Vintage Challenge Sleds

JoeRainville · Post by **JoeRainville** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:12 pm

Hey Guys,

I've been wanting to start a thread to show the status of our Vintage Challenge Sleds. I've finally made some progress tearing down a 340/s parts chassis I got from Wanie a few years ago. I needed a frame to go with another 340/s I have in boxes that I picked up minus a chassis a few years ago.

Turns out this thing is pretty beat up, but probably saveable with some welding.

First pic is Kenny "Watersboy" checking it over, probably asking me if I really think I can get it done in time...

The next pic is the bare chassis about ready to send out for welding...lots of welding...

-Rainville

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JoeRainville · Post by **JoeRainville** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:15 pm

Here is the trashed aluminum pan I pulled from the chassis. I don't think its worth much more than $0.55 per lbs.

Last pic is me, happy that I found a few hours to wrench on a sled...

Lets see the progress on the rest of the sleds!

-Rainville

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Post by **ICCSF 108** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:24 pm

I'm thinking you should save that pan, after following Jon on THE RUN you will probably need it as it might look better than the one you will have on the sled??

Just my $.0675 worth

C-EHC

elachevr · Post by **elachevr** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 11:15 pm

By the way the pan looks, snow's optional when riding JD's.

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 12:32 am

Come on Rainville, you're whining about THAT pan? Troy would have that straightened up after a good weekend and a case of Beer. :lol22:

Kenny H. has a good point, but I think Joe wants to test one of Lee's glass pans to destruction .

I've been pondering a few ideas on what I want to do, and how I want to do it.
I posted 340S photos all last summer, I'll let some of you other guys can carry that load for a while.

HoosierDeereMan · Post by **HoosierDeereMan** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:12 am

Joe, your pan looks almost identical to how mine looked. The ribs in the bottom of the pan were mashed flat and mine had some deep gouges down one side. The smooth part of the sides look like they had been through a hail storm. Pretty rough over all. I have spent several hours working on it with body hammers, hand anvils, and ear plugs. I still need to tweak on the chain case.

Here are few pics.

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HoosierDeereMan · Post by **HoosierDeereMan** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:15 am

My suspension wasn't much better. Somebody had done some serious riding.

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HoosierDeereMan · Post by **HoosierDeereMan** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:18 am

More of the suspension mess.

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HoosierDeereMan · Post by **HoosierDeereMan** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:24 am

I had to do some serious welding and reinforcing on the slide rails. None of the shafts were very co-operative as you can imagine. I've had to make and fab up alot of stuff. I also fabbed up my own additional idler wheel kit.

I still have a long way to go.

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Idler_wheel_mock_up4.jpg (144.17 KB)

feere the deere · Post by **feere the deere** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 3:39 pm

Joe, from one Deere owner to another, Um you don't own a welder? Ron

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 8:40 pm

This is my progress-

Tunnel is still being painted...hood is heading that way soon.
Engine is good to go from last year's rebuild.
Track is now studded.
Suspension has all new springs and wheel bearings. (Nachi Bearings)
Drive shaft and Jackshaft have new bearings both ends ( Timken Bearings)
New Hyfax
Primary clutch has been torn down, cleaned, and waiting for Comet Lube..new purple spring
Secondary has been torn down, cleaned and waiting for Comet Lube
4in carbides on the skis.
All Aluminum components have been blasted using crushed walnut shells..all pieces look nice

To do list-
Carb cleaning
cleanup skis, springs and check bushings
clean up the exhaust, paint
paint any other misc. parts as required.

In Question-
Using hot grips off another sled I have..to use or not to.

Things needed yet-
The square drive piece that goes on the speedo drive unit at the drive shaft...anyone got this little square piece?

Then remebering how to put it back together...

Last but not least..
A short windshield that I have made comments about for a Christmas present to the Mrs..

Post by **ICCSF 108** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 9:00 pm

Danzig, NAPA has a spray graphite lube that dries & stays to what it's sprayed on.. probably as good as comet lube & easier to get..

Kenny

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 9:00 pm

I already ordered the Comet lube..must be coming via..pony express..

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 9:09 pm

Troy you may think you have a long way to go but what you have done so far looks wonderful. Nice Job !

JoeRainville · Post by **JoeRainville** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:07 am

feere the deere wrote:Joe, from one Deere owner to another, Um you don't own a welder? Ron

Things needed yet-
The square drive piece that goes on the speedo drive unit at the drive shaft...anyone got this little square piece?

Hi Ron,

Um, no. I don't have a welder, nor am I really much good at aluminum welding. I've used a TIG, but never mastered it. Maybe for the next resto.

Paul,

I am leaving Lindner a gift bag for you...

Troy,

Nice job on the chassis, pan and suspension of your 340/s. When does class begin on "straightening mangled aluminum pans"!!

-Rainville