'73 Mustang

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

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.