Search results

It’s August. The dog days of summer are here, the Outlaw Grass Drags are coming up fast, and Hay Days is only a few weeks away, so it only seems appropriate to fire off an initial project post. The first step in the master plan was the Cyclone teardown. Having done a couple speeds the process...

I’m planning on that being a part of posts on this thread, at least to the extent that it adds some value. I used to claim that all one needed for one of these projects was an impact wrench and a can of WD-40. Obviously, there’s more to it than that but they are essential. I think I’ve talked...

Gary, it’s unlikely I will ever get to attend this event in person but your reports really give me a sense of what it would be like. Thanks again for posting this series of updates. It’s something I look forward to every year.

Settle into a comfortable chair guys, it’s likely to be a long run, with an as yet to be written ending. I hope it’s OK but I plan to get down into the details a little more on this project with a lot of photos. There may be someone out there that is contemplating their first vintage sled...

There were two basic configurations. The SS models had the wedge seat while the non-SS Firebirds and the Thunderbirds had seats like the one in the photo. The Thunderbird also had an under-seat storage compartment. As was the case with many sleds of the day, I think it held about 24 cans.

Rider position does feel low but I suppose that if I was the age I was when the sled was new, I’d think nothing of it. Speaking of low seats, last winter I mounted the seat and windshield I took off the 76 Cyclone on the 77. It’s funny how just a couple of things can change the look of a sled...

Mezz, when you say “improve the seat” I’m assuming you mean in function. If so, you’ll get no argument from me there. When I put that nice, thick Liqudator style seat on the Cyclone last year it was like sitting on a completely different sled. The same could be said for the Mutt, for which I...

Gary, I think I'm gonna need a bigger refrigerator. I think I got lucky to find this one at a fair price. 95% of the work will be cosmetic, which is the fun stuff for me. I will tear it down some, as the hood and pan both need some repair but I see no need to pull the motor. I’m also hoping to...

I really only have a couple of vintage sleds left in the current inventory that I have tagged as projects I’d like to get done. As I was weighing which one might be the next project, it hit me: “Why not try to do a build-off challenge with both this season?” This is a bold goal on my part...

Nice! It's going to be an awesome time!

This is a really excellent point. I never think of the vintage sledding side of the sport as living in the past but rather, as reminding us of the memories we have of our early sledding years and equally important, preserving the history of a unique period of time that really was the foundation...

You guys sure know how to poke the bear….but in a good way. I had to make a trip to the house tonight and your questions/comments motivated me to go out to the shop and assess the situation. I looked at what might be possible and what might not, potential parts issues, and possible dead ends. A...

You might need a new jacket but if you still have the red helmet, I think you’re covered there. I do seem to recall though, that you had to retire it eventually.

The size of this event is just mind-boggling.

Good call, two for two. Oh, and a little fishing from time to time. Thanks for asking and nope, you haven't missed anything. The Cyclone/“Liquidator Pretender” project last year was a lot of fun and I really liked how it came out so I figured that would be a good place to wrap up my major...

It's going to be a very happy new year! I think a lot of retired people will back me on this, once you're retired you'll wonder how you ever had time to work. Enjoy!

Great shots, and happy summer as well! I've been wondering how summer is going for everyone. It's been fairly quiet on the site so I took that as a sign the people are having a very busy summer. As usual, I've taken on a lot of summer projects at the house and the cabin so boredom is never a...

Good One :D:D Smoke was bad again the last couple of days and is pretty bad today. Smoke isn't affecting these guys. They have been fishing this point across the bay for several evenings. They must be catching something. Fish or not, they’re getting treated to some impressive red sunsets.

Happy Birthday Steve!

Amazing how widespread this stuff is and how thick it gets at times. This can't be good for people with lung/breathing issues. Much better in NW Minnesota/Ontario the last couple of days but still hazy and you can still smell smoke. Don't know if getting some rain would help but there is none...