Assuming you want original type, get yours restored by Mark Clawson, Kocian, or?? Or source a restored unit. Try Jim Staib at finewoodboats.com.

If you haven't already, check with Algonac Cast Products. They are descendent from original "Algonac Foundry" that likely made them originally. It has been reported that they still have many original patterns and are now more interested in accommodating the hobby. We had them cast a "run" of struts ...

The 16 is more dimensionally challenged.

The only bad things you will hear about a 16 SRB is that there are not enough of them (less than 170 made) and they are too expensive (unless you already own one). Great "little" boat that thinks its bigger. KB has all the attributes of a great hot rod engine, lumpy idle, great sound, and finicky (r...

John, Both do well with light loads, the more you load the more the 20 custom will stand out. As an old former boat peddler I am compelled to ask how you intend to use these boats? If your primary interest, for example, is boat shows and shorter rides in calm water with seldom more than two occupant...

While both are softer than chromium, Bronze wool is softer than steel and in my experience less likely to scratch. I've seen show chrome ruined by both. If you decide to use "wool" get the finest you can find.

20 custom with mbl approx. 3000Lbs and 39mph. 19 race 500lbs lighter and 5mph faster with same power. 20 custom refined, well appointed with very interesting hardware and overall style with difficult to attain shape and finish. More comfortable and social. 19RR is more basic in appointments and desi...

John, in my experience the 20 custom was the finest runabout (in its class) produced by Chris-Craft in the post war era, perhaps the best 20 footer ever to come out of Algonac. I believe it was based on the pre war 23 custom rather than a "scaled up" 19 supporting the feeling that they behave like a...

Always liked the painted 22"s and especially the sedans. Factory literature as well as the originals (22s) I have seen all displayed silver graphics. Yours having "painted red" called out on the hull card may be somewhat rare. You might be able to have a sign shop that does computer graphic design s...

Although red was applied to some, your 22 should use a silver decal. Readily available. Looks good against white hull side.

I was thinking maybe he was reading the AMP meter on dash?

Might you be reading amps rather than volts?

I'm pretty sure by 1941 they were using white pyramid.

I would install low as possible on inside of stringer, under and behind carb. If sensor is not water proof then mount high enough to avoid any expected bilge water. Keep in mind that fumes are heavier than air and will accumulate low to high. The goal is to sense them before they get high enough to ...

Yes, I would expect a deviation such as box spring seats to be enumerated on the hull card (equipment record). Some cool extras listed on yours, by the way.

Box springs were not spec'd for the 17 special as standard.

If inspection reveals no corrosion or other deterioration, I would expect the original bronze to be fine. This assumes that your boat is so equipped.

Could be venting vapor from tank vent. Fuel odor around boat but none in closed spaces on board might support this. I would still re-check everything.

For the most part, the items you seem most concerned about...Distributor, carb, and other external accessories are not interchangeable from auto to marine application due to safety considerations (regulatory as well as practical). As far as cam changes...how often do you expect to be doing this? Pro...

I would vent as original using hole in cap. Just be sure hole has not been obstructed with debris or plating.

They were oval head nickel plated. The actual look would be easiest to achieve by polishing stainless steel. As mentioned above, switch over to R&P just before the war. I believe was in 1941 calendar year sometime. If true some 41 and then 42s had them. Also mentioned above...ILO original hardware f...

I currently own 4wd Suburban and 2wd Chevy PU (with 5.3 and locking diff). Over many years towing, launching and retrieving I have never needed 4wd and I prefer driving the 2wd. The 2wd with "winter" tires will out perform the 4wd (without) in snow and ice conditions. I always carry a tow strap but ...

You may be trying something none of us has experienced. I would call Pettit and see what they have to say. I would be interested in their reply.

At thirty degrees your gonna need two hands to drag the brush. I'd wait for warmer weather.

17 and 19 footers with orange deck seems and pigskin interior had orange boot stripes to match. 23 and 27 footers and (I believe 25 sportsman) had green deck seems, emerald green leather and green boot stripe. I can tell you for sure that seem compound (caulk) was colored green (on 23's and presumab...

I'll check, but not likely. Would have been accidental. These covers were rotten and gone long before anybody cared enough to document. May have some photos of "storage" building or boat houses with covered boats that might show this detail.

Additionally, when a factory cover was spec'd there was typically a small bronze (chromed) hook-like retainer installed on the transom band to secure the cover at the transom via another set of cotton cords attached to a canvas loop.

These cleats were used to secure factory covers. They were indeed fender cleats but I have seen orders were additional cleats were spec'd to enhance cover retention. The covers had a square piece of vinyl sewn at each cleat location with two parallel stitch lines through the middle above where the c...

Correction..Crestliner 15 Chieftain Imperial model 1552. Circa early 1960's

Crestliner? Looks like a DelRio (model). The dash will ultimately provide the definitive clue.