Fear the Deere
- Thread starter skiroule
- Start date
skiroule
Well-known member
Thanks guys! I was telling Elf the other day that I’m starting to smell victory on this thing. Talked to the seat guy last Monday and his exact words were: “You’ll have it by the end of January.” When that happens, the last piece of the puzzle will be in place.
It took me a while to decide on a sheen for the black. I had considered flat but glad I went with the satin. It was easy to spray, laid down really nice, and I also like the look.
I’m booked in! I’m planning on bringing two sleds for sure and if I can figure out how to load them relatively easily, I’d like to bring three. Hopefully that can happen. With much better snow than last year, the Boondocks event should be awesome. If I understand things correctly, the trail now runs right by the establishment.
pclark
Well-known member
Beautiful Skiroule!
skiroule
Well-known member
Sorry gang, nothing new to update on the project this time. I’m hoping the new seat will show up about a week and a half.
But not being one to let the shop set idle unnecessarily, I took the opportunity to mess with the 440 a little. Took the hood off to do a little hinge repair, replaced the fuel lines, and threw my old 340 seat on it.
Put gas back in it and she fired right up. Get the hood back on and mount a windshield and she’ll be ready for the trail.
But not being one to let the shop set idle unnecessarily, I took the opportunity to mess with the 440 a little. Took the hood off to do a little hinge repair, replaced the fuel lines, and threw my old 340 seat on it.
Put gas back in it and she fired right up. Get the hood back on and mount a windshield and she’ll be ready for the trail.
skiroule
Well-known member
Frustration is really setting in with the seat situation. The upholsterer assured me I’d have the seat by the end of January. Well, here we are in February and no seat in sight. He seems like a decent guy, I just wish people would give me a straight date. If you can’t meet it, give me one you can right up front. I can handle it. He’ll be getting a call this week.
So, to get my John Deere fix, I took the newly revitalized 440 out for its maiden voyage on the wind-blown Rainy River. What a blast, she’s a runner for sure! I can’t get over how well these sleds ride. It doesn’t surprise me that this chassis design did well in cross country races.
If it looks like temps were a little cool, they were, but what a joy to be out riding the old iron again.
So, to get my John Deere fix, I took the newly revitalized 440 out for its maiden voyage on the wind-blown Rainy River. What a blast, she’s a runner for sure! I can’t get over how well these sleds ride. It doesn’t surprise me that this chassis design did well in cross country races.
If it looks like temps were a little cool, they were, but what a joy to be out riding the old iron again.
mezz
Well-known member
Excellent! Those fan cooled engines love cold temps, snappy as snappy can be. I feel your frustration with promises that fall short. Don't tell me what you want me to hear, tell me the actual timeline, if your behind, say so. Time to crack the whip I guess. In the end, it will all be worth it though.
skiroule
Well-known member
I agree. Hope to take it on a more extended ride with a friend and his El Tigre' next week.
Yeah Mezz, these things are runnin’ lean and mean at sub-zero temps.
In a weird coincidence, I heard from the upholsterer today. He sent me a text because he had a question and he also included a photo of the work in progress. He said it will be done and shipped by Friday and I think he will make good. Had a feeling he felt kind of bad about the delay.
He actually has a mock-up chassis/tank setup he uses to build the foam. Think it will be awesome when it’s finished and like you said, well worth the wait.
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skiroule
Well-known member
Really happy to see the SpeeDee delivery van pull into the driveway today. Seat is in hand and it's going to look awesome on the sled.
Have to install snaps on the front tank corners (he lets the customer decide where they want to position the snaps). Also need to make new front seat retaining clips for the tunnel. The originals were so brittle they snapped just test fitting the seat. I should have thought about that sooner.
Will be working the weekend and when I get home those days, I’m just ready for a recliner, a hockey game, and a beer. But come Monday, or Tuesday at the latest, she will be on the snow. -25 temps be damned.
Have to install snaps on the front tank corners (he lets the customer decide where they want to position the snaps). Also need to make new front seat retaining clips for the tunnel. The originals were so brittle they snapped just test fitting the seat. I should have thought about that sooner.
Will be working the weekend and when I get home those days, I’m just ready for a recliner, a hockey game, and a beer. But come Monday, or Tuesday at the latest, she will be on the snow. -25 temps be damned.
I'm curious how he cut and shaped this foam. The last time I tried anything like that it turned out to be a horrible mess! The talent on this project is world class for all involved.
