New Sled Build for the Toronto Snow Show

[Maize]

OK...new batteries in camera.

Here is the pile of small pieces to take to Cool Concepts. I will be dropping those off tomorrow.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3021/5apr6.jpg

Here is the current state of the sled:

The track is out, the chaincase is off, the drive axle is out, the bracing is all removed and the skid is torn down.

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/9018/5apr1.jpg

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7714/5apr2.jpg

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/4049/5apr3.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/1481/5apr4.jpg

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/2421/5apr5.jpg

There are parts all over the place. LOL

Once I get this torn down, I have an F7 that I am stretching from a 128" to a 151". I have to make the tunnel extension after I get the tunnel straightened out and welded back together.

Those F7's, I must say do not take abuse very well. There are stress cracks all OVER the place in the tunnel.

[Maize]

I was never really happy with the way this sled looked. It just didn't fit my eye, so to speak.

It just never really came together for me...

So......if you don't like something, change it until you Doo....eh?

So Blade is coming apart and getting redone. I am still using the old Candy Apple Red powder coating, but adding more to it.

I will be adding a Sno-X steering post, more Cool Concepts flat-black powder coating, changing the running boards, adding VanAmburg edge rails, a new sled wrap from Jordan at Arctic FX, Tricked Toys billet accessories and changing the look of the rear skid a bit.

I will also be adding a Holtzman ATACC system to the RK Tech 827 and a whole new LED system.

I got the little pieces of stuff off the sled today to get to Cool Concepts.

Here is the current state:

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/1374/3apr1.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4640/3apr2.jpg

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/5245/3apr3.jpg

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/8493/3apr4.jpg

Here is the pile of stuff to go to Cool Concepts:

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/1243/3apr5.jpg

[Maize]

I got the rear suspension out tonight. Found that my offset axle bolt was broken off in the base. So it may take some machining to get it out.

I also got the snowflap off and the rear bumper off.

The camera batteries were dead tonight, so I don't have any pictures tonight. I will get some tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I will get the track, axle and chaincase out. I want to drop the front end out, the front support, the PTO 440X brace.

Wednesday, I want to disassemble the rear suspension. I want to change the color of the frame rails and throttle rods. I also want to put new bushings in the pivot points. They have 4 seasons on them. Time for fresh ones.

I also need to rebuild all the shocks. They are two seasons on those.

I am waiting on parts for the trailer. I ordered all the Floe trailer hinges, seals and trim. I also ordered up the 1" tubing and we are looking to 5' wide sheets. All that is left on that is the decking.

[Maize]

I got most of it torn down today. But my buddy called to play golf. I shot an 81, a 42 on the front, and 39 on the back. The short game was a little suspect from playing simulator golf all winter and no practice time on the real stuff this year yet.

Anyway, I should have all of it torn down tomorrow and off to Van @ Advanced Blasting to get cleaned up. Rick @ Cool Concepts is having surgery, but I want to get everything to him before he goes in. I won't have it back unti he can recover, but it will be there.

I got the gas tank drained, the oil tank drained, the engine out, the electronics out and the front end completely apart.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9435/10apr1.jpg

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/2323/10apr2.jpg

[Maize]

I got a ton of stuff back from the powder coater today.

So this coming weekend I should get the rear skid done back up and the shocks rebuilt.

I also have the Van Amburg edge rails ordered and I should get the tunnel/bulkhead ready for sand blasting this weekend.

I have a couple of weeks as Rick with Cool Concepts is going for surgery on Thurs.

I also got a new 440X steering post and front cooler from Walchbuilders today. Thanks Rod. I appreciate it.

Here is the stuff I got back today:

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/6660/11apr1.jpg

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/5792/11apr2.jpg

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2971/11apr3.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/5918/11apr4.jpg

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/4860/11apr5.jpg

[Maize]

I got the chassis stripped completely down.

I am going to be TIG'ing up some holes from the SC3 to SC4 swap a couple years back. I had a powder coated plate covering them up before.

The new look is going to be sleeker.

I order the VanAmburg running board edges.

Jordan got the new custom wrap done up. Here is what it is going to look like:

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6426/sledwrap.jpg

[Maize]

Got the chassis finished up today, and ready for the TIG. You can see all the holes that I am TIG'ing up. There were a lot of them from the SC3 to SC4 conversion, some that were factory, and some that got hogged out.

I decided to replace the rear piece because some chuckle-head last year rear-ended me in a parking lot. It was pretty bent up and somewhat straightened back out. They are only about $17 so I opted to just replace it.

The chassis it stripped down, and ready to go. Once the TIGing is complete, it will be sent to Van at Advanced Blasting. He will get it prepped and ready for Rick at Cool Concepts.

Here is the current state:

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/873/18apr1.jpg

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/4649/18apr2l.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/511/18apr3.jpg

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/5277/18apr4.jpg

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4397/18apr5.jpg

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/2694/18apr6.jpg

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/4343/18apr7.jpg

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/2306/18apr8.jpg

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/9602/18apr9.jpg

I have the last pile of powder coating to go. I am just waiting on a new 440 steering post from Walchbuilders and that is set to go.

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/8105/18apr11.jpg

[Maize]

I got the stuff today. Looks most excellent. Thanks, Rod.

This is the stuff I got from Rod today. I got the 440X steering post and the front cooler.

A bolt broke on the off-set axle last year and the front studs made some contact with the front cooler. Rather than take any chances, I got this one from Rod (Walchbuilders).

Here is the steering post, you can see the difference from the 440X post, to the X package post:

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/5250/22apr7.jpg

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/9941/22apr8.jpg

Here is the front cooler tht is going back in once it comes back from powder coating:

http://img807.imageshack.us/img807/8306/22apr9.jpg

[Maize]

I took today off, so got a lot done on the sled.

The welding is all done:

http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/1797/22apr1.jpg

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/5310/22apr2.jpg

http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/8427/22apr3.jpg

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/2731/22apr4.jpg

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/7004/22apr5.jpg

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/1556/22apr6.jpg

[Maize]

Here is all the welds ground down, and then sanded down. I spoke with Van at Advanced Blasting today. I will be dropping the chassis off to him tomorrow. I am also dropping off the trailer axles to be sandblasted.

I also spoke with Rick from Cool Concepts today. He is about ready to head back to the shop this coming week after his surgery.

Tomorrow, I am putting the rear skid back together.

Here is the welding complete:

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/1575/22apr10.jpg

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/4887/22apr11.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/8342/22apr12.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/514/22apr13.jpg

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/3421/22apr14.jpg

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/963/22apr15.jpg

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/5913/22apr16.jpg

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4112/22apr17.jpg

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/8314/22apr18.jpg

[Maize]

I didn't show it earlier, but all the holes were TIG'd from both sides. The ones around the drop brackets were ground down on both sides.

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6482/22apr19.jpg

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/4779/22apr20.jpg

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/669/22apr21.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2286/22apr22.jpg

[Maize]

OK...just got home from Advanced Blasting to drop off the chassis and trailer axles.

I should be able to pick them up later this week.

Looks everything is on schedule to have it done by Memorial Day weekend.

I want to take this sled and the PPR sled to Corvette Car Show. That will start the summer show season.

I want to have the trailer done by the 4th of July weekend.

I also got the new sled wrap from Jordan at Arctic FX today. Whoop! Whoop!

[Maize]

I got the rear skid done up this afternoon. I rebuilt both rear shocks and greased everything.

Every nut has loctite on it.

Here it is step-by-step:

http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/4047/23apr1.jpg

http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/2957/23apr2.jpg

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/2144/23apr3.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/9294/23apr4.jpg

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5466/23apr5.jpg

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/2757/23apr6.jpg

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/6738/23apr7.jpg

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/4950/23apr8.jpg

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/3954/23apr9.jpg

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/1866/23apr10.jpg

[Maize]

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/3253/23apr11.jpg

Here you can see my BC3 spacers on my GR-YL springs with a freshly rebuilt shock.

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/8315/23apr12.jpg

Here is the rear section. I don't have the offset axle in place as I have to drill and tap the broken bolt out. I am also waiting on Brian (from Tricked Toys) to come out with his new wheels this summer.

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9571/23apr13.jpg

Here is the final on the rear suspension:

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5299/23apr14.jpg

[Maize]

I got the new wrap from Jordan at Arctic FX last week. I just got a chance to strip the old wrap off, and install his new one tonight.

MAN!!! Can Jordan make some killer wraps, or WHAT??? The pictures don't even do it justice. It is a true candy red on the wrap and when the light hits it, it pops right off the panels.

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/4971/25apr1.jpg

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/5646/25apr2.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/8839/25apr3.jpg

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/5729/25apr4.jpg

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3929/25apr5.jpg

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/4038/25apr6.jpg

[Maize]

I got the chassis back tonight from Advanced Blasting.

I just need to get the tail piece added and am waiting on the VanAmburg edge rails. Once I get the edge rails done, I can get the XP supports added and then off to powder coating.

http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/8141/26apr1.jpg

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/555/26apr2.jpg

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/7950/26apr3.jpg

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/7440/26apr4.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7325/26apr5.jpg

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/7892/26apr6.jpg

[Maize]

I got the VanAmburg edge rails tonight.

I get off work early tomorrow, so I will fitting those up using the old rails as patterns.

I am trying something different on this sled. I got the bracing from an XP race chassis that I am going to modify to fit, and the under footwell bracing as well.

Once that is all fitted, then it is off to Cool Concepts for powder coating.

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/8186/27apr1.jpg

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/968/27apr2.jpg

[Maize]

Well. That XP RS bracing isn't going to work on a REV. Neither are the mid-bracing. The XP stuff is just too tall, and mounts in all the wrong locations.

So, I have those for sale in the 'For Sale' section if anyone is interested.

I got the VanAmburg rails fixed up, the 440X footwell braces fitted up and the steering post modified to fit the Sea-Doo riser.

Everything is ready to head to Cool Concepts Saturday morning for the final load of powder coating.

Here is everything fitted and ready to go.

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/9642/28apr1.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5086/28apr2.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/8149/28apr3.jpg

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/7935/28apr4.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/5665/28apr6.jpg

[Maize]

Well...the final load of powder coating from Cool Concepts is at home.

This weekend the re-assembly starts.

I am kind of anxious to see it completely done. I am still on target to have it done by Memorial Day.

There will be lots more photos to come of the progress. This is the FUN part....putting it back together.

Here is last of the trim stuff that needed to be done:

http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/9505/5may1.jpg

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/487/5may2.jpg

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7549/5may3.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/1951/5may4.jpg

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/41/5may5.jpg

That load had the VanAmburg edge rails, the snow eliminators, the 440X steering post, the footwell brackets, the footwell adjusters, the 440X footwell bracing, the drop brackets, clutch brace, engine support, the rear cap, the speedo sleeve, the chain case drain cover plate, the chain case spacer, clutch guard hold-down, steering arm boot hold-downs and the sway bar brackets.

Here is the chassis back. It is a slight wrinkle finish in flat black.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9559/5may6.jpg

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/3408/5may7.jpg

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/8761/5may8.jpg

Here I was playing around. I set the VanAmburg edge rails and Snow Eliminators in place:

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/3995/5may9.jpg

[Maize]

I was in the garage today working on the sled.

I got a bunch done today. I ran out of rivets so I order some more. I had enough to get the stuff 'roughed-in' and just need to finish the field and put the front cooler in place.

Here is where I am at today. I got the yard work done, some mulch put down and some weeding done.

http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/4108/7may1.jpg

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/9749/7may2.jpg

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/6463/7may3.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/918/7may4.jpg

http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/2554/7may5.jpg

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8242/7may6.jpg

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/214/7may7.jpg

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/9554/7may8.jpg

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7116/7may9.jpg

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/7272/7may10.jpg

[Maize]

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3282/7may11.jpg

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/1451/7may12.jpg

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/7421/7may13.jpg

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/3200/7may14.jpg

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/6880/7may15.jpg

[Maize]

If I wouldn't have run out of rivets, I would have gotten a ton more done.

It seems that I am jumping around alot on this, but I had to work around the stuff that needed rivets.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/8651/8may1.jpg

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4105/8may2.jpg

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/8759/8may3.jpg

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/2640/8may4.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/6259/8may5.jpg

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/5861/8may6.jpg

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/7586/8may7.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/2106/8may8.jpg

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/5411/8may9.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2906/8may10.jpg

[Maize]

I had today off because I have to work tomorrow. Got a lot of stuff done up today.

I got the motor in final, the reeds, carbs, Y-pipe, coolant hoses, front cooler, wiring harness, gauge pod, riser, handlebars, pyramidal supports, gas tank, rear trunk and the remainder of the sled wrap on.

We will be heading to my mom's house after I get off work on Sat. Last weekend didn't work out for Mother's Day so we are celebrating Mother's Day tomorrow with my mom.

So no work until Sunday on the sled. I am hoping to get the rear suspension in Sunday, along with the gears in the chaincase, the exhaust put in, the battery and remaining E-Start.

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/2526/13may1.jpg

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/53/13may2.jpg

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/4143/13may3.jpg

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/5634/13may4.jpg

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/6476/13may5.jpg

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1619/13may6.jpg

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/1231/13may7.jpg

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/8457/13may8.jpg

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/3065/13may9.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/1940/13may10.jpg

[Maize]

Ok. A bunch more done today. I don't have the sway bar plates that cover the access hole. I have to order a new set of them.

I can't put the front end on until I get those. You can't get the rivet gun in with the lower A-arms in place.

But I did get the track, drive axle, rear suspension, chaincase done (changed gearing to a 27/45 for more top end), brake caliper, battery case, starter wiring, front stabilizer bar and the RPM Composites skid plate back on today.

I also got some customer's stuff done up today.

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/2907/16may1.jpg

http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/1520/16may2.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/431/16may3.jpg

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/1995/16may4.jpg

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/9232/16may5.jpg

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/460/16may6.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/5989/16may7.jpg

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/1318/16may8.jpg

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/5504/16may9.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/959/16may10.jpg

[Maize]

I didn't get much done with customer's shocks going out this week.

I did get the new additions to my trail sled and my mountain sled, though.

Fuel Buddies..one for each sled. I am making them removable.

On the mountain sled with the 10.5 gallon main tank, 3.5 fuel caddy and 2 gallon fuel buddy...I will have 16 gallons on board. That is awesome range

You have to modify it some to fit the newer style REV trunks, but it is no big deal. You just have to make a hold down to attach it.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6089/17may1.jpg

[Maize]

Got the front shocks rebuilt and just couldn't wait.

I have the front end on it, and it is sitting on its own suspension. The upper ball joints are just finger tight as they have to come back off to put the rivet in for the sway bar plate.

http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/4496/22may1.jpg

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/1408/22may2.jpg

http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/1189/22may3.jpg

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/6203/22may4.jpg

[Maize]

Pretty much finished up Blade today. All that is left is to align the skis, adjust the handle bars, fill it with gas and oil and it is ready to fire up.

Here is what the big holdup was from....that little, tiny, one-rivet plate to cover the sway bar..UGHH!!!!

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/5797/done1k.jpg

Anyway, here is the completed sled. Next weekend it will be at the Cedar Rapids Corvette Club car show. This one and the pink sled will be there.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7728/done3.jpg

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/8113/done5.jpg

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/4482/done6q.jpg

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/3103/done7.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/7760/done8.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/6061/done9.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2219/done4fi.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4027/done2f.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/1701/done10b.jpg

[Maize]

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/4148/done11.jpg

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/7661/done12.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/1411/done14a.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/4205/done15.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/2558/done17.jpg

[Maize]

Well, today I got the following done:

Gas in the tank

Oil in the tank

Started up the sled and let it run a couple of times to heat cycle the engine

Filled up the coolant and let engine burp to get all the air out of the system

Filled the chain case

Bled the brakes

Set the track tension

Aligned the skis

It is ready to go....BONZAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did notice that the bulb in the temp gauge is out, so I will have to fix that.

[Maize]

The sled is now completely done!!!

I got the new design Tricked Toys wheels in the mail today.

Monday goes to Wayne Davis Photography with model Rachel Vorwerk. I can't WAIT!!!

Here are the pictures of Brian's new wheels:

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/2329/trickedtoys1.jpg

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1783/trickedtoys2.jpg

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/2008/trickedtoys3.jpg

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/37/trickedtoys4.jpg

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/5804/trickedtoys5.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4272/trickedtoys7x.jpg