skiroule
Well-known member
While it’s New Years eve, I thought the real celebration would be the completion of both sleds but the Chaparral didn’t cooperate.
The SSX was missing the rear shock when I bought it and on a lot of vintage sleds this wouldn’t normally be a big deal but on the this sled, it’s a coil over unit that provides some of the spring loading. Crack the throttle without it and the lack of ski pressure will make you a wheelie legend.
I wasn’t too concerned because I thought I had a line on a stock shock and lower mounting shaft but a week or so ago that deal fell through. The only realistic solution was to try to come up with an alternative shock and mounting setup.
Finding a shock with the right length (ride height) and spring load has been trial and mostly error. I’m basically winging it here since I have no idea of the original shock characteristics, other than a rough length estimate. The first two choices I ordered weren’t right but I’m hoping the third one that should arrive sometime late next week will work.
Originally, I thought the suspension was in good enough shape to leave as is but you know me. Since I had to pull it, I figured I might as well tear it down, do a little cleaning/painting and grease things up.
Anyway, Happy New Year everyone
The SSX was missing the rear shock when I bought it and on a lot of vintage sleds this wouldn’t normally be a big deal but on the this sled, it’s a coil over unit that provides some of the spring loading. Crack the throttle without it and the lack of ski pressure will make you a wheelie legend.
I wasn’t too concerned because I thought I had a line on a stock shock and lower mounting shaft but a week or so ago that deal fell through. The only realistic solution was to try to come up with an alternative shock and mounting setup.
Finding a shock with the right length (ride height) and spring load has been trial and mostly error. I’m basically winging it here since I have no idea of the original shock characteristics, other than a rough length estimate. The first two choices I ordered weren’t right but I’m hoping the third one that should arrive sometime late next week will work.
Originally, I thought the suspension was in good enough shape to leave as is but you know me. Since I had to pull it, I figured I might as well tear it down, do a little cleaning/painting and grease things up.
Anyway, Happy New Year everyone