Describing a sled

[Jimmy]

I guess I just got to vent somewhere and I'm sure you guys have run into this also. Why can't people just describe a sled the way it is? I bought a 1980 Trailfire 340 from the guy and the add said: It starts and runs good, new drive belt, seat in perfect condition, no rips or tears. The plastic and windshield in good condition for its age. Well, after an hour and a half drive I got to my destination to see the sled. It ran good once we got it started, compression 140 in both cylinders, drive belt was just one he put on, not the correct one, way to loose. Seat was an aftermarket one, front plywood was rotten so bad you could lift up the front of the seat. You all know how the seat along the plywood gets cracked and starts to peal off, well, thats the way this one was. Windshield cracked , big chunk of plastic broke out of the top of the dash, no head light. I guess some people are just blind. Since they are getting harder to find and you got "THE SICKNESS" It still came home with me. Sorry guys, I like pictures also but I don't have one of those fancy phones to do it with.

When I pulled the plugs for the compression check I had to use a 5/8 socket. He had BKR6EQUP NKG plugs in it. These have 4 tips leading to the center electrode. Has anyone ever used or seen this plug before? Wonder what the application and specifications are on this plug? Sure don't want to burn the motor up using the wrong plugs.

Thanks guys for letting me voice my opinion on here. I think everyone just wants an HONEST description!!

jimmy

[mfd1221]

Been there before, the infamous it ran last year or I think the carbs need to be cleaned and still want top dollar for it, live and learn deal I guess.


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[monte44]

I've bought MANY sleds and I never seen one yet as described. I love it when they use that wonderful word "mint"!! Haha! What a joke! I've had the best luck using the mentality that the sled I'm going to look at needs everything! That way it's not a let down when you actually look at it.

[sledhead16]

James even worse is when you see it your eyes magically get glassed over and then a week or two later when you really have time to look it over you start seeing a list of everything wrong! Usually the people selling it don't care what its missing or whats not right with it, they just know its john deere and its vintage so they wanna be paid and you wanna rescue it cause your sick with the green bug! Then you just end up going home with another project lol!

[I500]

Never buy anything without pics and always see as a project and not trail ready. I really enjoy the one " ran when parked" really? Everything in the world ran when parked!

[400brian]

No problem..."It runs on spray"

Don't expect much, and you won't get disappointed.

[markzrt1]

If it's that far away pictures before hand are a must. Everything looks worse in person.

[jdrob]

I am with Chuck on this 1. EVERYTHING I buy is seen as a project. That's why I walk away from many deals. I don't NEED any sled. I want many. But if it ain't cheap I don't buy it. I will NEVER run out of projects. Just me but i don't get excied anymore unless the Vin starts out 285,??? Even then still has to be cheap. LOL. did i mention i am CHEAP.. hahaha..

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[HoosierDeereMan]

I'm right here with you guys on this one! Everyone has their opinion. I guess it all depends on what the sled is. If it's a first/last serial number, racer, has famous owner history, or just a low numbers produced "rare" sled you are inclined to buy it regardless of the condition just because of what it is. Hence the glassed over eyes Sledhead 16 mentioned. You will haggle some but in your mind you know the next guy that comes along will snag it up. If it's a common sled you start adding up with the seller what it's going to cost to get his mint ran last year rare machine up to snuff. Crank seals, carb cleaning, tank cleaning, new fuel lines, new plugs, new windshield and seat recovered almost always start the conversation. Then there are the bearings in the drive system and ski skegs that are worn paper thin. It winds up being more that the sled is worth in most cases. Gotta love the art of making the deal!

Troy

[mfd1221]

As I meet and talk to more of the great guys on this site, I often wonder when I see JDs for sale on VS or Craigslist who else is going to grab it up or if it stays for sale for awhile it makes me think. Why isn't anyone else buying it??? I know a lot of it has to do with model year and numbers produced. One such example was/is the 295/s on here I thought that would have been snatched up quick but not the case. I guess you can't worry about it, first come first serve. But like the snowfire debacle where they were supposed to be held for a member here and then sold them I don't want to steal &%#) from the good people here. Guess that lies on the seller. Sorry for rambling just my 2 cents. Jim


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[JDT]

I could write a book about this subject. Some of the things I have seen are unbelieveable.

Best advise is ask for lots of pictures and use caution. Like someone mentioned expect the worst and then there will be few disapointments.

Approach every potentinal purchase as needing a complete teardown and rebuild. Regardless of what the seller claims.

[AirborneX4Special]

Caveat Emptor!

[air mechanic]

Bought my 78 Liquifire without seeing it in person. My brother looked at it,sent pictures to me then sent the money down with a a buddy that was snowmobiling at my place at the time. Sled ran but I figured in a rebuild which she really needed when I got it. Rule of thumb is your looking at a 40 year old machine that has not been maintained in years. Big thanks to a member here for the NOS head and another member for the grill,road 40 miles round trip to a local show.