All,
Before purchasing this sled I would like to benefit from some of your experience. The 1979 JD Spitfire looks and runs great. Might I have as much positive and negative information that would sway my decision?
Thank You
1979 Spitfire
Re: 1979 Spitfire
I like the spitfire's, they are a snappy fun little sled. Also easy to work on.
- 2 1970 Moto-Ski MS-18
2 1969 Mercury 250ER
2 1971 Evinrude Skeeter
1 1979 JD Spitfire 340
1 1980 JD Trailfire 440
1 1976 JD 400
1 1974 Scorpion Whip
1 1989 Ski-Doo Formula MX/LT
1 1994 Ski-Doo Formula STX
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80spitfire
- Posts: 804
- Joined: Tue Aug 31, 2010 6:59 pm
- Real Name: Brian Kottke
- Location: Southern Minnesota
Re: 1979 Spitfire
I have a 1980 Spitty that I restored and I must say they are just a blast. They're such a spunky little sled. Also like kreechur said they are real easy to work on too.
72' 500 Restored
74' 295/S Unrestored
75' 340/S Rider
76' Liquidator Restored
77' Liquifire Rider
80' Spitfire Restored
74' 295/S Unrestored
75' 340/S Rider
76' Liquidator Restored
77' Liquifire Rider
80' Spitfire Restored
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ICCSF 108
- Posts: 4369
- Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2005 12:00 am
- Real Name: Kenny Heins, AKA Grumpy
- Location: Blue Springs Mo.
- Contact:
Re: 1979 Spitfire
IF your a BIG guy or wanting a FAST sled ( about 45 MPH ), a Spitfire probably isn't what you want, They do however have plenty of Power, like previously said they are a blast to drive especially in deeper snow..
Problems Are: OEM tracks are not easy to find, ( some people have updated to newer tacks but I don't know the results or problems doing so ), & the drive bearings need to be watched & replaced as preventive maintenance as when they go out they usually take the front drive shaft with them..
Just my $.0735 worth
Kenny
Problems Are: OEM tracks are not easy to find, ( some people have updated to newer tacks but I don't know the results or problems doing so ), & the drive bearings need to be watched & replaced as preventive maintenance as when they go out they usually take the front drive shaft with them..
Just my $.0735 worth
Kenny
AKA: Kenny, Grumpy, Mr. Richard Head
"I Hunt For it, Purchase it, Haul it, Sometimes Repair it, Sometimes Break it, Then Fix it Again, Label it, Warehouse it, Talk About it, So NOW, HOW Can I Take Any Less $$ For It?"
"God I love the smell of KLOTZ in the morning, That smell, you know that Gasoline/Oil Smell, MAKES the whole place SMELL like.. LIKE VICTORY. You know someday the 2 strokers are gonna end..."
Do Anti-War Protesters have reunions? If so what do they TALK about?
"I Hunt For it, Purchase it, Haul it, Sometimes Repair it, Sometimes Break it, Then Fix it Again, Label it, Warehouse it, Talk About it, So NOW, HOW Can I Take Any Less $$ For It?"
"God I love the smell of KLOTZ in the morning, That smell, you know that Gasoline/Oil Smell, MAKES the whole place SMELL like.. LIKE VICTORY. You know someday the 2 strokers are gonna end..."
Do Anti-War Protesters have reunions? If so what do they TALK about?
Re: 1979 Spitfire
It is all about track condition on this sled.
If the track is bad you are going to have to find a replacemnt and they are not cheap.
If the track is bad you are going to have to find a replacemnt and they are not cheap.
Todd Schrupp
Milbank SD
Milbank SD
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SpitfireKing
- Posts: 659
- Joined: Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:31 pm
- Location: Oak Lake, Manitoba
Re: 1979 Spitfire
yep #1 easy to work on...no chain case to mess with so those problem bearings are a pretty easy job, but if that track is hooped then walk away. I have about 4, unfortunately I haven't got any running right now...need a few gasket sets etc.
[
Re: 1979 Spitfire
In other words you would not recommend for circle track racing (antique sleds in 340 class).
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ICCSF 108
- Posts: 4369
- Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2005 12:00 am
- Real Name: Kenny Heins, AKA Grumpy
- Location: Blue Springs Mo.
- Contact:
Re: 1979 Spitfire
I guess it would depend on the length of the straightaways of the track, Like I said the top end just isn't there, Now IF you put a 102 comet on there or a 108 overdrive clutch on you might pick up more speed that way? BUT I'm not sure IF there is enough clearance to put one on the engine ( clearance between the clutch & the front spindle or sub-assembly etc. )
Kenny
Kenny
AKA: Kenny, Grumpy, Mr. Richard Head
"I Hunt For it, Purchase it, Haul it, Sometimes Repair it, Sometimes Break it, Then Fix it Again, Label it, Warehouse it, Talk About it, So NOW, HOW Can I Take Any Less $$ For It?"
"God I love the smell of KLOTZ in the morning, That smell, you know that Gasoline/Oil Smell, MAKES the whole place SMELL like.. LIKE VICTORY. You know someday the 2 strokers are gonna end..."
Do Anti-War Protesters have reunions? If so what do they TALK about?
"I Hunt For it, Purchase it, Haul it, Sometimes Repair it, Sometimes Break it, Then Fix it Again, Label it, Warehouse it, Talk About it, So NOW, HOW Can I Take Any Less $$ For It?"
"God I love the smell of KLOTZ in the morning, That smell, you know that Gasoline/Oil Smell, MAKES the whole place SMELL like.. LIKE VICTORY. You know someday the 2 strokers are gonna end..."
Do Anti-War Protesters have reunions? If so what do they TALK about?
Re: 1979 Spitfire
The operator weight would be approx. 225lbs. Would this amount of weight take the Spitfire out of the running? By changing the clutch can I keep the jump at that weight and increase overall top end?