Barn Find Liquidator

[Matt]

Finding a “new” vintage left over sled from the mid-70’s is a rare treat. Finding one that was never sold new, but still at the original dealer is even rarer. Discovering a limited build cross country racer at its original dealer is a very rare treat indeed.

Nick Thallas may have found the last “new” Liquidator at a mid-west John Deere dealer. Story goes that the sled never sold when it was new, as folks were “afraid of it.” While I admit Liquidators are at least a bit evil, they are nothing to outright fear…

So the dealer used it for demo rides, accumulating 557 miles on her, but never sent her to a new home, until earlier this year when Nick lucked into it. Since the sled was stored in a dark shed for 37 or so years, all the plastic and rubber parts are like new, including the original molded seat cover, kill and dimmer switch boots, the track, etc. Even the original paint shines.

Nick did have to rebuild the motor, as the engine scuffed a piston back in the day. Luckily for him, the sled came with an NOS (New, Old Stock) jug and piston set. Nick also wisely chose not to paint anything on the sled, even though it was tempting to redo the motor and pipes while she was out for a rebuild.
Now that the ‘Dator is back in top running conditions, Nick plans to enjoy the sled, and bring it out for a few shows and vintage rides. It was a dream come true to find a Liquidator, much less one that was never sold from its original dealer. Congrats Nick on finding what might just be the “last new Liquidator” sold…and thanks for letting me share the story.

“John Deere Joe” Rainville

[80spitfire]

Absolutely gorgeous sled! Thanks for sharing the story with us! I must add though that I know of a Dator with 175 miles on it that if I'm not mistaken was also never sold from the original dealer until recently. That sled currently resides in Michigan. Some on here may know of it..

-Brian

[69camaro]

Great story. Looks like it went to a really good home.

[Horicon Joe]

Very cool! Which guy is the new owner? What is the serial number?

Joe

[sledder670]

awsome. I got mine from the original dealer as well so how many guys are going to start searching for the old dealers to see if they still have sleds that never sold. Which dealer had it yeat anyone know. Deere is pulling lots of the older small dealers and making them being sold to the big chain dealers. Thats what happened when I got mine and the owner didn't have enough storage for his own stuff anymore.

[That Girl Racing]

Wow!!

[dream weaver]

I'd like to say a big thanks to Joe Rainville for putting my article on here. He was instrumental in getting me information after I'd found this sled and he along with Jess Babler have been a great source of information. My sled is #456 and I've got all my information in the Liquidator registry under the name "Dream weaver." Several of you may have seen ads I've posted over the years on Vintage Sleds.

This Liquidator was an absolute fluke and some luck in getting it found. A good friend of mine, Lee W. from Underwood, Ia actually lead me to get in touch with the original owner. When I went to look at this machine, I could not hardly contain the excitement of finding a sled of this caliber. It was never raced but does have a small dinger on the right side of the pan just above the ski spindle. The owner said this sled was taken up to Minnesota and ridden on a lake where he ran into a chunk of ice near the shore line. The dealership was Stempel Equipment in Oakland, Ia. which for some is located 20 miles east of Council Bluffs and about 50 miles from my home.

I am so impressed with all the rubber switches, the seat and how well it's withstood time, the hood, wind screen and even under the tunnel. It retains an incredible amount of original paint and is simply a time capsule. I choose not to restore this sled which was tough but with some suggestions by Joe and Jess, they thought it best to keep this Liquidator just like it was when it was delivered to the dealership in November 1975. Being a person who likes my Polaris' and Yamaha's, this has been a very cool addition. Regardless of brand, I feel privileged to have found this sled. Thanks to all for the comments as well. Great site.

Thanks,
Nick Thallas
Blair, Ne.

[chriszildjian17]

Thats amazing, great story. Good to know they are still out there to be found.

[sledder670]

Glad to hear you are keeping it original. A few battle bruises add to the stories. I would at least have the exhaust sand blasted and painted. I was lucky enough to have the rear suspension taken apart and anti seize applied to all the shafts. Little things will help it survive another 40 years. Oh and ride it they are cool as long as the seat is soft yet.

[sledhead16]

great find thanks for sharing the pics!

[dream weaver]

I thank everyone for the comments and still feel amazed at finding a Liquidator this far to the southwest. It seems that the state of Iowa has produced a few of these Liquidators. I think it would be neat to have all those Liquidator owner's share who they are and tell a story about their machines. I'm sure there would be some very neat stories to read. I've visited with a couple guys about getting their Liquidators registered on the "registry" section. Lets see what we can do and even see who might have some very low serial numbered sleds. If you know of somebody who has a Liquidator, give them a nudge and get them acknowledged.

I'd also like to give a big thanks to my mechanic John Troidl of JT ATV repair in Sidney, Ne. formerly Blair, Ne. Without him, a lot of my machines wouldn't have been running. Absolutely bang up job and I'll be driving to western Nebraska to have him work on them.

[liquifire1]

Wow! Thanks for sharing this story........so cool