Chrysler Sno-Runner

Post by **guitardude081** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 1:13 am

Any interest in a Chrysler Sno-Runner? We just got one in on consignment at work. It's mint. I figured I'd give the guys on the site a heads up. It's a rare collectable. I've got pics if there's any interest. It runs, has a good track, and the seat looks brand new.
~Jack

Brad Gyde · Post by **Brad Gyde** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 2:19 am

Jack,

Location and price please? I may know of a interested party (the person in mind has 3 or 4 already, but none are complete/running)

Thanks,

Brad

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 2:53 am

Seams I read somewhere on the net that there were 20,000 of these made for the US Army. But they never worked. I guess the plan was that the paratroupers would drop in with these in a winter invasion and have light and fast transportation.
Well they will not carry a man and his gear so the Army refused them. I understand that when they run they will carry a kid or light adult on had packed snow but are a boat anchor in powder.
1000's are sitting in crates new around the country.

I was told that they were selling them on HSN or some other shopping channel for $300.
last winter.
They are on ebay all the time. Sometimes with the wildest discriptions.

S_Kyle · Post by **S_Kyle** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:38 am

The guy I bougt my cruiser from this winter said he new where there used to be a couple. I was going to look into it but I dont think it is worth the effort.

Whats a lite adult weight, I'm 6'1" and 220 +/- would this thing hold me up if I came accross one?

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:52 am

Some guy had one at a snowmobile show a couple of years back. I had seen them for sale but never been up close to the real thing so I took a looksee.
Rather lightweight but the track contact area was very small. I guess that is why they only work on hardpack.
Maybe I should reword my post. Lightweight adult as in supermodel.

Looked to me that if a 220 lb man sat on it the frame would buckle.

Post by **guitardude081** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 11:57 am

It's definatley a toy. I haven't personally ridden it, but my boss did. He said it goes on hardpack, but he hit the deep stuff and had to carry it back to the parking lot. I just saw one on Ebay the other day, it was at $800 I believe. The price is at $1050 right now. It's located in Brainerd, MN. Shoot me an e-mail, or leave a reply on this post with an offer. I personally think the price is too high, but someone came into the shop saying that these are extremely rare and that the guy is asking the right price. I've got more pics. I just installed a new taillight lens. It's the same housing and lens as a JD ironically.
~Jack

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 11:06 pm

I may wrong, but I don't think there was anywhere near 20,000 of these produced. They were originally built for the US military and were rejected. I'm not certain of the reason for them being rejected.....but I suspect it was more of a durability issue rather than their limited mobility in deep snow as they were intended for use in the arctic which I understand, generally has very hard packed snow conditions....and these things go quite well on hard pack. Actually, they're a bit scary on real hard pack as they are a bit tricky to keep upright. Unlike a motorcycle or bicycle which has two big wheels spinning round and round that kinda create a little inherent stability, these Sno Runners can be a handful to balance, particularly on ice. I enjoy riding mine most on a hard packed groomed trail that has had about three inches of fresh powder since the last grooming. In those conditions, it's great fun as the little layer of fresh snow seems to make it handle way better. I weigh approx 235 and it'll pull me along pretty easily at about 25-30 mph. Some parts are pretty costly for them, especially recoil components....and the recoil is the most troublesome thing on these bikes.

Post by **guitardude081** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:02 am

I'd be interested to see a military version. It looks like it would be hard to maneuver with a bunch of gear on. I know little to nothing about this thing. It's definatley a different looking machine. Once the temps get above 0 again I want to take it for a spin. I've heard about these, but this is the first one I've seen in person. It's definatley been a conversation piece in the showroom.
~Jack

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 4:47 pm

Yesterday at the Scorpion Homecoming I saw a Sno-runner in operation. First time for that. The ridder looked to be 180 lbs or so and the lake was hardpack snow. Just guessing 15 MPH seamed to be the top end.

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 12:31 am

JDT wrote: Just guessing 15 MPH seamed to be the top end.

JDT.......the Sno Runners are pretty inconsistent when it comes to top speed. You gotta keep messing with the carb high speed screw everytime the temperature swings 5 degrees or so. If the track is adjusted even slightly too tight, it really slows them down alot. Also, on real hardpack sometimes there just isn't enough lubrication for the track paddles to slide easily within the "rear track ski". So there are lots of things that can cut their speed dramatically. The engine in stock form produces only a little over seven hp. Mine has the optional thin head gasket which ups the power level a fair bit, but makes the carburetion even more finnicky than normal. Really, it's a fun little conversation piece....and although I've ridden mine in a few vintage derbies, I wouldn't go so far as calling it an actual snowmobile as it certainly has it's limitations along with a bunch of quirks and quarks. But believe it or not, I have outrun some Elans as well as a few Snow Cruisers with it.

Post by **guitardude081** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 1:28 pm

What do you think is a fair price to ask for one of these. The guy who's got it on consignment would really like to have it sold soon. I think $1000 is steep, but I'd be willing to bet I could get $800 out of it for him.
~Jack

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 4:10 pm

There are three on e-bay right now. $300.....
$800 would be a stretch also I think.