Okay, I'm confused.

[just_some_dude]

The serial number for my JD Spitfire is J34AG084612M. According to the serial number it should be a 1978 model. My color scheme doesn't seem to match that years model. My sled is black, like the 80's model. To my little understanding, that color scheme wasn't used until the 80's sleds. Correct?

[80spitfire]

Yes, the 78s and 79s were saber green and the 80s had a black hood and silver tunnel. The 81s and 82s had a black hood and a smei polished aluminum tunnel.

[just_some_dude]

What the heck is up with my sled, then. I wonder if they colored it?

[80spitfire]

That's a heck of a good question man lol I even rechecked your VIN and you were right it is a 78. What motor does it have in it, Kohlor or Kawi? And what color is the tunnel?

[just_some_dude]

I'll be home in a couple hours. I'll take some pics and post them. The more I think about it, there are scrapes here and there and under the scrapes it's green.

I believe the tunnel is grey/metal.

[80spitfire]

That may be you answer then. Maybe someone just wanted a 80 Spitfire so they just repainted their 78?

[DeereKid9]

Can you see the Manufactured date? Usually these are the first to disappear.

[just_some_dude]

Where is the manufactures date normally?

[AirborneX4Special]

Build date is to the immediate right of the serial number.

[just_some_dude]

[80spitfire]

You indeed have a 78. Someone painted it to look like a 80 (since the tunnel is painted not polished) and they used 81 decals. You do have the Kohler motor btw.

[Den]

Just gotta wonder why?
lots of work for nuthin'.
I suppose they (orig owner) coulda fooled some people....till they opened the hood.
Nice green inside of there!

[Hoppy]

i guess the green in the belly pan didnt give it away that she was painted.................... ? or the many stracthes that reveal her true color under the black.

[SpitfireKing]

HOLY BLOW BY BATMAN!!! LOL....looks like you need some exh springs and about a litre less oil in the gas

Deff a 78 with the round slide carb....funny someone went to all the trouble to make it an 80 style, althought the centre hood decal is on wrong

[JoeRainville]

Wow, that is neat. I've seen Kohler motors transplanted into 80-82 Black Spits, and even 82-84 Snowfires. But I've never seen a Green Spitty done up like a Kawi powered black 1980 Spitfire. Could have been done for many reasons I suppose.

Interesting find needless to say!
-Rainville