Vintage rides

Read more...

I am done with my garage work for now, so I can start working on the projects again. Last week I started making the shop press. It's going to be double column 12 ton press with hydraulic jack. Frame is welded together, now I need to make a base for it and the ram. After that's done I can deal with suspension parts and engines for the sleds:) Pictures are coming.
Read more...

Working on my garage winterizing
I need to winterize my garage before it gets too cold. I need to paint the ceiling (it’s primed already) and make some shelves. Then I can continue on the projects again:)

Read more...

I am working on insulating my garage right now, so didn't have much time for the projects. Managed to finish all welding and grinding on the frame and primed it with Tremclad Rust Primer.

Here are some pictures of the frame:







Read more...

Traded some motorcycle parts to this 1975 Puch Maxi moped, it has E50 single speed engine: runs pretty good;) I need to make more pictures...
Read more...

I was planning to paint the frame last weekend, but didn't have any time:( Also, I need to figure out seat mounting - bolting it on frame isn't the best way... I want somethinf different. Need to think:)

Decided to spend some time on steering parts: I left skis assembled, but the skis themselves are scrap metal, so I needed to separate useful parts. I have to admit, they fighted me hard. My victory cost me a few dulled drill bits, broken table (broke the corner with the vice), and sore hands...
Here is the result of using wrench extension:
Reinforced vice:)



Rust is number one enemy of any sled restorer. Surface rust isn't that bad, but then it works like a retainer of axles, bolts, etc. - it's terrible!!! It took me a good couple hours to dissassemble those ski legs... Bolts had to be drilled out. Now they are ready to go in rust removal bath...

Result of drilling...


Read more...

I added new section to the blog: manuals. Here you can find Ski-Doo shop and parts manuals. I will try to figure out how to make them downloadable...
Read more...

Spent some time clearing the room on the floor in the garage. Assembled Elan takes much more space then parts bins:) I can continue work on the frame now.



I was doing ongoing inspection during the disassembly: most of the parts are in better shape then those I had. When I was picking the sled up I felt that it wasn't smoothly rolling on the track and I found the cause: the left axle bearing was destroyed and inner race of the bearing wore the axle beyond repair. Gear case isn't damaged.


Frame got some damage in the tank area and some rust on the tunnel - not too bad.


Bogies' tires are worn and 2 bogies shafts are in bad shape. One is reusable.
Track is original, but cracked badly. Everything else is in useable shape. Just some cleaning and repainting.




Read more...

Worked hard a couple nights and now Elan needs only seat...

Did I mention, that I worked hard in front of my computer searching local ads for cheap sleds? I missed one really nice Elan - dirt cheap... And found this 1973 model (manufactured in Feb. 1972) for sale. For the fair price I got it home yesterday: now I have plenty of spares:) Mechanically it's in better shape then my first one and I will use some parts to complete the first project, then, maybe, I will restore this one.
So, now I got second motor with good compression; the hood (poor shape, but fixable); clutch/brake/gear assembly; steering is in really good shape. Will check bogies - maybe they are in better shape as well.
Here are some pictures:

















Read more...