A Good Day.........

ChickenRat · Post by **ChickenRat** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:40 pm

I keep my free want ad in the local papers looking for John Deere sleds because you just never know what you'll find. Today I get a call, the guy says "I've got a John Deere Spitfire" I ask what shape, what color, etc all the normal questions including "What ($$) are you looking at getting out of it?". He says "It's free if you just want to come pick it up." So I go to check it out and it's in need of a good clean-up but the thing is nice, really nice.... He says " I completely went through the fuel system, new lines, cleaned the tank, cleaned the carb and I just can't get the thing to run and I've had it with this thing." So, I pull it over and it starts second pull and idles perfectly. Hit the gas and it completely bogs out and dies but will idle perfectly again once pulled. I figure maybe the carb is dirty again? Rings? Electrical? But the thing is nice, so I load it up and bring it home. I immediately rip the carb apart and it's perfectly clean inside, just like he said. But guess what? There is no main jet in the thing, it was idling on the pilot then as soon as you hit the gas, it got a massive inflow of gas and flooded out right away. I go to look up the main jet size, slap in a 210 and first pull runs perfectly and runs great up and down the trail. This thing has a couple of small scratches in the hood but ZERO cracks, the seat is perfect, track is nice, no dents in the bellypan, and has the factory original windshield on it. What a find!! I'm thrilled beyond belief......A good day indeed for a 1978 Spitfire.

Robb

ChickenRat · Post by **ChickenRat** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:41 pm

other side

ChickenRat · Post by **ChickenRat** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:42 pm

flames4555 · Post by **flames4555** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 6:51 pm

Some times the sled just finds you , nice addition... even better yet ...its got a good home.

excellent find

Kevin

Deere Daze · Post by **Deere Daze** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 7:09 pm

i think Robb needed a good break for once after that last deal...

NRLAD · Post by **NRLAD** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 7:16 pm

Robb,

Awesome Spitfire! What a find! Dollar cost averaging on the herd? Have you found a 78 Cyclone yet? I picked up a nice one in Illinois a couple of weeks ago from a John Deere dealer mechanic. Also, if anyone else is interested the mechanic is quite a collector of round fender deere lawn tractors, 110,112, etc. and travels to many Midwest shows. One heck of a pleasant guy if anyone wants contact info.

Again congrats,

Bill

greenblood · Post by **greenblood** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:24 pm

Nice find Robb!

That wasn't that one in Maple Grove off Craigslist was it?

We should meet up for lunch some time, perhaps some of that luck might spill over.

ChickenRat · Post by **ChickenRat** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:41 pm

Nope, this one came from River Falls, WI just 20" south of me. If you have local newspapers that have free want ads, place ads for JD sleds wanted. You get some garbage calls, but you also get good surprises as well. Kind of like fishing, you just need to know when to set the hook!!

Robb

Deleted User · Post by **Deleted User** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:48 pm

Luky bugger!!! I got a free one too but the only two good parts wre the motor and track go figure as the reast of the sled is screwed.
Nice score!!!

Jack Frost · Post by **Jack Frost** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:14 pm

Robb where ever you live, I'm moving into the house beside you and every time you go out I'm going to follow you and beat you to these sleds you are finding. :ph43r:
By the way very nice "FREE" Spitfire.

bpmailman · Post by **bpmailman** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 11:17 pm

Nice score Robb !!!!!!!!
mike

ChickenRat · Post by **ChickenRat** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 11:46 pm

The best part is that it was my birthday(and Paris Hilton's) yesterday so this was the best present that I got. I really like these little green Spit's especially with the Mikuni slide carb vs. the butterfly.

Robb

TASKY · Post by **TASKY** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:54 pm

Happy Birthday Rob. Do you drive a Delorean? I was thinking about your last Snowfire acquisition, if it is in as nice condition as it loooked in the pictures I wouldnt worry about the money you spent. You did the impossible you went back in time and bought it for almost what it cost new. Maybe even cheaper if you went back in time far enough you could have got it during the Hit The Trail Sale.

As for the new Spit, In the late 70's John Deere had a contest they were giving away a Blazer and Spitfires, Clothing Etc... You must have went back in time and rigged the contest. To be awarded somehow at a later date.

Talk to you soon ChickenRat or should I say Marty Mc Fly

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:05 pm

That's one of the nicest looking Spits I've seen. I can't believe you got it for free. I'll give you twice that for it. Congrats, Robb!

79spitfire#100340 · Post by **79spitfire#100340** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:57 am

Robb,
Congrats! That is a darn nice spitfire.I hope mine looks that nice someday!I just put my want ads in all the papers!!I never would have thought of that!I think I might have to use the pic you posted as my wallpaper,Instead of the rough condition spitfire out of the John Deere sales brochure!!Great find!Mike