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1986 Eliminator Liberty rebuild...

ChrisV

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Man that looks GREAT!!! What axles are you going with? Leaf springs or torsion? If you've already decided, what was your deciding factor(s)? Thank you for continuing to update this thread, your work is incredible and inspiring! 👍
I'm going with leaf springs because it's cheaper. Torsion was much more. This is my first trailer so I didn't want to go all out. Trying to keep it simple haha
 

Backlash

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I'm going with leaf springs because it's cheaper. Torsion was much more. This is my first trailer so I didn't want to go all out. Trying to keep it simple haha
Right on! Yeah, I was in the same position with my slow trailer restoration, and decided just to stay with leafs too. I was going to add an axle, just because, but I haven't been able to find a third axle that matches the other two. So, I may keep it as a tandem just for simplicity. I'm continually blown away with your talents, so please keep up with the updates and photos. Your work is top-notch! 👍
 

ChrisV

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Right on! Yeah, I was in the same position with my slow trailer restoration, and decided just to stay with leafs too. I was going to add an axle, just because, but I haven't been able to find a third axle that matches the other two. So, I may keep it as a tandem just for simplicity. I'm continually blown away with your talents, so please keep up with the updates and photos. Your work is top-notch! 👍
got pics of the axle? You could probably make it TBH. Thank you!
 

Backlash

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got pics of the axle? You could probably make it TBH. Thank you!

I thought the same thing, and there is a guy here in SoCal who think could do it, and/or add or build a set of matching spindles. I just havent gotten that far into the project to be honest. The two axles I have are straight Hadco axles, which were used on a million trailers back in the day. Hadco is still around, but not in the business of selling a single axle, so.... 🤷‍♂️
 

ChrisV

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I thought the same thing, and there is a guy here in SoCal who think could do it, and/or add or build a set of matching spindles. I just havent gotten that far into the project to be honest. The two axles I have are straight Hadco axles, which were used on a million trailers back in the day. Hadco is still around, but not in the business of selling a single axle, so.... 🤷‍♂️
boatrailerparts.com
 

ChrisV

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New wheel came in finally. Good way to throw money away. Suede on a boat. 🤣
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coolchange

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It’ll keep your hands from being slippery from suntan oil.
 

lbhsbz

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Looks great!

If you want to try a set of transom wedges to get more negative trim....I have a few sets laying around....message me.
 

ChrisV

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Looks great!

If you want to try a set of transom wedges to get more negative trim....I have a few sets laying around....message me.
I added holes into the prop and it helped a lot. Waiting for a new prop currently. That should be here next year. 😒

Going to change couple things and get it ready for next season.
 
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ChrisV

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Great pics! Was it rough for you guys? We were debating on coming up but passed. Hopefully next year.
Honestly it was probably the most calm I've ever been on Havasu. Only rough day was Sat afternoon around 2pm. Prirates to springs. Still averaged 50mph which good imo.
 

02HoWaRd26

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Damn your talents are amazing. I’ll be reaching out to have you make me a part or two, but wow. As i said in my thread, this is the part of the forum that really matters and your skill set is unbelievable.

The whole build is just amazing, how’s the trailer coming along?
 

ChrisV

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Thank you for the kind words!

As for the trailer, its on hold until I decide what wheels to run. Want the wheel and fender gap to be perfect. Hah
 

ChrisV

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Boating content is better than nothing.

Received my new prop finally Mercury Promax 28P. Headed out last weekend to Havasu and tested the prop. Only got it up to 70mph before the wind came. Ran from Havasu springs to the channel. New prop is great. Tons of bow lift and bitchin hole shot. Was really empty and shitty on the big lake. Probably why no one was on the lake. Hah


Can't wait till next season. In the meantime, will need to finish trailer and convert the 20" mid to 15".

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PilotRyan

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Do you leave the engine set at the same height for holeshot and running at speed? I’m just curious because I lower mine down to prop shaft 2-3” below the pad and then start pulling it up to level with the pad as I accelerate. I don’t know if I’m doing it correctly or not lol
 

ChrisV

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Do you leave the engine set at the same height for holeshot and running at speed? I’m just curious because I lower mine down to prop shaft 2-3” below the pad and then start pulling it up to level with the pad as I accelerate. I don’t know if I’m doing it correctly or not lol
You are correct. I lower it 3/4 the way down and punch it. The Jack plate takes awhile to go up so once I punch it, I'm already going up on the jack plate. Then again, I've only boated for one year and think this is the correct way. haha
 

PilotRyan

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Just so you know, you inspired me to repaint my boat. I had to leave it unfinished to go fly for 2 weeks but it’ll be done when I get back. Before, during, after. I need to order one of those shifters you have. Which model specifically is that one? I need one that’ll work with my XR4 shifter cable.
 

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ChrisV

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fucking badass! I got the shifter from Marine Industries West. Requires some fab work but you should be able to use the cables you have. Text me if you need help. 714-881-6272
Just so you know, you inspired me to repaint my boat. I had to leave it unfinished to go fly for 2 weeks but it’ll be done when I get back. Before, during, after. I need to order one of those shifters you have. Which model specifically is that one? I need one that’ll work with my XR4 shifter cable.
 

PilotRyan

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fucking badass! I got the shifter from Marine Industries West. Requires some fab work but you should be able to use the cables you have. Text me if you need help. 714-881-6272
What kinda fabrication we talkin?
 

MARCYTECH

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Epic. I love those gauges. I was thinking of going with those for mine because black and yellow
 

DLC

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Great build !

reading thru all of it you make it look so easy to have a bad ass cruiser!!

looking forward to the next upgrade.
 

Nanu/Nanu

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Oh dang!! Can't wait to see what's in store!
 

ChrisV

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I like what I see here. Do you plan on caring a spare spindle/hub assembly? I've seen some clean spare setups where everything is attached to the rim.
Negative. Just making this simple as possible. Kinda have my eyes on another boat currently..
 

Marios Metalworks

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We stay in Havasu springs all the time so its tough with this boat. I've always wanted a Daytona 25 since I was a kid. Just trying to make that dream come true. This small boat was just for me to learn how to drive a boat haha. Escalated real bad.

I'm confident you'll get there. The Baja was bought for the very same reason and ditto.

Does it weigh on you how many seasoned boaters on here lament the sale of their first bote? I've thought about it more than ever before.
 
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ChrisV

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I'm confident you'll get there. The Baja was bought for the very same reason and ditto.

Does it weigh on you how many seasoned boaters on here lament the sale of their first bote? I've thought about it more than ever before.
I don't think I'm selling this boat. I can't get much for it. Might as well keep it and thrash it.

But who knows. If someone comes by with cash anything is forsale.

Technically this my second boat. I bought a 18' California with a Suzuki 125hp outboard. Told myself I don't need to go fast on a boat. Took this thing out one time and posted it up for sale right after. 🤣
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Marios Metalworks

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ahh yess everything is for sale. Assumed you'd sell but keeping this little rocket makes sense.
 

PilotRyan

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Little chop never hurt nobody…. Actually that’s when I run my fastest speeds
 

Backlash

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The wheels look fantastic! But I'm partial to the Torq Thrust wheels. It's a timeless design that looks good on just about anything! I cant wait to see some more progress pics! 👍
 

ChrisV

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Finally some progress. Spent a hours measuring where to put the leaf springs. Wanted far back as possible to add some weight to the tongue. Kind of the whole reason why I'm building this trailer.

Then making sure the leaf springs is square. Hopefully it doesn't dog track down the street leaving the house 2miles away to the ramp.

This will be a floating fender style. Why? Looks cleaner imo and I always get a stepping stool for my gf anyways.
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Marios Metalworks

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Nice. Did you buy the drop brackets or fab them up yourself? If the later what material thickness did you go with?
 

Nanu/Nanu

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Like old scrooge McDuck stacking dimes! Axles look good.
 
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