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  1. #1
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    1960's OMC control box to work on 1985 OMC V6?

    Question - Can I get a 1960's control box to work properly with a 1985 185 Johnson that needs the trim switch? I have a slightly cosmetically challenged but perfect working 1985 Johnson control box for the motor but I want a more vintage look since my boat is late 1950's. I am already in the process of restoring the motor to look vintage and the controls would be nice to match.... I am not adverse to an aftermarket set up as long as it looks vintage. Suggestions?

  2. #2
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    show us a photo of which box you want to use

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by powerabout View Post
    show us a photo of which box you want to use
    Kind of a perv question, no?

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  5. #4
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    I do not have a particular control box in mind. I am just looking for a vintage design that will be able to work with the 1985 OMC V6 that will accommodate the tilt/trim thumb control. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I could just take apart and paint the original one and add on some trim and lettering to make it look older if that is the only way to go. That is what I am doing with the motor - got a 1958 and a 1967 Johnson Super Sea Horse hood and taking choice pieces off and applying them to the 1985 cover and adding some belt trim around the hood.

  6. #5
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    The old 2 lever controls have a cable entry on both ends so it will push or pull on both throttle and shift basically can be used on anything, nothing really old has trim switches in the handle.

  7. #6
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    Thanks for the info on the 2 handle push/pull. I had not thought of that idea. I could use a side mount 2 handle single motor unit and take the guts out of the original box and hide them....

  8. #7
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    After doing some research I found Ultraflex 2 lever B47 white side mount control box with a K23 adapter kit for 1979 and later OMC cables. It seems all this will do is shift F-N-R with one lever and throttle with the other. It has an old school look to it especially if I doll it up with some old Johnson emblems. From what I have read they appear to be simple and dependable. It appears I can take the tilt/trim rocker switch from my current box mount it and take the key switch and mount it somewhere - what am I missing to make this work?

  9. #8
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    100% better off using the newer red plug box! has the warning buzzer, push to prime, neutral safety lockout, idle advance lever, tach harness connector and a kill lanyard. not a spot to experiment with since they worked so well. the dual lever ones always seemed awkward to shift for me, too but just my opinion!

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  11. #9
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    Thanks for the thought. I have been looking around and see there is an OMC adapter harness to use the 1996+ box work with the red plug engine. Is this a good idea? I am not talking about the ugly plastic box but the metal box that looks the same as the 1995 and older box. I could get a new old stock one of these and embellish it to look old. I still have the original working box but it is cosmetically challenged - restoration is possible but parts are getting scarce and pricey.

  12. #10
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    that should be just fine. I've used a few of those adapters from stevens instruments. they are such a great company... all electronics made in the USA, great pricing and I believe they actually supplied OEM OMC stuff back in the day, as they too are located in Waukegan, IL. Check their website for pricing on those adapters first. Have to hunt around on their page to find them. let me know if you need any help. do you have a part # for the box you are talking about?

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