Wanted: 79 Spitfire Parts

[just_some_dude]

Looking for:

Windshield
Cylinders
Heads
Seat
Skis
Carbides
Limiter Strap
Brake Pads
Handle bar accelerator and brake assemblies

It's a 1979 John Deere Spitfire, Kohler engine, slide carb.

[DeereKid9]

Are you looking for NOS/ OEM or used. I might have an entire 79 parts sled with all of these items.

[johnnycyclone]

If you don't go with the parts sled, I have ski's, NOS limiter straps, seat foam, and possibly the heads.

Terre

[DeereKid9]

If it were me, I would call Terre. You would have better stuff than what I have on that sled. Just giving you an option.

[just_some_dude]

I have no problem with used depending on the condition obviously. I'm just trying to be careful with the amount of money I dump into the sled. I love the sled, but the dollars are adding up quickly. Ultimately, though, I'm open to whatever.

What do you guys want for the stuff?

[WinnipegStPaul9]

JSD, the vintage side of sledding is not cheap. That's a sermon that's been preached here dozens of times.

DA

[johnnycyclone]

Don't worry, I don't sell junk. Junk goes to the scrap yard. Prices are reasonable, I only charge what I would be willing to pay. I'm not making a living selling parts, it's only a hobby. What are you looking for in ski's, complete including springs and shocks, or just the ski's? I will check to see if I have a set of heads tonight.

Terre

[WinnipegStPaul9]

JSD, never worry about buying parts from Terre. I've never been disappointed. Great to deal with. DA

[just_some_dude]

Yeah, I never thought it'd be cheap, but sometimes I have to consider just buying another Spitfire rather than replacing all the parts seperately. Does the '79 Spitfire have springs? I didn't think it did... Maybe I'm just going crazy... Ultimately, I could get away with just the ski's. They look like the previous owner took them over a sheet of jagged boulders. He actually used some rebar as carbides. Seems to work well though. Makes a really nice spark when you hit pavement. Here are some general pics of the sled, so you can kind of see the damage... (By the way... this is a '79 painted to look like the 80's)

[nick80lf]

Looks like you could really use some idler bearings also.

[johnnycyclone]

JSD,
Before you go any further with this sled, you should ask yourself some questions.

1. What is the end result, I want for this sled? - is it going to be a beater sled, just a mechanical restore, or a full blown resto, to like new condition.
2. Realistically what is the budget for my project, can I stay within my budget, and still meet my goal in question 1?
3. How much of the work can I do myself, and how much would labor cost for the items I can't do myself.

Always remember, it's usually cheaper to buy one with the work already done, than to buy all the parts and do it yourself. That's the norm, but there are always exceptions.

Looking at your parts list, here is what you should expect to spend.

Windshield - very hard to find a good used one, a new one is $75
Seat foam - $30-50, I have never seen a good seat on a spit that wasn't recovered, not saying they don't exist.
Seat cover - $75 if you do the work yourself. Not sure what the cost to have one done.
Ski's - $30 for a set, includes leaf springs
Heads - $10 - 20 a piece
Carbides - don't know
Brakes - not sure.
Handle bar controls - $30 each, $60 for both.

So right now you are closing in on $300, just in these parts alone. Prices are based on my latest project and the sale of parts from 4 spitty's.

There is a 78 Spitfire on Ebay from Indiana, not mine, but it is a good example to look at. The ski's look good, the windshield looks good, the controls look good, the chassis looks good. He says it runs, somewhat, and has a good track. Not sure what his reserve is, the buy it now is $350, but this would be an option you can look at depending on how you answered the 1st question. One thing you can do, to offset the cost, is to turn around and sell any extra parts you have. Tracks will sell for $100 - 150 if they are in good condition. Yours looks pretty good, and this guy says his is good, so you could sell it and make some money back.

Bottom line it's your sled, and your project, to do as you wish. The above statements are one man's opinion, and everyone may not agree. I'm just throwing out some ideas you can think about. My parts aren't going anywhere so if you decide you want them, let me know.

[JDT]

I would concider a second Spitfire and use this one as a parts doner.

The one for $350 sounds like a good deal.

If you get good at resurecting Spits there is money to be made on them as they are an easy sell.

The toughest part to find and the most expenscive is the track.

Often you can find a nice one with no track or a shredded track for $100.

[just_some_dude]

If you guys were to get ahold of any year Spitfire, which would you choose?

[johnnycyclone]

The Spitfires are all pretty much the same, except for make of engine, color, and decals. Most parts will interchange between the years. Since you have one with the Kohler engine, I would look for a 78, or 79, that way you have spare engine parts, cdi, coils, etc. I always look for the ones in the best condition, and the cheapest price. Although I am partial to the green color.

The one for $350 is a good deal, but not a great deal. If it doesn't sell, you can probably make an offer and get a better price. You really need to find a seller who wants the sled gone, and isn't worried about making the money. You could make a good sled out of it using some of your good parts from the one you have, so even at the $350 it would be cheaper than buying parts for yours. You could then sell the extra parts left over to offset the cost of your project.

If you have patience you may find something closer to home, at a better price, but it's a gamble. You have to search websites for sales everyday, you never know what you might find, but you have to be persistent. If you miss a day of looking at the classifieds, you may miss one. They can go fast if they are cheap. I have one right now in the works, not sure on the model, but it's only $25. The owner wants it out of his barn.


Terre

[just_some_dude]

I have a local guy wanting to sell me an 81 for $100. He said bad track, no windshield,

I've heard a lot of people talking poorley about the Kawasaki engines and the butterfly carbs. Any reason for that?