Just picked up a garage stored blast from the past, could use advice!

[ground_sniper]

First off, new to the forums, new to Bassboat ownership so hey hey lol.

I've grown up with a 1972 Mako 19' open fisherman that's been in my family going on 3 generations now, and I happened upon a deal the other day.
a 1980 Ranger 1600 V-3 all original and garage kept. The only problem, it's been garaged since 1988.

With that said, I plan on updating and such with photos and progress, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

The hull is sound from what I can tell, the motor turns over and everything looks really really good. It blew my mind.

I'm gonna start tomorrow just cleaning her off and trying to get some of the old smells out, drain the fuel tanks (2 portable type metal ones that are actually mint inside and out)
After that my dad and I are probably going to tear into the motor to replace the impeller and clean the carbs, spark plugs, etc.

Johnson 60 Seahorse
Johnson 2400 24v trolling motor with foot-pedal
bilge pump
livebait well

Thing is beautiful for the year, that's for sure.

I posted all the pictures in a shared google album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/D3EPaOZa3NenYgIi1

So yeah, thanks for the time and any help or ideas are greatly appreciated.

[tdot_ranger482]

Cool find man, good luck!

[twitch]

my 1st Ranger was one of those but tan and brown with a merc on it great boat for what it is. I re-did my rugs and seats on it and replaced the 50 merc with a 75merc and she ran pretty good not a speed demon but fishable for sure made a lot of money over the years with that boat and sold it to someone in New York after having it for 18yrs and was still solid. Added graphs and new trolling motor the usual pumps and so on was a great boat you have a great find

[CastingCall]

That is super cool!
It's too bad these old barn-find boats don't fetch the bucks like say, a '60s muscle car does. But they are still fun to look at.

[Marksr]

Sweet

[90bumblebee]

What a gem! Nice to know there are still garage kept finds out there

[crank68]

Cool deal !!!

[bass806]

New carpet will make that bad boy look awesome. I recommend Basscat. You will appreciate that boat so much more after you have done the work yourself. Gonna be really cool when you get it done.....I will be following your progress. You have come to the best place for help and advice. Welcome to the forums.

[bass806]

Couple more things....don't forget the trailer has also sat that long. New tires possibly, and new or repacked bearings for sure. Check all bolts and what not.

[wmitch2]

Great find !! That'll keep you "busy" over the next ?? week-ends, LOL !! Take your time and do it right and you'll really have something to brag about. Be sure to check that transom closely, it's WOOD.

[Wildcat62]

Great find..

[bass1master]

Amazing find.....Should clean up beautifully