project Thunderstruck underway

[HBWC84]

Hi Guys,I know Joe has told you about my Vintage Challenge project sled for 2010. I thought I might explain the build a little to you all.
This past Feb, I was inducted into the HOF. My son and I watched all the enthusiasm for the Vintage Challenge ride. He asked me on the ride home if we could ride in it together fo 2011. I said sure,what kind of sled do you want to ride? some old single banger relic or what? He said no..30 mph is to slow.We need more smoke than that... So I drove for a while and thought....How about a 78 Eltigre with a 900 thundercat motor? His face lit up, thats more like it!! The "Thunderstruck Project" was born. First of all this is NOT a race sled. It is for a special trail ride. It will have a 1 1/4" ripsaw rubber track with no studs and otherwise appear completely stock. It will have an OEM MUFFLER on it. It must be quiet. I have gone thru great pains to keep the stock exhaust system intact and I would not condone any build that uses any aftermarket "rumble pack" type muffler !!
The last thing we need to do is piss off the DNR or any locals because we have some special immunity with a HOF bib on. If you use a Honda Generator as your noise guide,you have achieved perfection...Ha Ha. We are SO looking forward to come ride with you guys/gals.
See you soon....Jim Dimmerman

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Jim, you have no idea as to how honored we are. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed your induction speech. Share with the board members here sometime about your first ride. That is precious. Looking forward to seeing you again and I too am building a new vintage sled for HOF. See you in February.

Don Amber

[Norton]

Jim,
Our small group from NE ND is looking forward to the HOF ride again this year. We really enjoy the induction speeches that evening, with yours being so very memorable!

My son and I had a similar conversation about sled choices for the ride. We do not have the time and commitment "will power" that you have, so we will bring the Deere’s again and a ZRT as a sweeper.

Look forward to riding with you and the rest in February. Thanks too, for keeping us posted on your plans!

Keith

[JoeRainville]

Hello Jim,

Welcome to our site and thanks for posting an update on your monster "Thunderstruck" project. I've enjoyed the posts that Sandborn has put up on Arctic Insider. If any of your are curious to what Mr. Dimmerman is up to, check out http://www.articinsider.com for the latest update on the project.

The founders and riders of the Vintage Challenge are thrilled you plan to join (and some what crush, LOL!) us with your son this year. From what I hear and read, several project sleds are being put together for this ride in Feb. That is one very cool, and totally unintended conciquence of the event. I am looking forward to seeing the final product, and having your and your son join us on the ride.

See you there...
-Joe Rainville

[Danzig]

Jim,

I have been following your history with Arctic Cat's for several years and also know the people who assisted you in getting there. I am impressed with your speed record accomplishments.

I also have the 93 Thundercat's and one is setup very close to your record holding T-cat. I am in contact with the owner of this sled that you ran and also Auggie M, who was the mechanic and setup guy.

You have some interesting work going on with that 78 El Tigre' and have been watching your stories on arctic insider for quite awhile now.

thanks...

Paul File

[HBWC84]

Hey Guys,after reading my post it seem,s I may have been a little harsh. I purely want to express that any "special build" is done with responsibilty..Knowing that I may have opened Pandoras Box, I would feel guilty if it brought any bad play into an otherwise wonderful idea.
Thanks Jim

[Danzig]

Here's to you Jim....

[JoeRainville]

Hey Guys,after reading my post it seem,s I may have been a little harsh. I purely want to express that any "special build" is done with responsibilty..Knowing that I may have opened Pandoras Box, I would feel guilty if it brought any bad play into an otherwise wonderful idea.
Thanks Jim

Jim,

No problem here. While many folks like the rattle of loud pipes, not all us of do. Loud stingers and cans on the trails only irratate homeowners and others winter sport enthusiast. Loud pipes also get trails closed. For all my years in SnoCross, I've never raced a mod, couldn't stand the all the raquet.

I think it's being responsable to keep a trail sled as quiet as you can, and I respect the effort. "Leadership by example"

Thanks for clairifing your point and for posting,
-Joe Rainville