Eldridge

[BRIAN HENDRICK]

I was thinkng of Marshall Eldridge, so went out to
the shop to look at one of his lower units, 1970s?, that I got from him maybe 20yrs back.
It was obviously intended for a Merc mod, on a Merc housing, and other applications.
I thought that he used stock Merc gears, but supported them better,
and aligned the case, so it would steer.
This one I have says 13:14. Where was he getting 13:14 gears from?
14:15s are (now) the commoin mod ones.
Also odd is how similar the later Yamto PRO unit was ,,,,,:confused:

[Mark75H]

There was a small run of one tooth off gears in the past, I believe it was in the late 60's


I spoke to him about these lower units at one of the last races in Camden NC years ago. He said he thought he made about 500 of them ... starting in the early 50's.

He used a Merc gear, but cut the bearing shoulder off ... added more bearings directly to the shaft.

[Ron Hill]

I'm not sure why 1953 comes to mind, but I think it is right. My dad, Russ Hill, Sr. was measurer for the Salton Sea Time trials.

Marshall Eldridge, Sr. had a boat that had broken a mile record. In those days their was an "R" measurement on the lower unit. My dad measured the lower unit for about ten minutes. Finally, he said, "Marshall, I don't figure you came all the way from Florida to have an illegal unit. So, will take my micrometer, and find me where you unit meets the "R" measurement. Marshall said, "Right here"...My Old Man said, "RIGHT" and passed the lower unit.

In he old days people felt rules should be followed, but limits should be pushed.

Rest in peace Jr. and Sr.

[F-12]

I think you are talking about Don Eldredge passing, not Marshall Jr.

[Ron Hill]

I was just telling Eldredge stories....eems Don race the first APBA Nationals that was held on th new Lake Ming in Bakersfield.

What was Don's relationship to Marshall Sr. and Jr.?

Amy Eldredge is a 4th generation racer?

[F-12]

Don was Marshall Jr.'s brother. Very much missed in Region 5. He was a great guy.....

[BRIAN HENDRICK]

Don was Marshall Jr.'s brother. Very much missed in Region 5. He was a great guy.....

YES, I meant to say Don,
My apologies.
bh/