1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

[deerslayer303]

Hello Folks,

I have this boat that has been in my family as far back as I can remember. Its a Buehler Turbocraft jet 32F, I have so many fond memories in that old glass. So everyday when I'm working on the Grady White there she is looking at me. So I think I might try to give her a new lease on life. Everything is there. It is powered by a Chrysler 225 slant six and has an Indiana Gear Works jet pump, which when in action shoots on cool looking rooster tail. Heres my problem, the old motor runs believe it or not, but the intake / exhaust manifold (its one piece for the 6 cyl) is cracked on all the exhaust ports / runners, the welding shop says they can't weld it and after pouring over the internet I can't find a replacement, heck I can't even find another boat with a 225 slant six powering it. So is my family jewel destined to be a flower planter?? Man if someone out there can point me in the right direction I would ever be grateful.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

You might find some interest at the fiberglasics.com forums, as they have had a few threads lately pertaining to Buehlers. I don't recall reading about slant 6 motors though. Sounds like a fun challenge.

Any pics?

 

[maxum247]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

There's possibly one on ebay right now, cost with shipping about $55.00 seller thinks it's possibly in the sixties to early seventies. I'd post the link but don't know how.
On ebay type "chrysler 225 slant six" and scroll to the bottom of page and look at suggestions to try, click the relative terms offered until you see "slant six" listed in blue, then click on it and scroll down, it's listed on near the bottom of the page. Sorry I couldn't get you directly to the item.

max

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

Deerslayer check around with some other welding shops in your area . Your intake /exhaust is most likely cast iron which is a Biatch to weld but it can be done . I belong to another group called shop floor talk which is full of welders if worse comes to worse you might be able to ship it to one of them to get them to weld it up for you . I have been a member there for years and am actually going to send whats left of the plastic Crestliner logos from my 64 Del Rio to one of them who has a plasma table and get him to remake them in stainless . www.shopfloortalk.com


Rick

 

[deerslayer303]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

There's possibly one on ebay right now, cost with shipping about $55.00 seller thinks it's possibly in the sixties to early seventies. I'd post the link but don't know how.
On ebay type "chrysler 225 slant six" and scroll to the bottom of page and look at suggestions to try, click the relative terms offered until you see "slant six" listed in blue, then click on it and scroll down, it's listed on near the bottom of the page. Sorry I couldn't get you directly to the item.

max

MAXUM,

Thank you very much, if you can go to the page where the intake is and pull up the auction then just copy the link in your address bar at the top of your screen and paste it in a reply here, thats how you post links.

 

[maxum247]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

Thanks for the help, been wondering how to post links.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

Wow, this is only the third Buehler I've seen referenced here, and your post comes right after I bought my boat.

I have a 1961-ish Jet 35 that I'm planning to restore. It has a 327 ci "Fireball" v8 engine.

The thing I've found is that almost all the Buehlers seem to have been different one way or another... they had a lot of different engines and models and floor layouts.

We probably have the same jet pump but other than that I don't know what will be the same.

My point is that if you just want a working boat you can put in a different, more modern engine and it'll work fine I think.

Or if you want to restore it then it's possible to get parts for a lot of these older engines from hot rod car rebuilders, provided you don't mind paying the prices. Usually these older marine engines are the same or very similar to engines from 1960s cars.

Post some pics of your boat, I'm eager to see what it looks like and the progress of your restoration. Fiberglassics is a great site for motor and historical info, but you'll get the best restore advice here.

Erik

PS: Check out my thread... I think you can just search for "Turbocraft"

 

[erikgreen]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

Deerslayer check around with some other welding shops in your area . Your intake /exhaust is most likely cast iron which is a Biatch to weld but it can be done .

They're cast iron, at least on all the Turbocraft I've seen/researched.

By the way, for my 1961 engine I can still buy brand new manifolds/intakes online.

Check somewhere like Go2Marine for parts:

http://www.go2marine.com/category.do?no=14096

Erik

 

[deerslayer303]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

erik,

Yeah this 225 is an odd ball marine engine. The carb is an up draft type. I think when I get to the thing I'm gonna go with a 318 ci because I can get all the marine manifolds for it. Here is a link with the 32f pictured. My boat is exactly like the one on the right, with the horizontal sterring wheel. Very odd design indeed, but I remember being on lake murray and having people chase us down just to look at the thing.
http://www.oldmarineengine.com/discus/messages/3454/108638.html also keep your pics coming, you will be further into your resto than me, as I will finish the Grady White first. I'm sure I can learn alot from your thread as I believe the hull construction will be very similar between our boats. Another thing is my reverse plate is broken but no worries I can get one made up. The workings of these jet pumps is very simple.

 

[Quazzy]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

Hey guys.. I've been completely raking over the internet trying to find out info on my boat.. I'm really amazed that noone knows anything about Buehlers. I have found bits of info here and there, but nothing really solid..wierd.. I've got a '60 Buehler Turbocraft and I believe it's a Jet 35. Has the Ford Y-block Interceptor in it with single side-draft carter (wish I could find another carb for it..they came with either 1 or 2, mine of course has 1..). This boat has NEVER been restored in any way and is in near mint shape! Runs mint, interior is extremely nice other than some of the piping on the seats. It even has the original factory wooden dipstick gas gauge still hanging from it's string on the stern light mount. Does ANYONE have any idea what this thing is worth? I know it's gotta be worth more than I paid for it, but I really can not find a value for it anywhere. I'm laid off and can't afford an appraisal on it now, so I'm trying to find info wherever I can so maybe I can sell this thing and put some food on the table..It's sad cause I love this boat, but it might just hafta happen.. Any info is much appreciated! Thanks guys, Marty in the Minnesota north woods..

I just tried to put pics on here, and I can't get the stupid things to downsize so they'll fit.. If you'd like some pics just let me know and I'll email 'em to ya..

 

[Quazzy]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

Oh, and by the way.. I'm assuming that manifold is cast iron, and yes you can get it welded if you still wanna use that motor instead of a 318. I have welded cast many times, and contrary to everybodys belief, if you do it right, you can weld it just fine. Just ask and I'll tell ya how if ya want...

 

[deerslayer303]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

Hey guys.. I've been completely raking over the internet trying to find out info on my boat.. I'm really amazed that noone knows anything about Buehlers. I have found bits of info here and there, but nothing really solid..wierd.. I've got a '60 Buehler Turbocraft and I believe it's a Jet 35. Has the Ford Y-block Interceptor in it with single side-draft carter (wish I could find another carb for it..they came with either 1 or 2, mine of course has 1..). This boat has NEVER been restored in any way and is in near mint shape! Runs mint, interior is extremely nice other than some of the piping on the seats. It even has the original factory wooden dipstick gas gauge still hanging from it's string on the stern light mount. Does ANYONE have any idea what this thing is worth? I know it's gotta be worth more than I paid for it, but I really can not find a value for it anywhere. I'm laid off and can't afford an appraisal on it now, so I'm trying to find info wherever I can so maybe I can sell this thing and put some food on the table..It's sad cause I love this boat, but it might just hafta happen.. Any info is much appreciated! Thanks guys, Marty in the Minnesota north woods..

I just tried to put pics on here, and I can't get the stupid things to downsize so they'll fit.. If you'd like some pics just let me know and I'll email 'em to ya..

Quazzy, You have a PM

 

[VE3GKS]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

Hi I was just surfing around and found your post. My Dad had a turbo craft exactly the same as yours. He also had a problem with a cracked exhaust manifold. He had a local welder install "expansion joints" into the original manifold. This was done in the late 60's. I was just a kid but I remember him cursing the welder. It seems that the welding was okay but the manifold had not been fastened to anything when it was welded. It came back warped. I remember Dad draw filing that thing for a very long time to get it flat again. The boat was sold to a guy in Ear Falls Ontario and I haven't seen it since. Good luck with your project. Old things are so cool when you can keep them original.
Garfield

 

[allenhoyt]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

I know I'm grasping at straws here and not quite on topic, but does anyone here know anything of or about a 21 ft. day cruiser Arena Craft that was powered with a buehler turbo craft pump? My father ended up with one that needs a complete restoration and I need to find out what I can about it. Thanks in advance for any help you can give. Sorry for straying a little off topic.

Allen

 

[erikgreen]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

My boat is like the one in the middle of that pic in the ad.

Haven't had time to do anything with it yet, still working on the other boat

Erik

 

[Chris Wheeland]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

I have a turbocraft with a 225 slant six also. My manifolds are ok (I think) but my engine block has a crack. I too am looking for information and would like to get the old gal back in the Susquehanna River an relive my miss-spent youth.
Chris

 

[thunderboy1]

Re: 1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jet 32F

hey marty how do you know your boat is a 61 what serial number is it. also the 272 ford had the one side draft carb while the 292 had the 2 carbs