My latest barn find

[jeffreyrempel]

I just got off the phone and commited to buy this sled without working out the details on a price. I am going to pick it up on November 21st, so I need to get some opinions on a fair price. The seller has committed to holding it for me and is willing to work it out and take a fair offer when I get there. So far I know this:
Original owner, sled is complete, 424 miles, original cover, has been in the barn for 20 years. Check out the pics and give me your opinions.
Thanks,
Jeff

[jeffreyrempel]

[lwb140]

everyone pounce on me hear but i thi nk that cover is an 80's cover becaose of the stripes ,hmmm maybe a 78 ?
wade

[Sprailfire340]

Looks 78ish...and yes I'd be interested in it. LOL.
Nice find. Make sure you get the story on why so few miles.

[SpitfireKing]

76, seems pretty nice ... But like I tell most people when I'm buying a sled and they don't know a price .. If its been more then 5 years since run then it should have all new seals and maybe even gaskets, tank will need a really good cleaning, carbs will hopefully be ok but I have pulled bowls that were so corroded I couldn't save them.... Then is the track all cracked and dried out... Bearings ? Etc

A fair price should be about $300 in this shape non running IMO

[80spitfire]

Looks like a great restoration candidate to me. Be careful though after the second restoration you do, there's no turning back lol

[jeffreyrempel]

Well the color scheme on the cover is the same as the 78 liquifire, so I will agree with you on the 78-ish.... and I feel like I have already passed the point of no return
LOL

[400brian]

My initial observation is that the sled looks pretty weathered for so few miles. Judging by the windshield, the seat, and the milky appearance of the choke lever, I'd suggest it sat out for some time.

A close inspection is warranted, to determine if the mileage figure is correct. I'd look at the general cleanliness of the under hood area, low mile sleds are not caked with grunge. The condition of the track cleats can tell allot, low miles should leave the cleats in good shape. If they are worn where they contact the slides, or if the edges are rounded, or if they are broken and missing, the sled has more miles than indicated, or been ran hard, or in low snow conditions.

The sled may still have the original full width cleated track. These had the cleats bonded on, no rivets. These tracks were a problem from day one, and the best fix is to replace it with a 2/3 cleated track. So this is a significant issue, that affects the value.

It seems to me that 440 Liquifires enjoy significantly higher values than 340s. With the information given, I'd agree with low hundreds $$. Of course if you can't live without it, pay whatever it takes to get it.

[WinnipegStPaul9]

I always figure the buying price "backwards". I start by deciding what the sled would be worth "restored" then deduct the material items it will take to make it a good restoration. As with most of you I never figure labor costs. So in your case you would have to figure what a 1976 LF 340 is worth restored then start deducting things like a windshield, seat cover, crank seals, paint, decals, etc. If you're still with me you probably are thinking it's not worth much in its current condition and you would be right. That said, if you want to buy it for a rider and enjoy it the price you should pay would be higher. None the less in my humble opinion the sled as it sits is worth $100.00 to $150.00. Just my .02 worth.

DA

[johnnycyclone]

I'm with DA on his assessment, except I would throw in another $100 for the cover. Even with only 400 miles, it still has been sitting for 20 years so it will need a lot of work, and money just to get it back on the snow. Now consider we have seen your work, and I find it hard to believe you would just to a light resto on this one. I see a full blown restoration brewing in your mind, which will cost even more. I would start in the $150-$200 range and you could go higher if you really wanted it. Pictures don't always do a sled justice so you can make a decision when you are standing right there looking at it. Good luck, and let us know how you do...Terre

[SpitfireKing]

One note for the US guys, we do seem to have a bit higher prices even on these type of sleds up here... Seeing as we all need them to replace our dog sled teams to get to our igloos for the hockey game

I payed $275 for a sled roughly in the same shape just a year or do ago but no cover or windshield.. So 350 should be fair with that cover.

I'd be happy to send you $75 for that for my 78 lf

[jdrob]

I always figure the buying price "backwards". I start by deciding what the sled would be worth "restored" then deduct the material items it will take to make it a good restoration. As with most of you I never figure labor costs. So in your case you would have to figure what a 1976 LF 340 is worth restored then start deducting things like a windshield, seat cover, crank seals, paint, decals, etc. If you're still with me you probably are thinking it's not worth much in its current condition and you would be right. That said, if you want to buy it for a rider and enjoy it the price you should pay would be higher. None the less in my humble opinion the sled as it sits is worth $100.00 to $150.00. Just my .02 worth.

WELL SAID DA
NOW! We need to get everyone thinking like this ! 98% of the people i buy sleds from through their teeth ! I am learning very quickly to just "walk away" and let them keep there RARE 79 trailfire or 80 liquifire Thing is If your patient you will come across a "good deal" now and then.. Just my thoughts

[harleysportster]

Another angle to figure out the price would be to look at the parts that are valuable.
-cover $50 +
-temp gauge if working $35 +
-seat foam $25-$50
-engine $50 +
-dual carb set-up $75 +
-working Speedo/tach $20 each
I would say no more than $250
low budget costs to restore:
$50 engine gaskets/Seals
$10 fuel lines and filters

[jeffreyrempel]

I appreciate everyones two cents. All of you have given good advice. I will consider your opinions when I look the sled over, and make a reasonable offer that I can live with.

[johnnycyclone]

One note for the US guys, we do seem to have a bit higher prices even on these type of sleds up here... Seeing as we all need them to replace our dog sled teams to get to our igloos for the hockey game

I payed $275 for a sled roughly in the same shape just a year or do ago but no cover or windshield.. So 350 should be fair with that cover.

I'd be happy to send you $75 for that for my 78 lf

That's a good point I hadn't considered, I was mainly thinking about what one would be worth in my area. So you have to take that into consideration also.