Hopefully using a pneumatic rivet gun and not by hand, may end up with carpal tunnel from all the riveting you've done in past and doing now LOL!!
Chaparral vs John Deere: A Build-Off Challenge
- Thread starter skiroule
- Start date
I had the same thought. That Knucklebuster that I have would have me cramping up after the first or second cleat!
skiroule
Well-known member
That wide track would be an awesome machine for pulling a portable fish house or a sled full of firewood.
Yes, I do use an air riveter
. These are 1/2" stainless steel rivets and those of you that have pulled both aluminum and stainless steel know how much more force the stainless require. I use a fairly inexpensive Central Pneumatic unit from Harbor Freight but it's still working after hundreds of rivets. I don't know if the Harbor Freight line of products would be up to use by someone in the trades but for occasional use by a hacker like me, they've been more than adequate. I've purchased several tools there at a modest price and have had zero problems with any of them.
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skiroule
Well-known member
Wow, what a change in weather! 87 yesterday and 49 this evening.
Still focusing on the Cyclone.
Got the front cross member mounted, dash in, skis on and all the steering components hooked up. Might have to tweak the alignment a little but to say these aren’t a precise steering sled would be an understatement so it can’t be made perfect.
You’ve all seen this movie before so I’m not going to say much about this other than it’s done! I did keep three cleats that had been replaced before so they weren’t worn as badly as the others.
Now I need to regroup and plan the next move. Definitely need to order more Cyclone parts so I may break off and work on the Chaparral a little.
Still focusing on the Cyclone.
Got the front cross member mounted, dash in, skis on and all the steering components hooked up. Might have to tweak the alignment a little but to say these aren’t a precise steering sled would be an understatement so it can’t be made perfect.
You’ve all seen this movie before so I’m not going to say much about this other than it’s done! I did keep three cleats that had been replaced before so they weren’t worn as badly as the others.
Now I need to regroup and plan the next move. Definitely need to order more Cyclone parts so I may break off and work on the Chaparral a little.
skiroule
Well-known member
While they probably didn't get the miles of modern sled but with few, if any groomed trails, these tracks took a beating. Plus, one has to keep in mind that a track like this one is just about 50 years old and like it does with all of us, time takes its toll
The Mean Green metallic and black is a sharp combination. This color was a big departure from the traditional John Deere green and while it was used on the 76 and 77 Cyclones, it was actually previewed on the 1975 340/S models.
Apologies for a bit of history here. The 340/S was an interesting sled. In addition to the green color, the chassis design became the basis for the Cyclone/Liquifire/Liquidator series for 1976. Around 1000 340/S models were built, most of which ended up in the hands of racers.
With the 340 motor it was legal for the Winnipeg to St. Paul race and it proved to be remarkably durable. Of the 22 sleds that finished the race in 1975, 12 were 340/S sleds. In spite of the fact that it was heavier than a lot of sleds, it moved pretty well for its weight. At one point during the 75 race, the highway patrol clocked Roger Janssen at 84 mph. For a stock, 340 in a heavy sled, that’s not bad.
John Deere didn’t win the race in 75 but they built on what they learned with the 340/S and went on to win it in 76 with a 340 Liquidator.
skiroule
Well-known member
One of the funniest stories ever! Surprised he is still alive.
skiroule
Well-known member
Haven’t had much in the way of project time lately. Busy time of year and with the warm fall weather we’ve decided to extend our time at the lake until Halloween.
I have been ordering parts and working on reconditioning the Chaparral skis. Even though the skis looked to be in decent shape, it’s surprising how long it takes to get all the pieces rust-free and painted.
Hoping to have something to report soon. In the meantime, I’m not saying anything about this.
I have been ordering parts and working on reconditioning the Chaparral skis. Even though the skis looked to be in decent shape, it’s surprising how long it takes to get all the pieces rust-free and painted.
Hoping to have something to report soon. In the meantime, I’m not saying anything about this.
"extended time at the lake" lucky you!!! killed us to close up our trailer when it was in the 70's outside, one of these days mother nature will slap us square in the face...hopefully "I'm not saying anything about this"... a John Deer, Chapparal....Kawasaki build off? the suspense mounts
Looks like Mezz wins the six pack of Hamms.
You know, if a guy kept his garage door closed, these things wouldn't keep following him home!
You know, if a guy kept his garage door closed, these things wouldn't keep following him home!
skiroule
Well-known member
Mezz is close enough to get the coveted 6 pack of Hamm’s award. It’s actually a 1980 Intruder 440. And yes, these things do have a way of following a person home.
"extended time at the lake" lucky you!!! killed us to close up our trailer when it was in the 70's outside, one of these days mother nature will slap us square in the face...hopefully "I'm not saying anything about this"... a John Deer, Chapparal....Kawasaki build off? the suspense mounts
LOL, even I’m not dumb enough to try three in a year. It’s a runner, fires right up on a spray bottle. My first thought was “I’m just going to ride this one.” Can’t help but think about the potential though, guess I'll have a year to ponder it.
It’s been quite a few years since we’ve had a fall this nice and it looks to continue until at least the end of the month. We’ll take it. This was October 14th three years ago,
few years back we had a freak 6" snowfall here on Halloween, the grass has been relentless this year, people still mowing and leaves are just starting to fall and I mean JUST starting. By this time I like to be on snowblowers at shop but we haven't even started on them, i get very uncomfortable this time of year when grass still growing. Have to keep what people are still using going but know we are knocking on the door of snow. People can put off grass if equipment in shop but snow??? absolutely zero patience when the snowblower doesn't work LOL
Ah, those were the days, lol.
heckler56
Well-known member
I’ll be waiting with
skiroule
Well-known member
Not huge progress but progress did occur.
Got the tank cleaned up and painted and finished the dash install so I could set the dash plate, tachometer, and speedometer in place. Next task will be a big one - Installing the chain case, track, track driveshaft, and jack shaft.
Also got the Chaparral ski components blasted, sanded, and primed. I only had enough top coat paint to do the skis so the springs and mounting hardware will have to wait until more paint arrives.
The skis had a little rust and a lot of paint damage but I did no straightening on these skis at all. It’s hard to believe that a pair of skis that have been on a sled for over 50 years have held up this well.
Got the tank cleaned up and painted and finished the dash install so I could set the dash plate, tachometer, and speedometer in place. Next task will be a big one - Installing the chain case, track, track driveshaft, and jack shaft.
Also got the Chaparral ski components blasted, sanded, and primed. I only had enough top coat paint to do the skis so the springs and mounting hardware will have to wait until more paint arrives.
The skis had a little rust and a lot of paint damage but I did no straightening on these skis at all. It’s hard to believe that a pair of skis that have been on a sled for over 50 years have held up this well.