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boatpimp
05-14-2001, 03:14 PM
hey there! a little help, please. after many years of wishing, i've finally picked up my first classic donzi! (cheap,too) it's an early 16'. powered by a buick v-6 with offy intake and holly carb. color is faded (original) orangey-pink coral. no upholstery, though. boat has all original hardware including cast "donzi marine" emblems. on trailer and running. need to pop off deck and re-core as it is soft. my questions are: is this original power? (oh, she's got a volvo drive) and what year is she? looking forward to my resto-project! wish me luck. see you at s.e.michigan meet in my buddy's yellow '72-18' classic.

Forrest
05-14-2001, 03:30 PM
I didn't think that any of the early 16 Donzis had factory V6 power . . . but, I could be wrong. This sounds like a question for Allan Brown.

Congratulations!

Forrest

EricG
05-14-2001, 03:49 PM
Welcome to the family....Oh, how many of us's Donzi.net career started with a post just like that!! Heck, if you look in the archives, you can even find GeneD's first post....

Anyway, good luck with the new project, I can't wait to hear all about another one of these great boats joining the group!!

EG

BigGrizzly
05-14-2001, 06:56 PM
I don't remember a buic option either. they were mostly Fords in the early years with volvos. there were some merc options on the 1966 price list, but don't rember the hp on them. Which Volvo drive do you have? Maybe we can pinpoint a year.

Randy

BERTRAM BOY
05-14-2001, 07:22 PM
Hey Boatpimp,
Congrats on your new money pit uh... I mean treasure. What year is your 16? My '66 2+3 came from the factory with a Buick 340. Although, I think Forrest and Big Griz are right. I've never heard of a Donzi coming from the factory with a Buick V6.
BERTRAM BOY

GeneD
05-15-2001, 07:59 AM
Well guys, you are not remembering your automotive history.
They (Detroit) did not make a Buick V-6 in the 60's. In fact, they didn't make a GM V-6 until much later.
Nothing wrong with a Buick V-6, but it sounds to be underpowered and I would consider a new powerplant.
So it right and get the upholstery from the source, you won't be disappointed.
Read past posts and get ideas on deck removal, a very daunting task.
And hey Eric, thanks for sharing...can't wait to get even!

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GeneD
007
Melbourne, Florida

ALLAN BROWN
05-15-2001, 08:47 AM
MY PRIDE WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO PUT A V-6 IN A DONZI.

BROWNIE

boatpimp
05-15-2001, 09:25 AM
thanks for the warm welcome. i honestly am considering a re-power. how can i tell what model drive it is?

smokediver
05-21-2001, 05:32 PM
dont forget about the 225 buick v-6. amc used to put them in there jeepsters

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better to die on your feet, than live on your knees

smokediver
05-21-2001, 05:33 PM
the buick 225 was made in the 60s . amc put them in jeepsters.

smokediver
05-21-2001, 05:43 PM
sorry kaiser sold to amc in 1970 but the buick was in the 60s for sure. i wouldnt know about finding marinized parts for it but check out some jeepster web sites. they could probably steer you in the right direction. in short get a v-8

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better to die on your feet, than live on your knees

GEOO
05-21-2001, 06:06 PM
BoatPimp, The best of luck with her. Any Donzi is a good Donzi.. And All Donzi's need more power, It's a sickness. Some of us have been bitten harder then others.. GEOO http://www.donzi.net/ubb/smile.gif

Frank Civitano
05-21-2001, 07:05 PM
Best of luck and welcome! I had a 1966 Jeep with a V/6 buick motor back in 1972 (eek I am showing My age)!

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Frank Civitano

Rob
05-21-2001, 09:23 PM
Sorry Gene, in addition to the Buick, GMC also had a V6 option in early to mid 60's Suburbans.

Gearhead99
05-21-2001, 10:00 PM
Gene,

Sorry to tell you Buick V-6's were around in the 60's. They use to be a very popular transplant in to Jeeps.

GMC also made a very large V-6 for their trucks. It was unique in that the spark plugs were on the opposite side of the valve cover, closer to the intake manifold.