Awesome! Sorry I missed you Phazerpilot. Hopefully we didn't deal you too bad of a hand on the hood. We decided that this late entry was more true to the stock look inside than the one with the gel coat.
skiroule, no hood was in pretty good shape for a 35+ year old part, spent a couple of hours on it tonight and fixed most of the bad cracks in it . tomorrow i will be able to sand them out and start to reinforce the inside .DSCF1009.jpgDSCF1005.jpgDSCF1006.jpg
Very Nice! I was telling Snoluver1 that I used to do vehicle reconditioning and re-painting to supplement my income. I was a big Ditzler guy. Forget hallucinogenic drugs, one whiff of DXR80 fumes without a respirator and you were experiencing "White Rabbit" first-hand. Maybe that explains a few things.
Being in "Minnesalta", I did a lot of rust repair. Sheet metal, fiberglass, even the occasional soup can figured in the patch work. It definitely gave me a huge amount of appreciation for the work you pros do. You make it sound somewhat routine but anyone who has tried it, knows it's not. Glass On!
I had a bit of a setback this week. I started out Monday with intentions of completing the mud work and getting the chassis ready for paint. I decided it would be a wise thing to test fit the belly pan trim piece and front bumper, to make sure everything lined up correctly. Well, it didn't. It was quite a bit off in the front left corner where we had to do the welding. Anyway, 3 ten hour days, a sore elbow, and quite a few swear words later, I think I am finally done with the belly pan. Scratch that, I KNOW I'm done with the pan! If I never see another one it will be too soon-LOL!
I sure could use some help Cuzz. How do you feel about tunnel polishing?
Funny guy! I don't polish my own tunnel. I think I have one of those Flitz balls somewhere and even some polish from when I had to touch up my old sled.
In project management lingo this would be called a major milestone. It sure didn't look like this a few days ago. The bumper and trim alignment looks great. Nice work! Take the rest of the day off
Funny guy! I don't polish my own tunnel. I think I have one of those Flitz balls somewhere and even some polish from when I had to touch up my old sled.
Well, grab your flitz balls and stop on over! Seriously though, polishing takes up a huge chunk of time. I could use all the help I can get at this point.
Are you working on it during the week after work? I can easily come out there after work. This weekend I'm around here and there. Next weekend I'm headed to the UP. Let me know when you're around and I'll make plans to come by.
i worked on the hood for a couple hours tonight ,got most of the fiberglass work sanded out ready for a skim coat of glaze and started on the donar vent fabrication work so i can finish all the glass work tomorrow night.DSCF1016.jpgDSCF1018.jpgDSCF1021.jpg
Today I got the motor completely torn down and started measuring it up. I ran out of time before I could get to everything that needs to be measured, but so far no "oh crap" moments. The crank runout is well within spec at .001". The cylinders have been bored .020" over, but they are in pretty good shape. A finish hone should clean them up nicely. At first I was a little nervous that oversized pistons would be hard to find, but a little searching and I came up with a pair. I'll finish measuring tomorrow and get that stuff ordered up.
I had to run out to my shop to load up for going back to work tomorrow and figured I would take a few parts with to get cleaned up. We have a blast cabinet with aluminum oxide abrasive. It does a really nice job on the aluminum stuff.
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snoluver, tunnel looks good! when is the flitz ball party? my boss told me to take it easy today so i was able to put about 6 hrs into the hood today should be able to get it in primer this weekendDSCF1023.jpgDSCF1024.jpgDSCF1025.jpgDSCF1026.jpg
A page has been set up so that folks can make a donation to the rebuild. You can check it out here:
-John
Even though I saw this thread couple months ago, I just opened it up this morning and read it completely through. I was impressed enough that this "tightwad" donated equal to a tank (car) of gas. I challenge other tightwads to do the same, after all, it is only a "tank of gas" for a good cause.
I reposted John's link cause it wasn't posted for awhile. Now those that have been following and click "last thread" will see it and hopefully donate for the cause.
Even though I saw this thread couple months ago, I just opened it up this morning and read it completely through. I was impressed enough that this "tightwad" donated equal to a tank (car) of gas. I challenge other tightwads to do the same, after all, it is only a "tank of gas" for a good cause.
I reposted John's link cause it wasn't posted for awhile. Now those that have been following and click "last thread" will see it and hopefully donate for the cause.
Keep sending the pic's and updates guys.
Thanks lvr1000! Much appreciated!
Phazer the hood looks awesome!! Can't wait to see it in color.
snoluver came by today and dropped off the tunnel, he did a great job getting everything straightened out.we put the hood on to test fit it and it sat in place perfect the hood is now ready for paint .DSCF1029.jpgDSCF1030.jpgDSCF1031.jpgDSCF1032.jpg so i will be able to work on the tunnel this week ( seeing that mother nature has no love for chicagoland!!!!) to try to get it ready for paint next weekend.
this sled is really coming around. I have to ask...to bid on this, do you have to be present?
Thats a good question. I'm still not sure if the sled will be complete by the ride in. We are on a pretty good roll now, but there is still a ton of work to be done, and a bunch of parts to be ordered. I am kind of thinking that a raffle may be the best way to go with this. My thought was if maybe a 100 people bought a raffle ticket at say 20 bucks a pop, it would raise 2K. Obviously more than the sled is worth, but no one person would be paying an exorbitant amount. Also with a raffle, we could post it on the site, and let people who may not make it to the ride-in have a chance at it. Maybe John could chime in with his thoughts on the best way to handle this? I'm just thinking out loud here. I'm not sure how involved it would be to do a raffle on a web site?
Thats a good question. I'm still not sure if the sled will be complete by the ride in. We are on a pretty good roll now, but there is still a ton of work to be done, and a bunch of parts to be ordered. I am kind of thinking that a raffle may be the best way to go with this. My thought was if maybe a 100 people bought a raffle ticket at say 20 bucks a pop, it would raise 2K. Obviously more than the sled is worth, but no one person would be paying an exorbitant amount. Also with a raffle, we could post it on the site, and let people who may not make it to the ride-in have a chance at it. Maybe John could chime in with his thoughts on the best way to handle this? I'm just thinking out loud here. I'm not sure how involved it would be to due a raffle on a web site?
In MI you will need a raffle license for any one raffle over $100 per day for a non profit. There is a lot involved with that. Best to get the "Make a wish" folks involved with the license. They will know how to set it up.
This thing is so cool! I always thought that the T'NT was one of the hottest looking sleds of the era. It just looks like it means business. To see one being brought back to life really brings back a lot of good memories.
I can tell those of you that have contributed to the build that the return on your investment is 100%. There is no overhead on this project. If you're considering donating a little moola, even a few small donations would go a long way towards securing a couple of items that have eluded the low/no cost route and must be obtained from "cash money" sources.
It's kind of a tough call. Snoluver1 is most likely right in that a raffle would generate more money so if the time were taken to set up a raffle for whenever it could be held, it certainly would be a good option.
On the flip side, while an auction might not generate quite as much revenue, it would guarantee those that are really interested in the sled an opportunity to buy it. Maybe in some ways that's a more fair approach. I agree that it's hard to look at the pics and not have an urge to throw in a bid, especially knowing the story and the quality of the work that is going into it.
I can see it now...cruising down the trail on the Make-A-Wish Special. Not that it will be a slouch. What it lacks in horsepower it makes up in way less weight. It's amazing how light these things are.
So is a raffle completely out of the picture? I would be willing to donate the cost of the raffle "licence". If not, i can donate to the project again.
I suppose if its not done by the event maybe we could do an e-bay auction, but I would really like to see this sled go to a J.D. member (maybe even the man himself!) Keep it in the family so to speak. John is it possible to do an "e-bay" style auction within the confines of the web site? Just a thought.
I am trying like heck to get this thing done for the event, but we have to face reality. We got off to a very slow start, and it is now crunch time. There is absolutely no wiggle room for any kind of snags along the way. Unfortunately, when your dealing with a 35 year old machine, you are almost guaranteed to run into a snag here or there.
We could do an e bay type auction right here on this board. I guess the only issues would be arranging payment, or lack there of.
-John
I think you could do the payment into the donation account you have set up (paypal). then request a check after the aution and item is paid for. The payment can be set up as a gift. the winner prints a paypal reciept and can deduct it from his taxes as a donation.
This is why it's good to have a spouse that understands snowmobiling. I'm pretty sure she didn't buy this to be used as a drying rack for Make-A-Wish sled suspension parts.
Phazerpilot - looking good. Do you have a dedicated area at home to shoot or do you just have to cover everything up?
I finally found a business willing to donate to the project! Danny's Glass and Trim in Island Lake IL, has offered to donate the labor to reupholster the seat. I already had the material, so I got a new seat pan made up and dropped it off today. We should have it back in a week or so.
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I also got all the engine parts ordered and coming. New pistons, rings, wrist pin bearings, complete gasket set and a carb overhaul kit. I also ordered up some new wear bars and found a NOS gas tank grommet to replace the cracked one I have.
That just about ate up the donation money I had. There are quite a few more things that need to be purchased. The decal set is quite expensive and we are having problems locating a track that is in any better shape than the one I have. Mine is not completely terrible, but there are some questionable spots where dry rot has set in. Seems any used one we have found has about the same issues. It would be great if we could put a new one on, but the cost is almost 5 bills.
So all that being said, if anyone is feeling generous, we could use a few more donations. I figured now that there is finally some talk of SNOW, maybe it will put folks in a good/giving mood!
skiroule, i don't paint at home that often( just do not have the room). a friend of mine has a bodyshop so i do most of the little painting i do is at his place in the booth. up until recently i spent all day teaching and working with painters all over il. and wi. so i really didn't want a gun in my hand outside of work. hope to get everything painted on sat. before i have to go to the company national sales meeting next week (4 days of crap,like a winter without SNOW!!!).
Last edited by phazerpilot; 01-11-2012 at 10:24 PM.
Reason: .
Neenah, Wisconsin is about 40 miles south of Green Bay's Lambeau Field.
Posts
2,078
Hi Guys,
I've been watching this thread from the sidelines and have enjoyed seeing the progress. A very ambitious project and a worthy one. I know time is getting short to have this ready for the Ride-In so I thought I would suggest an alternative.
Maybe rethink the date for the sale, raffle, or whatever you decide. It would give you guys doing the heavy lifting more time to to enjoy the project, collect donations and plan accordingly. Having it ready for the Ride-In is an excellent idea but maybe there is another event or date that can raise interest and awareness to the cause. John, you always have your "glacier contest" in the spring, maybe that's an option. Another would be to tie it in with your Seasonal Forecast next October. You could still use the Ride-In as a Fund Raiser event for this project to generate more interest.
You guys are doing a great job with this and I'll be anxious to see the pictures when it's done!
Gary, certainly food for thought. It's clear to me that the guys that are really logging the man hours (I think I'll call them the Illinois Boys) are not cutting corners just to buy some time. Not only will this make the machine a greater value for it's new owner, it will hopefully produce more revenue for the intended cause.
Regardless of how the eventual owner is awarded the sled, it will be something special. I look forward to each new series of photos and like you, I can't wait to see the last photo.
chadlyt,pics were taken right after painting. I added a flatting agent so that as it dries the sheen dulls out at a satin finish just like it had when new.
chadlyt,pics were taken right after painting. I added a flatting agent so that as it dries the sheen dulls out at a satin finish just like it had when new.
cmon now, i was kidding...i ment it was looking too nice.
As Snoluver1 said a while back, pretty soon we'll see some pics of stuff other than rusty parts. Looks great Phazerpilot...A lot of nooks, crannies, and small surface areas - probably a lot of over-spray!
Flushed and repacked the skid wheel bearings last night. Can't believe the condition of these bearings. They look like new and are perfectly smooth running, even after all these years. Amazing how well they hold up when you can actually grease em'.
The pistons/rings and wrist pin bearings showed up. Just waiting on the gasket set and I can start assembling the motor. I am a bit concerned about the center crankshaft seals. They are not in fantastic shape. The only way to replace them is to have the crank pressed apart, and then reassembled and trued. Due to cost and time, I would like to avoid this if possible. I will have to see if I can rig up a way to pressure test the crankcase and each cylinder individually. I am praying it doesn't leak. If we had a bunch of time and a bunch of money, I wouldn't even bother risking it, but we don't have either of those.
Looks fantastic Phazerpilot! Just the right amount of gloss. Nice job!!! I can't wait to see it in person. It feels like there is a hole in my garage since it left-lol.
I am gona head out in a couple minutes to meet Skiroule at the half way point between him and I, to pick up the skid he has been working on. I'll post up some pics of that later tonight.
I met Skiroule up in beautiful downtown Mauston WI to pick up the skid. Skiroule put a lot of time into it, and it looks great! He also found a pair of original/correct skies for the sled that are in really good shape. They even have the original rubber bumpers on the tips. He also found the original toolbox that came with the sled!
Thanks again Skiroule!!!
Good talking to you again Mr. Snoluver1, and it was a pretty nice day for a drive through America's Dairyland. It's definitely a good thing that we're not able to spend more time "working" side-by-side. I think there would be a lot more B.S. and a lot less production.
Still checking to see if I have one more card up my sleeve. Gimme until Wed. P.M. to work the track issue. I may strike out but at least I'm go'in down swing'in.
Phazerpilot - Really like the finish on that pan. Get some trim on it and it's really going to pop. Decals have been shipped from DooDecals so I should be able to get them down there by the time the hood is ready to apply them. You may be called on for some expertise in the decal application area. There's no second chance with the decals.
Thanks for the vote of confidence Lenny! This project just seems to have a way of getting in one’s bloodstream. I’m pretty sure there are several of us out there that wish we had more time and resources to devote to the project but jobs and other obligations still have to come first.
For sure, the sled will be unique in that it may be the only vintage sled ever restored explicitly for the purpose of benefitting a John Dee designated charity. Should this be the case, that makes it a very special sled. It would be great if there are more, but only time will tell.
I should be able to get them down there by the time the hood is ready to apply them.
I can't believe I said this...it would be great if the hood would apply it's own decals but it ain't gonna happen. frnash, where are you when we need you.
Speaking of which, the full decal set arrived at my palatial estate yesterday and are now on their way to Illinois. They will arrive in McHenry on Friday via Brown. Snoluver1, you probably already know this but the website has some good suggestions for storage and application of the decals. Pay special attention to the one that says: "Keep out of reach of brown, fuzzy Great Pyrenees puppies."
Lenny, I would be hard pressed to call us hero's, but thanks for the encouraging words just the same! It makes it all that much more worth it, when you know people appreciate what your taking on.
Skiroule, LOL, thats a big ten four. No puppies will get near them. I'm more worried about my 5 year old. The first thing he wants to do with any sticker he finds is stick it on his helmet!
Got some parts ordered up with the donation that came in this week. New fan belt, fuel lines, fuel filter, taillight assembly, brake pads, secondary cam shoes, and a couple other odds and ends that escape me at the moment. All little stuff, but it adds up quickly. I know Skiroule and I are both pretty far into the red. We could use a few more bucks, but I will say, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are almost there, as far as spending money goes.....I think
I got in touch with the company I ordered the engine gasket kit from at the beginning of the week, and they assured me the kit would work, even though it was labeled for a 77-79. I called a couple different companies who sold them and got the same answer, so I went ahead and opened the package and matched everything up. All appeared to be the same, so I started to put the crankcase back together. I got all the sealer in place, put the crank seals in and put the two halves together. Thats when I noticed something didn't look quite right. The MAG side crank seal is completely different from the PTO side! The kit had two of the same seals that fit the PTO. When I matched everything I up, I grabbed only one seal to compare, and assumed they were both the same. Another "DOHH" moment. So I was on the hunt for a MAG side seal without much luck. I finally tracked one down at a local bearing supplier. If anyone is ever in the need of an oddball bearing or shaft seal, I highly recommend using Bearing Brokers in Lake Zurich IL. These people are fantastic to deal with and the stuff they have in stock is nothing short of miraculous! I have used them several times and they always seem to have what you need, and if they don't, they can get it. I am talking about stuff that OEM manufacturer's tell you doesn't exist anymore, and hasn't been produced for decades! These people have it or can get it somehow!
So back to square one on the engine. I have to pull all the studs, clean the sealer off and start over.
Phoenix, AZ (Displaced Yooper with family connections in Houghton, Ontonagon & Marquette counties.)
Posts
3,241
Originally Posted by skiroule
I can't believe I said this...it would be great if the hood would apply it's own decals but it ain't gonna happen. frnash, where are you when we need you.
Skiroule, I know you are away from cell and Internet service for a while. I figured I would try you at all available outlets. Hoping you might see this at some point, if you get a chance to get on line.
We are missing one of the decals from the set. The reflective stripe that goes around the belly pan trim is not there. I double checked on the web site and it says it is supposed to be included. I figure you might want to get in touch with them since order is under your info.
Cuzzinolaf stopped by for a few hours today to lend a helping hand. We went through most of the driveline components and got a few of the plastic pieces cleaned up and polished. Once I got the secondary off and the chain case cleaned up, I discovered why the sled was parked and forgotten about all those years ago. The secondary shaft bearings were completely shot! I remembered the reason I parked it was due to a noise in the driveline, and those bearings are quite obviously where the noise was coming from. So, a trip to my favorite bearing supplier is in order. Should be no problem getting the bearings.
Cuzz, it was good seeing you again. Thanks for the help!
Today I was able to to get the crankcase cleaned up, for the second time, and cleaned up and honed the cylinders. They cleaned up very well, although there is a very light score mark in the right cylinder that did not come out with the hone job. You can see it in the fourth picture. I didn't want to get too crazy with the hone, and I can assure you all, it looks worse in the picture than it actually is. It passes the "fingernail test" and should not effect performance in any way.
I also got a couple pieces parts primed and painted.
I decided that after my work today, I had earned myself a steak. I didn't feel like firing up the grill in the rain, and the ol' lady already had a fire going in the house. I rigged up this little contraption so I could cook my steak. I know it has nothing to due with the project, it just turned out so good on the open fire, that I thought I would share the idea.
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nice looking steaks! after the wife dragged me thru the rv show at lake county fair ground,
I went out to the garage and decided to paint the hood . It's looks like a brand new hood now and it's hard to picture how bad it looked like just a short time ago.
monday night if things work out i will be dropping off the chassis to snolover. The hood has a couple of imperfection that need to be rubbed out before the decals can go on and it needs some time to BREATHE , so they don't bubble from the trapped solvent, that will take a couple days to do.DSCF1048.jpgDSCF1052.jpg
you guys are doing an incredible job. keep it up. if congress could work in unison like you guys this world would be a much better place. that steak looks damn good too!!!
Tonight I was able to get the crankcase and top end back together. I have a wake to go to tomorrow night, so the rest of it will have to wait till Wednesday. I put it in my "storage facility" for safe keeping.
Man! I go away for a couple of days and all sorts of progress occurs. It's funny, the same thing happens at work. Go figure.
Phazerpilot, the hood is phenomenal! It's perfect. If I ever get started on a vintage project of my own (which is actually somewhat likely - I do have the fever), I might have to consider bringing some business your way.
Everthing is looking really good. I've already mentioned the attention to detail that is going into this sled and the most recent photos continue to reinforce that statement.
Hopefully the track works out. By all accounts, it will fit and has a somewhat updated lug design to handle the power of that 340. After thinking about it some, it just didn't make sense to compromise on the track after all the work that is going into the sled. Please consider it a contribution to the project.
Cuzz, I don't know about you, but I didn't see any of those steaks when I was there. I'm just sayin'.
Skiroule, with all that you've donated to the project, I think I might have to feed you steak AND lobster the next time you come down!
I stopped by Danny's Glass and Trim today to pick up the seat. Danny did an outstanding job with it!! I wasn't able to find the original material, but found a piece that was close. Danny took it and cut it into four separate sections and stitched it back together exactly as the original was. It looks fantastic. Danny does some very nice work and I would recommend anyone in the area that needs upholstery work done, stop by and see him. He doesn't have a web site, but he is located directly across the street from Camping World (formerly crystal valley rv) on rt. 176 in Island lake. 847-526-5425.
I got the chassis back from Phazerpilot a couple days ago and got started on the polishing duties. As I stated earlier, the belly pan is not perfect. There are several imperfections that were impossible to work out, due to access. There were a few areas that could not be hammered out from the top side simply because there was no way to get at them with a hammer and dolly. Also, there were some where I just had to draw the line and say enough is enough. Aluminum is a difficult material to work with and does not stretch, bend, shrink like steel does. You can only beat on it so much,before you start to over-stress the aluminum and crack it. Please remember that this belly pan was a complete and total disaster, and quite honestly should have been crushed instead of "restored". Between phazerpilot and I, we did the best we could with what we had to work with. All this rambling is just a little disclaimer to any potential buyers. I want you to know exactly what your getting, so there are no false expectations. Sometimes the camera hides imperfections, sometimes it accentuates them. It all depends on the lighting, camera settings and the angle of the dangle! In these first two shots, I tried to get the camera to accurately display the imperfections on the bottom side. I've heard your supposed to keep the rubber side down. Hopefully the new owner wont spend much time looking at the bottom of the sled!
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So that brings us to the polishing. I didn't get to crazy buffing on the bottom side. Just wanted to clean it up a bit.
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For the areas that will actually be seen, I was much more thorough. I first started out with a heavy cleaning with a scotch-bright pad. I then wet sanded, starting with 400 grit and working my way up to 2000 grit. Then buffed with 2 different levels of compound, and then a final rub with Mothers polish. I have to say, for 35 year old aluminum, I think it turned out pretty darn good.
Thanks John. I have had a lot of help along the way. Skiroule and phazerpilot's contributions have had an enormous impact on the amount of time the project is taking!
Look's GREAT in pictures I'm sure it is even more impressive in real life. You guys sure know what you're doing , this thing will be better than new. You still aiming for having it done for the RIDE-IN?
Look's GREAT in pictures I'm sure it is even more impressive in real life. You guys sure know what you're doing , this thing will be better than new. You still aiming for having it done for the RIDE-IN?
Still a lot of work to be done. It will not be done by next weekend. I'm probably a few weeks away yet.
Looking AWESOME!
Someone might have to build a glass case to display this fine machine!
Scottiking OUT
ScottK - Good luck with the Pre-Ride-In party (a.k.a UP Karaoke Gone Wild). This seems to be shaping up as one of the most event-filled Ride-Ins ever.
Personally, I wouldn't give a second thought to some minor imperfections in the pan. During my bone yard travels, I saw my share of the undersides of T'NT pans (sometimes because I tripped over the ski of an adjacent machine) and I can tell you that if they've been ridden, they have imperfections. Maybe some can be made perfect but the only way they will stay that way is if the sled is never ridden.
From the get-go, it's been clear that this sled is not intended to be purely a show item but I'm here to tell folks that it strikes a really nice balance between a show sled and a rider. I think it could hold it's own in either role.
Snoluver1 is a good influence on me because he is much more realistic about what remains to be done. Even so, I think the sled will be done in plenty of time to get in some quality riding this year. While it might not be quite finished by Ride-In time, it is still affiliated with the event and the proceeds will go to the foundation.
My buddy Mfire8 from the site is helping me out with some of the sandblasting work. He got the belt guard cleaned up for me, so I painted it and lade it on to see how she looks.
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Got the snow flap and trim cleaned up and mounted.
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This last pic is just to illustrate why things take so long and why I'm still a couple weeks away from completion.
Who would have thunk there were so many parts involved with a single ski!
That is some serious orange (or maybe tangerine is a better choice). Funny how a little contrast makes everything look just that much better. The bumper stripe finally showed up yesterday so it's headed south today. That should add a little reflective yellow to the mix.
The clutch parts cleaned up great. They did some pretty nice machining, casting, and stamping back then. Most guys wouldn't have torn the skis all the way down to the individual leafs but why am I not surprised. Rear frame and flap install is sweet. Nice to see some of the parts going on.
Boneyard run is still on for tomorrow. There's still time for any last minute requests. Hopefully it will produce some stock switches. Ski shocks are in the works (couldn't resist the availability). Not sure when they will arrive at your locale but it should be in the next week or so.
Hope you're taking a break now and then for the occasional brewski!
this thing is looking incredible! it would be cool if there is a way to put this whole thread, start to finish, on a disk to go along with the machine when its auctioned off
You do some real nice work! Excellent attention to detail, very impressive, especially considering the short amount of time it has taken you guys to get this far. You should be proud of your accomplishment.-Mezz
I'm not sure what they were thinking with the orange, but it was the 70's! LOL. At least its not puke green or diarrhea brown!
A lot of people tell me I'm anal. I like to call it thorough. My Grandpa always used to say, if your gona do something, ya might as well do it right. I was thinking about blasting the skies as an assembly, but I figured the media would just work its way in between the leafs and cause problems down the road.
I do have one more bone yard request, now that you mention it. I am missing the clevis pin or what ever you want to call it, for the belt guard front mount.
this thing is looking incredible! it would be cool if there is a way to put this whole thread, start to finish, on a disk to go along with the machine when its auctioned off
I was thinking about that also. I could order a set of prints from the album on my photobucket account, then put them in a picture album and give it along with the sled. The only thing I don't like is the pics seem to loose quality after I resize them, and then loose even more when I post them here. Not sure why?
You do some real nice work! Excellent attention to detail, very impressive, especially considering the short amount of time it has taken you guys to get this far. You should be proud of your accomplishment.-Mezz
I got a few odds and ends bolted up and needed to do some mock up work, to see how things are going to fit together. None of this stuff is actually bolted in, but I thought I would snap a few shots to wet your whistles.
I'm not sure what they were thinking with the orange, but it was the 70's! LOL. At least its not puke green or diarrhea brown!
I think I had pairs of corduroy pants in each of these three colors
Consider my whistle wetted.
Spent the day in the salvage yard today and the truth be known, I only am actually working a small percentage of the time. I spend a lot of time just wandering through row after row of relics, looking at machines, reminiscing about them, and imagining them in their former glory. At one time, each of them was someone’s pride and joy.
Fortunately, I can look at the photos in this thread and see, in almost real-time, a machine being restored to its former glory. No imagination is required.
There’s no question that the vintage sled movement is continuing to build, and with good reason. The vintage sled is becoming the average Joe’s street rod. For a fraction of the cost of an auto restoration or rebuild, a person can put together or obtain a really decent vintage sled and have a lot of fun with it. In this respect, this project is serving so many purposes.
My salvage yard report will be on your desk first thing in the morning.
Got some of the steering components cleaned up and painted. The bars were pretty tweaked, but they straightened out nicely. I got them mounted up, and then cleaned up and flushed the varnish out of the tank. I set the tank on so I could see how straight the bars turned out.
I think tomorrow I'll take a trip to my bearing supplier and pick up the secondary bearings and drive shaft bearings. Skiroule found a driveshaft in a bit better shape than mine. He is working on getting that cleaned up and painted, and should have it to me by the end of the week. Once that is done, I can get the chaincase and engine mounted and go to work on getting the clutch alignment set up.
We're gettin there!
This project has been a ray of light during one of the crappiest winters ever in the upper midwest. You guys are doing Yeoman's work on this! Looks awesome.
I picked up the driveshaft and secondary bearings this week, and Skiroule sent me a box full of goodies that showed up today. The drive shaft he found was in such good shape, I have a hard time believing it is 35+ years old. He also did a nice job refinishing it, but I forgot to snap a pic before I installed the new bearings and mounted it up in the tunnel.
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Skiroule also came up with a "high performance" three roller chain set up. It has a slightly different gear ratio than the original set up. 2.0 :1 versus 2.125 :1. Also the track he sent is 1/4 inch taller lug, so I'm not exactly sure how that is all going to work out. Quite frankly, I don't have the motivation right now to do the math and figure it out. I think its a small enough difference that I should be able to tune it in with the secondary, but we'll just have to see how she runs. The three roller is a much more durable set up, so its worth giving it a shot. Worst case scenario, I can always put the stock gears back in, and I will also include them with the sale if the the new owner wants to mess with it.
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So the engine and chain case are mounted. Driveshaft and track are in. Clutch alignment/offset is dialed in, and the three roller slipped into place with no shimming or adjustment needed.
The seat and tank are mounted and I got the bumper stripe put on. Also the exhaust donut is cleaned up and mounted.
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Originally Posted by snoluver1
Seriously though, polishing takes up a huge chunk of time. I could use all the help I can get at this point.
and figured I would take a few parts with to get cleaned up. We have a blast cabinet with aluminum oxide abrasive. It does a really nice job on the aluminum stuff.
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