Texas Cyclone Reserection

[dap574]

The 76 is my favorite year for JD sleds! Nice work. Dave

[JoeRainville]

Now that I have more parts to work with in TX, I was able to make some progress on the Texas Twins.

The jackshaft was cleaned and painted, and I ran the chain case and cover through the parts cleaner (dishwasher) before installing new bearings:



The case, jackshaft, brake assembly were installed after the wiring block was bolted in:

[JoeRainville]

With the chassis work caught up until I ship down a track and drive axle, I installed some body work, including a new windshield:



And a used snowflap:



Finally took the carb down and soaked everything in a gallon pail of parts cleaner:



Next up is a getting a drive axle and track down here, then the suspension and clutches need rebuilding before final assembly.

Thanks,
-Joe Rainville
14-May-12

[skoalmint]

Joe ,You are gonna change my whole point of view of enginers and architechs.LOL Lookin GOOD! Brock

[JoeRainville]

Brock,

My older brother once told me while I was in college that I would never cut it as an engineer if I couldn't be a decient mechanic:>)

Made a little progress on getting the Cyclones done:

I moved into a larger 2-car garage at the begining of June, and got the place organized so I can get back to work on the "Texas Twins"*



Track and drive axle arrived safe and sound, installation is started...

-Joe

PS: *as named by Furious Adam Luebner

[skoalmint]

Joe ,I know you are capable,But like me just finding the time to make it happen,now that is the next problem.Good luck keep the pics coming.Brock

[JoeRainville]

As usual with these old girls, things don't always go to plan. The drive axle I sent down was worn out at the bearing land on the speedo drive end. Luckily, one of the original Cyclone drive axles was in OK shape, but had junk sprockets on it. I stripped down both shafts and put the best used parts together for a usable axle assembly:



Once the assembly was set, I used the shipping box to hold the track up, and installed the axle and new bearings:



Next up is sorting out the suspension, sending down any more needed parts, and rebuilding the clutches...

[JoeRainville]

Cari was kind enough to send down a small box of parts this week, including a blasted and painted tail light bracket and a speedo drive kit with a needed speedo core in it:



With that I was able to bolt up the original, but cleaned and re-greased, drive unit:

[JoeRainville]

With the drive axle bolted up, I cleaned off the bench and starting mocking up the rear skid:



Luckily I was able to locate most of the parts of skid in small bags and tubs from the original owner. Since it was a low milage sled, most parts were in surpisingly good shape, with one exception: the rear idler bearings are pretty crunchy. Wonder if I can guilt our local expert "Bogie Wheel Brian" to help me out...

[eppjd]

Hi Joe, I am working on building a jig aimed in making the rebuilding of these same idlers 100% easier, hope to finish it today and I will try to get pics up.

[JoeRainville]

Hi Guys,

Been pretty busy since my last update. Bought a house with 2 steel barns in Fort Worth, TX and got moved in a few weeks ago. Took some time this weekend to set up shop and spend some time on the Cyclone.

Here is the corner I set up for wrenching:



Today I finally installed the motor, sorted out the wiring and had spark:



Soon she will have lots of company, as I am bringing down a trailer load of sleds from NY over the Thankgiving holiday. And I will get to live with my wife again, since she is moving too...

-Joe

[JoeRainville]

Last year Linder did me a big favor and rebuilt my 3 rear idler wheels for the Cyclone:



Problem is that they looked much nicer than the rusty and badly painted suspension they are ready for. So, the suspension needed to be redone to match.

[JoeRainville]

While sandblasting race sled parts this weekend, I blasted the Cyclone skid while I was at it:



I was able to give most everything a coat of medium flat black so the rusty old skid looked as good as Linder's idlers. Then I told him all this extra work was all his fault :>)



So maybe, just maybe this sled with actually see snow this year...

[skoalmint]

WOW JOE ,LOOKS great ,That a boy do it right the first time,and you probably wont have to do it again in your lifetime,especially living in Texas, LOL. Brock

[JoeRainville]

Thanks Brock. It may see a little action as a back up sled for the Vintage Challenge, or I may use it as a 2 up vintage cruzer to ride around St. Germain with Cari Deerest.

Now for this weekend's update: I snuck in a little time on this nice cool 84 degree weekend to begin reassembly of the suspension.



After purchasing a few bushings and installing the skid, about the only thing left is to rebuild the drive clutch and reassemble the carb...