design of the 50's and quite elegant. Best of luck with the restoration. It's worth it.

Ah man, not only a beautiful motor you have there, but that picture of the motor shot is outstanding. Thanks SeaFlash for sharing that. If you don't mind, please share more of your awesome Javelin.

Eduardo

I recently received the lid after getting it blasted. As you can see, I knew there would be some deep pitting. The good news is that this lid is super straight. The original plan was for me to finish the lid myself. I decided to have her done by a pro; don't have the equipment. Talked to my friend Larry at Vintage Boatworks, and as we speak, the lid is headed his way.

Eduardo

Sorry you can't do it yourself Eduardo I'm sure it would have been great but you gotta do whatcha gotta do. As Clint Eastwood would say " A man's got to know his limitations".

Bob