This would be my opinion of the finish’s based
on the motors I have had over the years.
Gas tank-
As most of the early aluminum gas tanks are 2
piece and the seam is polished off. That would
indicate (to me anyway) the tanks were polished.
Also when I have removed (what looked to me
to be) an original transfer I have found a mirror
finish as in these examples.
The Johnson you provided a picture of would
have had all nuts, bolts, screws, fuel lines and fittings,
water pump, water lines and fittings, drive shaft
tube, steering bar and handle as well as the cylinders
nickel plated.
As far as the prop, gear case, and flywheel goes if
they weren’t polished, they are a very smooth casting
and when new would have had close to a mirror
finish resembling a new casting today.
I believe my restoration of this early Johnson represents
“closely” what it would have looked like when new.
The nickel on the cylinders of this example is as found.
Tubs
A "Boathouse Repair" is one thats done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.
