Re: 1959-63 QD’s Opinions?

[chris-p]

I like the look of the ’58 the best, so I rebuild the powerheads on the 1958 with the 1963 internals, You can re use the crank, but you must change the rest.

I hear a lot about the weak gearcase, but I run the snot out of my ’58, and have owned a gazillion small gearcase QDS without issue. As stated, you cannot expect to fill the gearcase with water, and have it hold up, no matter what gearcase it has. Its the cheapskates that constantly run a motor with faulty seals that are to blame in my opinion. Take care of them, and don’t worry about it.

They are a bit faster than the ’57 and down QDs as well, since the gearcase is more streamlined, and total weight is decreased overall. Especially after using the needle bearing internals.