Well I finished modifiying the suspension and installing a brand new Kimpex 2/3 cleated Artic Cat track on my 78' Spitfire. Don't try this at home. The amount of time and money to do something like this is unreal. I have had some time to test this conversion, and it works very well. The only problem I've had so far is adjusting the track to stay centered in the tunnell so that the track does'nt occasionally hit the tunnel at the rear. I think this problem can be solved with shims in the suspension joints as clearances and tolerances were very hard to maintain with all the modifications that I had to make. The sled is still very driveable with the gear ratio change, but I wish there was some way to install a new track without affecting the the original gear ratio. A cleated track is the way to go. I have now had the chance to try
3 Spits back to back. One all original[needs new track], one with an all rubber track conversion, and one with a new cleated track. The all original machine is the best one to ride, but I don't want to ride it because I can't risk damageing the track. How the heck can you save these machines for future generations to use! I love riding these sleds even though the suspensions leave a bit lacking compared to more modern sleds. Last weekend I had my friend's 11 yr. old girl riding one of my Spits, and she could pick up the back of the machine, and lift it up to her chest! You can't buy a machine like that anymore, and they are quick. Well that's my report. Happy sledding!
Ron.