I have never been into car restoration but this would be to much fun for me to pass up. I too will be looking forward to updates. That thing looks like a blast!
Those things are workhorses. Used by all the resorts at Lake of the Woods to haul people, move fish houses, propane tanks, etc. Looking forward to more pictures as you progress.
Thanks all of the interest. I got a lot of the rotten wood off on Thursday but I was forced to go on an ice fishing trip to Lake of the Woods yesterday so not much else was accomplished. I'll grab some progress pics when I go out there this morning. I have family up from Colorado so it won't be all work this weekend. I'll answer a few of the questions that I remember.
This one travels nice on the trails at 30mph. It will go faster but the rpm's start getting up there for sustained periods.
It's not and never will be for sale. I'm looking for a second one.
I have a twin tracked groomer style machine for the tractor duties so this one is for pure enjoyment.
I took a ride on one of those back in '57. My dad has the pics, my dad took me up on the Columbian Icefields at Jasper AB then, and I can still remember riding on those bench seats and the steep rate of climb as we ascended the glacier. I was 3 years old. One of my earliest memories.
"I'm gonna have to science the schit out of this." Mark Watney, Sol 59, Mars
There is no other machine like them in the world. They aren't a deep powder rig but out here in the frozen prairie, they work perfect. I was aware of them but never rode in one until about seven years ago. I was hooked and my passion for tracked snow machines was born. I've had this one for three years and my tractor for about six.
I had a little time to do more tear-down today. I sure wish I was a body guy. I can build a house, rebuild an engine or weld x-ray pipe, but be damned if I can get this bodywork & paint down pat. Pics are downloading and will be here soon.
I pulled off the read door which is steel and peeled off the rotted wood from the back of the machine. I still have a bit of trimming to do but these were the panels that needed replacing.
A little demo and sanding on the front panels.
A new HEI spark thrower that has been machined to fit a sb Chrysler. This will be a big step up from the old points dist that was wore out.
I pulled off some cleats on each side so when I roll the bus forward I can have enough room to slide the axles out for the differential replace/rebuild.
My new LED lights showed up today! I got a couple spots & a couple floods for the front. I'll see how these work out and add more for other areas if needed. I will definitely need tail lights and probably at least one back-up light.
63 year old original Bombardier tire. It may be checked up but I still trust it. Try that with a tire built today in 63 years.....
I need to start researching my fillers and coatings for the reassembly of this old-timer. Thanks again for looking and I'll try to answer any questions that I can.