84' Snowfire

[idMXLT]

This trailer load of strays followed me home today. 3 JD's (Snowfire, Trailfire 440, 500) and a Skidoo Elan SS!




The 500 is for a friend, the Trailfire will donate its engine to my Trailfire LX, but the Snowfire has the following # tag.



Based on the JDSleds info, I think that makes it a 1984 model! I've got to decide what to do with it now. I need another project like I need a hole in my head . And it needs some serious work since the previous owner pulled the top end off to freshen it up (at 680ish miles) and left it open to the weather. But it has a good track on it, has low miles, and I've wanted a Deere DD sled for a looooooong time.


Decisions decisions....

[smitfire]

I'd definitely have a good bottom end for that snow fire.

[idMXLT]

Might need to take you up on that. Right now I'm reading up on the Kawi free air engines since I've never owned one. Are the TB340A engines interchangeable between the 1980+ Spitfires and the Snowfire?

[smitfire]

Yes and no. A lot of parts interchange. A lot of small differences like exhaust manifold, carb, Intake, heads?

[idMXLT]

It's been dark by the time I get home every day since I got this thing, but I finally snapped some more pics with a flashlight. Jeez, I must of had the beer goggles on when I started dreaming of restoring this thing!!






And the worst of it....what a shame




So, in summary: Lower end is locked up and would need a fresh crank at a minimum, cylinders are flaking and need to be replated, it's missing the carb and intake, seat needs to be recovered, decals are ratty, and the hood is banged up. I might just get a good running engine in it and use it as-is for a few years, maybe restore it when I find a good hood. At least it's stored inside now and is drying out.

[sledhead16]

The 84 is definitely worth saving, and you can work on it as you go, neat to own something that is so low production. even if it takes 5 years, a little work here and there, you'd have something pretty neat. put some pics on the john deere facebook group as well as many "new members" frequent that.

[SS440-80]

Is there a problem...?? I can just see a lot of fun in those pics, innovation possibilities

[idMXLT]

The 84 is definitely worth saving, and you can work on it as you go, neat to own something that is so low production. even if it takes 5 years, a little work here and there, you'd have something pretty neat. put some pics on the john deere facebook group as well as many "new members" frequent that.

It certainly is worth saving, and I will. I was initially hoping to restore it this snow season, but now I'm thinking I'll just put a running engine in it and enjoy it for a few years with "patina" . Once I collect up the needed parts she'll get the full teardown, cleanup, and resto.

[acesillini06]

Definitely worth saving. I have a NOS engine, hood and belly pan for it if you're interested. Also a good used seat or freshly recovered one. Let me know.
-Matt Cappel
815 762 6868

[idMXLT]

Definitely worth saving. I have a NOS engine, hood and belly pan for it if you're interested. Also a good used seat or freshly recovered one. Let me know.
-Matt Cappel
815 762 6868

I love the internet! Here I am with a low build # sled thinking it's going to take years to accrue the parts for a proper restoration and then this

I'll be in touch Matt!

[AirborneX4Special]

The global garage sale is arguably the best part of the interwebs.