Bolens Diablo Rouge and Hus Ski Discussion Forums

Thanks Barrie ,I saw that done at Port W. Going to have to fix that problem.

Moving along on this project. Got the decals on this week.

I did something a little different with the gas tank. At Port Washington I saw quite a few machines that repairs were made on there straps for the gas tank. When I got my 444, the straps were also broken. This looks to be a problem as the strap material seems to be such a thin gauge metal. I didn't want to deal with a repair in the future if a strap failed, thus having to damage my new paint job and decals. I came up with an option for mounting, although not stock I think it was a good upgrade. I made a mounting plate to be bolted to the firewall with 3 S.S. 1/4 inch button head bolts.It was cut and holes drilled in it to clear all existing holes in the firewall. Then I made a pair of new straps out of .125 thick X .75 wide material.( the original mat. was only .070 thick X .75 wide) Then with the plate bolted in position, lined up the straps and tank on the handle bars and tacked the new straps in place. Removed for final welding and paint.This gives me an assembly to take in and out with 3 bolts if ever a problem and never worry about damaging the dash area in the future. Not stock but fits and assembles very nice. It wasn't hard to make, the base plate took a little thought.

The handle bars are completely finished.

The hood is finished and looking awesome.

My original skid bars were getting rotten. Time for some new maple.

Things are coming together nicely. The parts pile is getting smaller.
Here you can see the 3/8" rod I laid in the fender profile to reinforce the edge. I raised the fender 3/4" when installing it. There should be good clearance.

I decided to make a set of track supports for 2 reasons. They are completely functional and they will help with the track slap on the underside of fender, so the tracks hopefully won't beat up my new paint job so fast.

Finally finished the brake assembly. Sandblasting, paint and new pads. Ready for action.

Moving along with assembly. Hope to be done soon.