What's everyone's summer sled project?

General topics related to John Deere Snowmobiles
User avatar
HoosierDeereMan
Posts: 1089
Joined: Thu Feb 01, 2007 1:00 am
Real Name: Troy Miley
Location: Oakland City, IN

What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by HoosierDeereMan »

With the dismal winter almost behind us, it's time to start planning that summer project so it's ready for next winter. This bunch on here is notorious for turning out some awesome looking sleds! The clones and customs are even more amazing. The skills, engineering, and craftsmanship that have been going into these projects have made me proud to be a Deere enthusist. Dustin's Calendars have been a true testament to that. At the Vintage Challenge several of our Arctic Cat friends made comments about how loyal and huge the John Deere snowmobile fan base is and they look forward each year to seeing what we bring to the HOF event. My last two projects have resulted in a very nice 295/S and my favorite blood, sweat, and tears 340/S. This year I have been hoarding and collecting parts for a 78 440 Liquifire I plan on restoring. Just curious what everyone else is planning on working on for this year?

Troy
'72 400
'73 400, (2)500's, 600
'74 295/S (restored) 2010 HOF poker run survivor.
'75 800, JDX8,
'75 340/S 2011 & 2012 Vintage Challenge finisher.
'76 (2)400's
'78 Liquifire 340,440
'79 Spitfire
"If it has Tits, Tires, or Tracks it's gonna cost you money!"
DeereKid9
Posts: 1172
Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:00 am
Real Name: Bob Amber
Location: Churubusco Indiana

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by DeereKid9 »

1984 Liquifire - Just a good clean-up and tune up and it should be ready

340/S - Start from scratch with this project. But with Dad helping, you know what the results could be. But NO CHROME.
Always remember-Any parts leftover is money in your pocket.
1976 Liquidator - I 500 raced by Jim Zimmer
1980 Spitfire
1982 Liquifire-Last sled my son helped me work on. He did most of the motor work.
1984 Trailfire
2007 Ski Doo GSX 500SS
User avatar
400brian
Posts: 5626
Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:00 am
Real Name: James T. Kirk
Location: South Central Wisconsin

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by 400brian »

Some of the long time members may remember a time when most of the guys on here worked on sleds in the winter. That was back when I had a life. :laugh:

No point in fighting it...year round wrenching on sleds for a long time now. The turning point was Robert Carlson's induction into the HOF in 2007. Once we saw how nice some of these guys sleds were, well, it kinda took on a life of its own. :sled:

'09 Vintage Challenge Survivor, and I wasn't late for supper!
'10, '11, '12, '13,'14,'15,'16,'17, '18, 19, 20, 21, 22 Vintage Challenge Survivor !
72 400 restored, Father bought new in '71
73 X8 restored
'74 340 green machine
'74 X8 9 time VC finisher
'78 Spitfire in progress
2 '75 340S 1 running, one on deck
'78 LF 440 future CC clone
'73 Skiroule RTX 440, 500 mi.
S_Kyle
Posts: 1351
Joined: Sun Dec 09, 2007 1:00 am
Real Name: Scott Kyle
Location: Roland Manitoba

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by S_Kyle »

I have a buddy's (EppJD) 76 cyclone in the garage to finish, complete resto. I have to finish up my 70 Rupp 100 miler that is probably more Deere than Rupp now, and if time permits start a 74 Super Brute 440.

It's a big list but I have to get the first 2 done.
Scott Kyle,
Liquifire: 77 (440) (2), 600: 73,74,75
Massey Whirlwind: 76 440 (2)
Mercury Hurricane 644: 72,73
OMC Snowcruiser: 66,68,70
Rupp: 70 34 Sprint
Allouettte Super Brute: 74 (5)
OTC Deere sled dyno
Jimmy
Posts: 139
Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:32 am
Real Name: James Lalk
Location: Sumner, Ia 50674
Contact:

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by Jimmy »

To many to choose from,probably the Dator,340s and my 48 Indian that I blew a head gasket on this fall, should have been working on that but you know how it is, in the winter the sleds come first.
James Lalk
Sumner,Ia
User avatar
WinnipegStPaul9
Posts: 5577
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2005 12:00 am
Real Name: Don Amber
Location: Churubusco, IN

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by WinnipegStPaul9 »

For me it starts with going through the 340/S and Cross Country following a big weekend at HOF. While both sleds performed very well they both have small issues. Most likely they'll spend the summer in a friends museum. After those two are done I would like to get started on creating a nice 340/S for Bob. Chrome?? totally his decision (and money).

DAd
Feel free to check out our website www.buscobullet.com for restorations or parts.
User avatar
SpitfireKing
Posts: 659
Joined: Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:31 pm
Location: Oak Lake, Manitoba

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by SpitfireKing »

First my 50 Dodge pilot house truck needs to get the dents worked out then repainted, after it's out of the shop I'm doing a 75 jd600 for my wife, been putting it off for 2 years now, and my 80 spitfire will be getting a whole new gasket/seal set and some touch up painting.
[
User avatar
johnnycyclone
Posts: 867
Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:00 am
Real Name: Terre
Location: Dundee, Mi

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by johnnycyclone »

My plans are to finish the 80 Liquifire I am currently working on, then it's on to Project X. It is a 75 JDX8 that will get the full treatment over the summer, with maybe a twist or two.

Image
JDT
Posts: 5561
Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:00 am
Real Name: Todd
Location: Milbank South Dakota

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by JDT »

Are you making a twin track out of that X8 Johnny? :sick:

I have two 76 El Tigre 5000's ripped apart right now that will get rebuilt.

A 78 TXL that needs some minor attention and one more 79 CC Cat to go through.

If I get time another 440 Cyclone will get the business also.

Daylight savings time this weekend so no more excuses.
Todd Schrupp

Milbank SD
User avatar
johnnycyclone
Posts: 867
Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:00 am
Real Name: Terre
Location: Dundee, Mi

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by johnnycyclone »

[quote="JDT"]Are you making a twin track out of that X8 Johnny? :sick:

Todd, Todd, Todd. I said a twist or two. The two didn't mean two tracks! :lol22: I'm just going to hot rod it a little, and maybe add some bling to the engine.
User avatar
liquitisplit80
Posts: 217
Joined: Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:54 am
Real Name: Roy
Location: Wisconsin Dells area

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by liquitisplit80 »

To finish my '80 Sportfire then maybe start on a replica of the 340 Canadian Special. I picked up an '82 340 Trailfire this winter that was a pretty good candidate and have most all the parts I need for it. This one will be a total tear down restore, (my first one. wish me luck!) So any advise or comments are welcome.
'78 Spitfire
82 Trailfire 340
'80 Trailfire 440
'80 sportfire
'81 liquifire


Still ridin' the New Breed!
monte44
Posts: 326
Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:00 am
Location: minnesota

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by monte44 »

Finish a 295/S resto that I have been dragging my feet on for over a year! Every thing is painted (Just)! needs to be put back together. Also and I know its not a sled but I am gonna restore a 1979 YZ 125. I just love those old school yellow YZ's!
harleysportster
Posts: 2965
Joined: Thu Jul 14, 2005 12:00 am
Real Name: Pat Scott
Location: Southeast Pa.

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by harleysportster »

Work the kinks out of my '80 Liquifire and finish my 78 project Liquifire.
'76 440 cyclone
'76 440 liquifire
'78 440 Cyclone
'75 JDX8 (sold to a member here)
'78 Liquifire(CrossCountry Clone)
'80 Liquifire(sold)
User avatar
johnnycyclone
Posts: 867
Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:00 am
Real Name: Terre
Location: Dundee, Mi

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by johnnycyclone »

I'm also going to be working on some custom fit hood covers and duplicating John Deeres snowmobile covers for my sleds. I'm just not happy with the fit of the universal ones so I am planning on making my own. I have begun ordering fabric samples and am waiting for them to come in, so I can get started. Should be a fun project.
JDT
Posts: 5561
Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:00 am
Real Name: Todd
Location: Milbank South Dakota

Re: What's everyone's summer sled project?

Post by JDT »

johnnycyclone wrote:
JDT wrote:Are you making a twin track out of that X8 Johnny? :sick:

Todd, Todd, Todd. I said a twist or two. The two didn't mean two tracks! :lol22: I'm just going to hot rod it a little, and maybe add some bling to the engine.
Well I see two tracks...... :whistle:
Todd Schrupp

Milbank SD
Post Reply