1965 Mustang

Hello,

I'm on the market for my first classic ski boat and on my way to check out a 1965 Mustang, supposedly in use all season this year. Any thoughts on a checklist for this boat? I know the obvious things to look for, such as rusty coolers, evidence of water in the hull, bad wiring, rotten decks, rotten floors, etc. Supposedly its been repowered with some sort of six cyl. and there is a gray 327 also available. Maybe someone could point me in the direction of a page to identify the different trans. I might find when i look in the box, maybe with the pros and cons of each? The seller is asking 1800 obo, but I'd rather not go through the trouble of a complete repower in the first year. I will post pics when i get them via email tommorrow.

mike

thanks pat, thats a big help

mike

still haven't recieved the pics from seller.. will post the pics when i get them...i assume that because the repower is a ford and the other is an AMC gray 327 the boat will probably have some sort of mod on it. might still be the old BW or might be some other... Any info on this ford inline six? I know the old 300 a little bit from ford trucks, was this marinized and used in these boats? thanks in advance for any info..


mike

J, The Ford 6's that Interceptor was maninizing in the mid 60's would be the 144, 170 and the 221 CI. They all could of had a mechanical Paragon or a hydraulic BW, Dearbomatic or even a early Paragon. Hard to say without a year or some ID numbers. All were basicly good trans's. Some parts may be hard to find but they are rebuildable. Our site trans expert (it's his line of work) Eric is about to take a look at one of our members Dearbomatic. I would say the Gray 327 will have a Velvet on it unless it is a early flywheel forward. Get the pictures up so we all can take a look.

Mike, you have mentioned parts that are very sevicable except the wood stringers. They too are sevicable but more involved. Lots here on the site have gone through the replacement and there are some great threads on it. Don't limit youself to one "area" when looking for rot. It can be any place. If it has never been done on a 65, I'll bet you will find some unless the boat has never seen water! Just warning you. The Gray V8 may not be a original engine because 65 or 66 is about the time they went under. I can't remember the exact year.

Yes, I'm sorry that I didn't welcome you to a fantastic site. Lots of good people with plenty of knowledge. Welcome!

Me neither, I suspect that the boat has sold. Oh well, the search continues. Thanks to all for the good tips....

Mike

OK, Lesson Learned......
If it sounds too good....

First the good parts.
1. has title, key in some states
2. original trailer in good/fair shape
3. steering gear seems straight.

the bad..
1. crummy repaint, many sags
2. crazy homegrown repower, jeep gas pedals integrated into engine mounts!!!
3. above doesn't really matter, as one of the freeze plugs came out in my hand...
4. no easy way to ascertain which gear is in the boat, as all markings hsve been ground off and I've never seen this particular type before, not BW or Paragon as far as i can tell. no obvious way to check fluid.
5. deck punky around perimeter, would need to be replaced, stringers completely glassed in over bolts.
here are the pics:

Pete,
Yeah i already decided to walk away from this one. As always, if it sounds to good, it probably is. Some one with more time and energy will have to attempt this restore. Any idea what this engine is? It looks to me to be the same as this 54 skier

thanks for all the great advice
Mike

YES,she needs alittle work and theres a few things that are mickey moused,but still presentable.i'm not saying this would be the way to go if your doiing a full restoration,it's not,but for the $1200 ipaid for it ,its's all worth it.she's in the water and we love it.i was so glad to hear the forum and the info all of you had.the previus owner was of no help.i'm sure after a long boring winter she'll look a little better. thanks again

yup!!