Upstart questions

[JSALBEE]

Hi guys,

New to this forum...and I would like to know a little more about restoring JD sleds. Don't have any, but would like to know what should I look for in buying a Deere sled to restore? As in, what can't I buy as aftermarket. Or what parts tend to be shot and can't be replaced. From doing some reading, the track is a big one.

I'm not a huge vintage sled guy...more of a John Deere guy. My Dad and Grandfather each had a Deere sled when I was a kid and I did some snowmobiling when I was in my early 20's. Due to the lack of snow in the area I got out of it almost as soon as I got into it.

I love old/vintage things...tractors, cars, lawn tractors. Want to know some things in case I ever come across a Deere sled for sale.

[JDT]

Welcome to the forum!

As for your comment about tracks, this really only applies to the Sprit/Spit/Snowfire tracks on the Direct Drive models.
The balance of the tracks Deere used are out there. Infact the early 100/JDX series tracks are still being made.

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Welcome!! Hope you enjoy the site. It's loaded with a lot of good folks and a couple old grouches.

DA

[JSALBEE]

Thanks guys.

So basically the 'Fire' series tracks are hard to come by and the 300 thru 800, and JDX tracks are available aftermarket? How about the 600 track, I understand it's a wide track model?

Where are tracks available? or rather, from whom?

[Matt]

It''s not all Fire series. Both the cleated and rubber tracks on the 80+ Trailfire, Sportfire, and Liquifire can be found used, and new in some cases. 600 tracks are actually very common to find, because for whatever reason they built them right, and they last forever.

I'll make a recommendation, although I don't have one of these myself, I'm sure I will some day. '76 - '78 Liquifire or Cyclone. Parts are fairly available, they're built like a tank, and they ride/handle decent. If you want to keep it simple, go with Cyclone. Fan cooled, single carb. Liquifire gets you more power with liquid cooled/dual carb. '78s of either model are some of the best looking JDs ever made.

[JSALBEE]

thanks matt...

I really like the looks of the 76 & 77 cyclone myself....something about that green and black. Also like the hundred series.

when you refer to the availablity of the tracks "...new in some cases" are these NOS tracks or aftermarket tracks. Either is fine, just wondering how much I would have to look.

JDT mentioned that the JDX series and the hundred series tracks are still being made. Who makes these?

[400brian]

I believe Kimpex is/was the maker of the tracks. I think DK still had a few of the 2/3 cleated left, but when they are gone, I suspect that will be it.

And that in a nutshell is the vintage sled situation. Every year the parts situation gets a bit worse. Kimpex ceased most of its vintage line. Sno-stuff still has a few things.

Soon we will be in the same boat as everyone else, looking at very high priced NOS parts, used of unknown quality, and reproduction stuff of our own making.$$

I've been waiting all summer to see if the back ordered Cyclone / Liquifire coils ever ship, or if they have been discontinued. I did get one from Pat's Small Engine. It came in a Parts Unlimited box, and the coil has no ID markings on it at all.

I'd recommend buying a nice complete low mileage sled, that gives you your best start.

[nick80lf]

I'd recommend buying a nice complete low mileage sled, that gives you your best start.

X2

If there are several missing or damaged items the part bills add up quickly. Then you'll be sitting there looking at it on a 90 summer day thinking to yourself "Self, why did I spend $2000+ on restoring this 30 year old sled".