'73 Mustang

This just in: according to Art Cozier at CC Orlando, my Mustang was originally equipped with a Chrysler 273cid (just as we all suspected). The boat was "completed" December 1971, making it a 1972 model. Hence the short VIN number (M3214) as opposed to the standard 12 or 17 digit variety started in 1973.

Also, there is a possibility that this engine may have been changed by an engine rebuilder sometime in the 80's.

The boat was purchased new and donated to the Moody Church of Chicago, Illinois for use at a youth camp in Wisconsin. The boat was originally purchased from Watercraft Sales in Three Lakes, Wisconsin from John Lamon, Sr (probably while Pete was working there).

The boat developed an engine problem (described as a "knock" in the engine) and was returned to the donor in about 1997 or 1998. The boat was placed in a garage at this time where it has been ever since.

8122pbrainard wrote: Tonali_III wrote: I am going by what the owner John Elsen. He claims he bought it brand new from John, Sr. at Watercraft Sales. I plan on checking for certain. It doesn't matter, really. It's going back together with what it had from Orlando after I get her home. Tony, You can't tell the two displacements apart from looking at the engine. You need to go to the engine tag and look at the engine model # and then, go to Hurrikain ID your engine. I worked for John Sr. and trust me, unless he had the paper work in front of him, he would not be able to tell the difference ether. At least the PO didn't tell you the boat came from Cypress Gardens!! Look at the engine tag!!!!!

I knew you worked for John, Sr, so I know that you would know for certain.

I will definitely check when I get up there in 2 weeks. You going to be around there the weekend of the 26th, Pete?

I am thinking the engine may have been replaced, but I will check.

Thanks,

Tony

I just havent seen an original boat so equipped Bruce... which leads me to believe that CC simply didnt offer the 318 as an option in the 16' hulls. Maybe they thought they would overpower the boat? Not sure. Same reason they didnt offer 340's or 351w's... 302/305/307/273 seem to have been the offerings in that hull.

318's were common in the larger Barracuda, SN, etc.

Not sure Chrysler put tags on the engine? Decals (if exhaust manifolds were reused and not painted over) would be the best clue if the block could have been replaced. Arts records if they're missing.

Chrysler DID cast the displacement into the block. It's down low on the port side iirc. No need to look anything up- it's easy to tell what's in the boat now. From a few feet away you can't tell the difference 273/318/340 though.

I am going by what the owner John Elsen. He claims he bought it brand new from John, Sr. at Watercraft Sales.

I plan on checking for certain. It doesn't matter, really. It's going back together with what it had from Orlando after I get her home.

I agree, Tim. Unfortunately, I have no pics, yet. I am even thinking this could have some sort of Ford variant in it that the present owner is mistaking it for.

I will know more in a couple of weeks.

Tim,

The owner seems pretty emphatic. I will find out when I hear back from Art and when I pick her up in a couple of weeks.

I talked to the owner on Friday and closed the deal for the Mustang. I am planning on picking her up the weekend of Jan 26-27.

It definitely has a LM318 in her, so I am checking with Art Cozier at CC Orlando to see if it is the original engine.

What kind of towing weight am I looking at?

Can this be towed with a Ford Ranger with a four banger? How about a Jeep Cherokee with a V6 (as opposed to their reliable 4.0L I-6)?

Or am I looking at towing this with my full sized F150 with my 300cid, L6? (strong as all get out and will pull stumps, hmmm wonder why it was never put to marine use?)

Hey, Gary,

you didnt get "my" tach back yet, did you?

8122pbrainard wrote: Gary S wrote: Pete recommended him Tony,seems like a nice guy. He is storing several members gauges right now Tony, Dale is a ACBS member and belongs to one of the chapters I do (Glacier Lakes). His business is fairly new but he's be around the insides of gauges for many years. I know many ACBS members who have used him and can say I have heard nothing but good things about him. He's a wood boat owner so he knows what it takes to do an original restoration.

Sounds good to me, Pete.

That way I can keep it original.

Pete recommended him Tony,seems like a nice guy. He is storing several members gauges right now

Thanks for the link, Gary. I sent them an email and will let you know what they say.

Thanks again.

Thats a good deal on the horn Tony,I paid way more 3 years ago. The gauge
thing is tough,they are not made to be taken apart,the bezels being
crimped on.I had nothing to start with and lucked out finding these
on ebay.The lens were clean and the chrome rings polished up nice.
Teleflex's were/are on the low end and some gauge repair guy's don't
like to work on them. After 2 years of looking I finally found an hour
meter! You could check here with
Dale to see what he thinks. Gauge repair when sent out is expensive
and slow.



here

Testing...1...2...3

eBay Signaltone Horn

Testing 1...2...3

Gary S wrote: It's not missing Tony,just at a funny angle. When you go to post, you have the 3 choices Post Reply,Preview,and Clear Form. Before you post clik on Preview, another box opens and you can see how your posting will look. You can also open any links to make sure they work too. If you were closer I'd say get it as long as you know it will need work, and you'd be willing to do it.It also says best offer too. It would be a long drive to look at something that does not meet expectations.

Thanks, Gary. I am picking it up for a "reasonable' price. (Translation: I did not pay the asking price.)

The worst that could happen is I have to part her out. But I got this stubborn streak. I like to make silk purses.

Being a '73, I take it this is a "foam" boat?

Tony