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1955 Model A Hercules. Van Ness engineering

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rick.hessler
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1955 Model A Hercules. Van Ness engineering

Post by rick.hessler » Fri Feb 21, 2020 9:06 am

I want to keep the original engine in my 1955 Cavalier. Needs repaint and rework. Have only spoken with 1 (very knowledgeable fella) who hade some work done by Van Ness Eng. Can anyone else share any experience (good/bad) with Van Ness?

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Bilge Rat
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Re: 1955 Model A Hercules. Van Ness engineering

Post by Bilge Rat » Fri Feb 21, 2020 11:46 am

Where are you located?
1966 Lyman Cruisette 25 foot "Serenity Now!"
1953 Chris Craft Sportsman 22 foot "Summerwind"


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Bilge Rat
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Re: 1955 Model A Hercules. Van Ness engineering

Post by Bilge Rat » Fri Feb 21, 2020 5:31 pm

Are you certain it's a model A engine? For 1955, they did offer a model B 4 cylinder which was an improvement over the old pre-war A engines; stronger crank, shell bearings instead of poured babbit. All other offerings for 1955 would have been 6 cylinders like the K series. Are you getting this data from the Chris Craft engine plate or a stamping on the block?
1966 Lyman Cruisette 25 foot "Serenity Now!"
1953 Chris Craft Sportsman 22 foot "Summerwind"

rick.hessler
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Re: 1955 Model A Hercules. Van Ness engineering

Post by rick.hessler » Fri Feb 21, 2020 9:26 pm

Engine plate. Hull card matches the engine plate and hull number as well.

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drrot
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Re: 1955 Model A Hercules. Van Ness engineering

Post by drrot » Sat Feb 22, 2020 11:55 am

Actually they started with the "C" and moved to the "B" and ended with the "A". Have never figured out the difference between the A & B except there were 4 series of B engines. A is similar to the last series.
AnB.jpg
Last edited by drrot on Sat Feb 22, 2020 9:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jim Staib
www.finewoodboats.com


1947 Penn Yan 12' Cartopper WXH474611
1950 Chris-Craft 22' Sportsman U-22-1532
1957 Chris-Craft 26' Sea Skiff SK-26-515
1968 Century 17' Resorter FG-68-174

rick.hessler
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Re: 1955 Model A Hercules. Van Ness engineering

Post by rick.hessler » Sat Feb 22, 2020 3:57 pm

Still.....any opinions on Van Ness Engineering? Pro/con?

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mbigpops
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Re: 1955 Model A Hercules. Van Ness engineering

Post by mbigpops » Sat Feb 22, 2020 4:37 pm

You are not going to get any opinions here on professional restorers as it just starts a huge back and forth argument and it is impossible to tell who is stating facts or just backing up their friend, boss or other. Your best bet is to talk to people in your local chapter or maybe you someone will private message you.

Good luck either way.

Mark
1953 CC Rocket Runabout "Rocket Man"

rick.hessler
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Re: 1955 Model A Hercules. Van Ness engineering

Post by rick.hessler » Sat Feb 22, 2020 6:04 pm

Thanks Mark. That’s why I didn’t mention the one person I heard from or his opinion. Pro or con. I get it. I do appreciate the feed back from you folks tho. I’ll lay this to rest.

rick.hessler
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Re: 1955 Model A Hercules. Van Ness engineering

Post by rick.hessler » Sat Feb 22, 2020 6:13 pm

With that said, I have put a lot of effort into this boat. I will keep the model A. But I really want a reliable engine for this project. Without anything negative...where would you folks go for an engine for a 15 ‘ er 60-90 hp would be ideal. Reworked and ready to go. Again, a 1955 Chris craft cavalier.

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Re: 1955 Model A Hercules. Van Ness engineering

Post by davidvn » Mon Feb 24, 2020 11:14 pm

The model a Chris-Craft engine used an OXKB 90 or a 1XkA 90 transmission. The model B used a 1XE 90 The model a originally had hard motor mounts although many of them Have been replaced with rubber Otherwise they are dominantly the same engine. The 15 foot cavalier mostly use the model A. The model A was also used in Chris-Craft Sail boats as an auxiliary.
I can’t help commenting on the initial question Since we’ve been in business we have rebuilt Approximately 5000 Engines. And provided parts for just about any engine you can imagine.

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