Liquidator

[DeereKid9]

I just picked up my Liquidator after months of waiting and not knowing what shape she was going to be in or even look like.

We bought it from Tom Otte and I have feelers out to see/hear more of the history of this sled. Jesse Babler filled me in on the history quite a bit and I am in the process of finding out all I can.

Here is what I have been told about her already:

Raced in the 76 I 500 by James Zimmer, but no times are recorded in the archives at winnepegtostpaul.com
Owned by another gentleman who I am trying to make contact with.
Was in a fire and sustained alot of damage, hence the new tunnel.
Looks to have a major restoration already, I think by a very famous restorer with alot of street credit for doing race sleds.

The hood is certainly an eye catcher and is still owned by Tom Otte. A replacement hood is on its way.
The seat is an aftermarket seat made for X-country racing. It has kinda grown on me but an original looking one is in my plans.
It will be able to ride for the sake of moving it around only I think. Who knows?

So, here are some pics and if anyone has any inside info (Jesse) please le me know. I do not want to represent this sled to be aything more than she actually is.

Bob

[fastl82vette]

Looks good!! That seat looks comfy new hood and seat and she will be a beaut!!!

[DeereKid9]

Thanks,

The seat is actually very comfy and just shows that some adjustments are needed to make the ride bearable.

[snowkat79]

Nice sled Bob!!! Excellent buy!

[JDGuy]

Hall of Fame, Robert Carlson Induction

[JDT]

That seat has cred in my book.

I would keep it.

[80spitfire]

Sweet!! Couldn't think of a better place for a Dator to go to!

-Brian

[WinnipegStPaul9]

The sled is also pictured on Page 2 of the new book by Ron Leonard and Dick Teal. "John Deere Snowmobiles"

DA

[pkehrer]

Jim Zimmer owned the John Deere dealership in Lakeville, MN It was called the Deere Trail I wondered if that was painted anywhere on that hood. He owned it in the mid 70's into the mid 80's. I believe it was raced in the 76 I-500 but I don't believe he finished. He was a pilot and he was killed in a 2 person plane crash while giving flying lessons. He still has family in the area if you need some contact info I could try to get you some names and numbers.

[DeereKid9]

Thank you all for the comments. I am sorry to hear of his passing. It certainly would have been something to talk to him.
If you think his family wouldn't mind, I would love to talk to them.

Here is a picture of the hood that shows exactly what you figured. Also, as you look at the picture of the hood, in the top right near the windshield, there is a silver rectagular sticker. It is a Lakeville bicycle license/registration. Along with the huge hunter orange license plate.

Thanks you for the great info.

Bob

[Matt]

Bob, are you putting on a normal hood or have you thought about having it painted to match this one as-raced?

JDGuy thanks for posting that, I knew I saw the sled before but couldn't remember where.

[DeereKid9]

Matt,

I am sooo thinking this over. My original thoughts were to take the new hood, paint it to match Tom Otte's 77 hood with the number 4 on it. Tom finished 4th in points in the 76 ICCSF series. And most importantly, have his permission and blessings to do it.

But, now after seeing it, it kind of grows quickly on me. I guess I have to remember, it is a re-build and I can't pass it off as original.

80% sure it will be the #4

Bob

[TASKY]

Uhhg, Dont strip it of its HERITAGE, DIGNITY, IDENTITY. Only to be cast off in a sea of anonymous cookie cutter Dators. You see how everyone remembers that sled, it has CHARISMA. Look at the awesome information you have disovered in such a short amount of time because of the machines KATRA. It is more than a number. It is and will always be the John Zimmer sled. I imagine Tom's 77 still exists thats the number 4 sled not this one.

Having seen the quality of sleds that have been created by the house of Amber I am certain whichever way you go with the sled it will be tasteful. It is your sled to do what you will.

Perhaps I will clone this sled with one of mine. Long Live Yellow Fever!!!!

[DeereKid9]

Tasky, you are not making this decision easy. Lol. But I fully understand your points.

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[TASKY]

Ole Yellar...