1976 JS 400 restore

Oldjetfart · 07-04-2005, 11:03 AM

I just bought a 1976 js 400 I want to restore to 95% origianal condidtion. I already found someone to restore the gelcoat--the hull is in great shape. The problem is, the original owner states the engine is a 400 bottom end with a 550 top end. I want to make it all 400 parts.

Any ideas on where I can get old parts for this boat?

TexasRex · 07-04-2005, 03:40 PM

good luck, ebay would be your best bet

vetski179 · 07-04-2005, 08:15 PM

Are you or your mechanic or the other owner sure it's a 550 top end on a 400 bottom? I have a 1975 JS400.
http://www.geocities.com/vetski179/js/400.htm
I have the original 400 engine. The stock 400 crank is even more fragile than the weak 440/550 crank. I'd be quite surprised it would stand up to even a stock 550's power output.
Good luck with your project. I wish I knew where to steer you as far as finding 400 stuff. I regularly cruise eBay, and haven't seen any 400 stuff in a long time.

Oldjetfart · 07-04-2005, 09:10 PM

It looks like the 400 stuff is dry as a bone. I think I will find an old 440 and use the old intake and exhaust from the 400.

Do you guys know what colors were avalible for the js400 in 1976?

Im almost finished with my 84 550 project. I learned a lot there. I'll post some pics when Im finished with that one.

Flynty · 01-31-2010, 08:52 PM

Just Yellow in 1975-1976. Blue and Yellow in 1974. Green in 1973.