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View Full Version : Winter project... a little early.



bverd
09-27-2001, 11:37 PM
Okay, this was suppose to be an after Sarasota project, but timing just made things happen a little earlier.
http://www.verd.com/photos/donzi/p0002459.jpg

So motor is out, bilge gets degreased tomorrow and we start work on the transom. I have hydraulic lines that travel thru a hole so small in the transom that I can't get any tools in to change the lines. So I have to remove the outdrive to get the lines off. We are fixing that problem now with the motor out, so it won't be a challenge at a later date like it is now.. What a pain in the @$$. Turns out we need to do some glass work on the stringers where the motor mounts are. It is odd to me that they never sealed up the stringer after they made the cut out for the mount. No problem, I'll fix it. Bilge gets painted early next week.

Okay now on to the fun stuff. At least why I can't sleep right now just coming home from the shop. Now it isn't a stroker (maybe in the future who knows) or a big block, but it is a great replacement for the original SBC I had and I just couldn't pass up the deal that I got on it. It is another SBC but alot newer. It is a new block w/one piece rear seal, vortec heads and roller rockers.
http://www.verd.com/photos/donzi/p0002468.jpg
We are painting it RED and will be doing silver accents, should look sharp. This goes in late next week sometime.

Then replacing the stock manifolds and risors I had will be... :D :D
http://www.verd.com/photos/donzi/p0002478.jpg

I am very excited to get this all done, working, and tested before the road trip to Sarasota. Man I hope it all comes together (Madpoodle... so much for waiting till after.)

That is all for now, I will post more pictures as the progress goes. Should be a fun weekend.

HP 600SC
09-28-2001, 07:39 AM
Brad, looks COOL! can't wait to see it
finished...
Ted M.

RedDog
09-28-2001, 07:46 AM
Brad - looks great! I bet you are really excited over this work.

mattyboy
09-28-2001, 08:08 AM
looking good Brad,
keep us posted,
good luck

red and silver should look great

Matt

Forrest
09-28-2001, 08:23 AM
Brad, it looks like you are off and running on the project. My '77 X-18 has the exact same type of cuts on the stringers for the motor mounts. Lucky for me, there was no rot. The open cuts are now 'glassed over. I ended up removing the foam floatation from the engine compartment and places elsewhere since it was all beat up and looked like hell. It was a mess and a pain to remove. Still, every now an then, a piece of that crap will occasionally clog the drain-plug hole. If I ever take the deck off for any reason, I'll get rid of the all of that old foam.

Moody Blu'
09-28-2001, 11:18 AM
WOW Brad that engine looks sweet!

GEOO
09-28-2001, 05:02 PM
Brad, Looks great!! My x-18 had the same cuts in the stringers. One was cracked too. Not difficult to repair. Good Luck. GEOO

Shanghied Again
09-30-2001, 08:30 AM
Brad. You motor is sure looking sweet, best of luck on your project

bverd
10-02-2001, 09:54 PM
Just a quick follow up... I will try to hide my excitement and be as short as possible. Here is the engine coming together well:
http://www.verd.com/photos/donzi/p0002524.jpg

Bilge is coming along, all cleaned up, drying right now. Had to take the grinder to enlarge the holes for my hydraulic lines. Solved future problems by putting a brass extension on it and then attaching the new lines to it. Man what a pain. Fiberglassing starts tomorrow. :D :D

Philip47
10-03-2001, 08:36 AM
Brad, are you doing the work or the marina that has done all the work on your boat?

Dr. Dan
10-03-2001, 08:42 AM
Brad, That engine looks pretty, what is that? "lipstick" red, has "A" been a color consultant on this? Looking forward to seeing it in person...Doc ;)

Forrest
10-03-2001, 09:22 AM
I haven't owned a Donzi yest where I could install the engine with the exhaust manifolds still attached. Looks great!!!

bverd
10-03-2001, 10:02 AM
Came right out with the stock manifolds on it. Have taken measurements not sure if it will go in. No worries though. I will get it in one way or the other.

Madpoodle... Yes to the prop, sure you don't want to sell it. ;)

Phil... Yes, the same shop that does all the work on the my boat.

Dr. Dan... The goal is to probably paint the stripe ontop of the boat over the winter. Done everything but that, to get the color where I want it. Just thought we would have the motor match. :D

bverd
10-23-2001, 01:30 PM
A little follow up if interested.... Here is the bilge after the work was done to the stringers. http://www.verd.com/photos/donzi/P0003062.jpg
--Brad

HP 600SC
10-23-2001, 02:56 PM
Brad,
look's awesome! keep up the good work!
(in case we work a trade towards my 22)

BERTRAM BOY
10-23-2001, 03:20 PM
Brad,
Looks great.....and yes keep up the the good work.
BERTRAM BOY :D :D :D

mattyboy
10-23-2001, 03:29 PM
very nice Brad,
is that just cleaned up or did you refinish the entire bilge it looks great, and the engine will put the finishing touch.
very nice work!


Matt

Scott Pearson
10-24-2001, 08:12 AM
Brad,
It really looks great...Post some more pictures when you get the motor in her.

(NJ)Scott

bverd
11-02-2001, 04:43 PM
Another follow up to the project. Motor is in. Working on the exhaust pipes now. Trying to make a decision on what I want to do there. Just need the pipes in and the fuel pump hooked up and I will fire it up. See how it sounds. It sure looks alot beter then what I started with.
http://www.verd.com/photos/donzi/p0003220.jpg