1980 liquifire 600 miles

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gloenser607
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Joined: Tue Apr 04, 2017 12:05 am
Real Name: Graham
Location: New Jersey

1980 liquifire 600 miles

Post by gloenser607 »

I have an unrestored 1980 liquifire with 600 miles on the unrebuilt motor. I've been thinking on doing a restoration but, would that lower the value? And what is the value?
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WinnipegStPaul9
Posts: 5577
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2005 12:00 am
Real Name: Don Amber
Location: Churubusco, IN

Re: 1980 liquifire 600 miles

Post by WinnipegStPaul9 »

Graham, your 1980 Liquifire has the highest build number of any JD sled, about 8,000. The first question needing asked is, what is your expectation when done. Is it a sled you want to ride? Show? My business is restoring John Deere sleds and I would have to tell you that the cost to restore an 80 LF would exceed its value....BUT....keep in mind that our motto is "We Restore Memories" so if this is a sled that's been in the family then perhaps the cost to restore would be ok with you. I would be glad to give you an estimate when I return home next week if you want to send pictures to bison11120002XX@yahoo.com. (remove the XX).

Don Amber
Busco Bullet, Inc.
Feel free to check out our website www.buscobullet.com for restorations or parts.
fastl82vette
Posts: 460
Joined: Wed Mar 13, 2013 8:22 am
Real Name: Greg Cyrocki
Location: LaMoille, Il

Re: 1980 liquifire 600 miles

Post by fastl82vette »

If it is in really good condition already, you could consider a mechanical restoration. In my opinion. They are only original once.
-Greg

'82 Sprintfire (original running project) SOLD
'72 400 (original non-running 2nd owner)
'73 400 (original non-running 2nd owner)
'86 Kitty cat
'77 Cyclone SOLD
'78 Spitfire x2 (sold one)(I think I officially have a sickness)
'84 Liquifire #420 "The Last Liquifire" (rescued, SOLD)
'82 Spitfire #2100 "The Last Spitfire"
'83 Sprintfire (wife's sled ;))
'84 Snowfire
'88 Yamaha Sno Scoot
'71 Massey Ski Whiz Special
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nick80lf
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Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:45 pm
Real Name: Nick
Location: The snow free zone of Ohio

Re: 1980 liquifire 600 miles

Post by nick80lf »

Hate to ask this....but does any nut and bolt restoration come in less than the sled value? I'm sure we will never recoup the money we pumped into Larry's Snowfire, but like you say DA......restoring memories.

Honestly my preference on the clean originals is to do mechanical stuff and let the battle scars remain.....it adds character and they are only original once.

Sent from my HTC One A9 using Tapatalk
80 Liquifire (purchased 1996 ~ Running)
80 Liquifire (purchased 2010 ~ Running....Now)
80 Liquifire (purchased 2011 ~ Not running - I officially have a problem now)
83 Snowfire (purchased 2014 father/son restoration project)
78 Spitfire ~ sold (should have been shot for this)
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JoeRainville
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Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2005 12:00 am
Real Name: "John Deere Joe"
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
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Re: 1980 liquifire 600 miles

Post by JoeRainville »

Graham,

You post a good question. Generally a "mint" 600 mile original sled is worth preserving. I have a really nice 81 Liquifire in such condition. However, if it needs a restoration, I do not believe you are not lowering it's value as even low mile 1980 Liquifire's do not bring big money since they built about 8,900 of them, nearly 66% of all Liquifire's built from 1980-84.

My I-500 Cross Country racer is a 1980 for that exact reason, Deere built a ton of them and they are relatively easy to get parts for.

Good luck with your sled, and have fun with it no matter what you do,
-Joe Rainville
Honorary Tech Editor

Chuck Norris doesn't get frost bite. He bites the frost.
sledhead16
Posts: 1386
Joined: Sat Dec 14, 2013 3:39 pm
Real Name: Allan Campbell
Location: Saint Peter MN

Re: 1980 liquifire 600 miles

Post by sledhead16 »

Do a mechanical restoration and call it good.
1975 340/s Speed Run Sled
1975 340/s I500 #161
1980 Liquifire SN# 4995 From WA Speed Run Sled
1980 Liquifire SN# 4996 From MN
1983 Sportfire
1984 Liquifire Deep Snow Tunnel 4/6 motor
1984 Sprintfire (2)

***Duelling Deere Garage***
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