Yellow Fever

These posts document restoration experiences of our members
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randys444
Posts:95
Joined:Fri Apr 22, 2016 6:43 pm
Yellow Fever

Post by randys444 » Thu Apr 28, 2016 10:47 am

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My name is Randy and as of 4/16/16 I`m the proud owner of a 1965 hus-ski 444. My brother and I just finished restoring our grandfathers 1965 hus-ski 600. We got it out on the snow for the 1st time, looked at each other and said "what are we going to work on next." Thanks to Bruce, he answered that question by selling me the 444.
The 444 is going to need lots of T.L.C. When my brother Mark and I get done, it will be a happy machine. We are both looking forward to having two hus-skis to show off next winter.
I would like to thank Bruce for selling me the 444 and passing his knowledge on to so many people, my brother Mark for helping me find Bruce and giving me the yellow fever and lastly my wife for encouraging me to get involved in another project.
Let the hus-skis roll.
Bring on the snow

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randys444
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Joined:Fri Apr 22, 2016 6:43 pm

444 pre tear down

Post by randys444 » Mon Aug 08, 2016 5:49 pm

Pics before I get started tearing apart my 444.
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randys444
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Lots of parts

Post by randys444 » Mon Aug 08, 2016 5:53 pm

Had a busy day of taking apart the hus-ski today. The motor is in the shop all taken apart and waiting for gaskets for reassembly.
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randys444
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Joined:Fri Apr 22, 2016 6:43 pm

rebuilding 444 frame

Post by randys444 » Thu Dec 01, 2016 10:23 pm

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This looked like the best way to go about this process.
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I cut the frame apart to install the new fender.
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Somewhere along its life , this 444 got painted orange
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starting work on frame
Last edited by randys444 on Sat Dec 17, 2016 7:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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randys444
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Old frame with new fender.

Post by randys444 » Thu Dec 01, 2016 10:53 pm

This was quite a job but I was very happy with the end result. It has been a very busy fall with lots of late nights, but I am finally getting caught up enough to get back to posting pictures again. I have made lots of new parts which I will be sharing soon.
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I tucked a 3/8 rod under the rib of the fender and welded it in. Hope this reinforces the light material. It helped hold a straighter edge. Looks nice.
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Dont know if I did the right thing, but I raised the fender 3/4 inch so I should have track clearance.
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The top motor mount was very rusty. I was close to replacing it, but saved the original.
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randys444
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Joined:Fri Apr 22, 2016 6:43 pm

Rebuilding rear axles

Post by randys444 » Thu Dec 01, 2016 11:19 pm

My rear axle was bent and bearing surfaces were wore down.The old hubs were also bad.
These are my new 2016 hus-ski hubs.
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The old hubs didn't run true, causing the wheels to wobble bad when turning.
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These are the 2 new rear hubs I machined.
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I machined a new rear axle out of 4140 prehard. Old and new sitting together.
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Last edited by randys444 on Thu Dec 01, 2016 11:47 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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randys444
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Rebuilding front axle

Post by randys444 » Thu Dec 01, 2016 11:40 pm

The front axle shaft had bad bearing surfaces. I machined a replacement. The front axle tube wheel mounts were not welded on straight. Also causing the front wheels to wobble so bad they hit the frame. I put the axle assy. in my lathe and machined off .020 on the mounting surfaces to tru them up. This helped alot , now they spin perfectly straight. I also took off .030 on the inside off the front wheels to create better frame clearance. Plus this helped make the overall width very close to the rear axle.
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Front and rear axles turn perfectly straight now. Should operate very smoothly.
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Roy Teske
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Joined:Mon Feb 25, 2008 7:29 pm
Location:Gatineau, Quebec

Re: Yellow Fever

Post by Roy Teske » Fri Dec 02, 2016 8:29 pm

Nice work Randy. I'm always amazed at how guys with experience and talent can machine and build the parts to restore our old machines. Look forward to watching your progress and seeing you in Port Washington. Roy

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randys444
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Joined:Fri Apr 22, 2016 6:43 pm

New 2016 hus-ski jackshaft

Post by randys444 » Sat Dec 03, 2016 12:41 pm

When I tore down the 444, I noticed the secondary clutch was very loose on the jackshaft. On inspecting the jackshaft, it was worn down .012 on the diameter where the clutch rides. Also woodruff keyway was loose, and the splines for the 9 tooth sprocket and brake disc were in poor condition. The internal bore on the salsbury clutch was wore out .010 and the keyway inside was also very bad. The first thing I did was buy a 9 tooth sprocket and brake disc from Bruce. These are very nice parts. Then I bought some .875 dia. 4140 prehard material and started machining a new jackshaft. I did all the lathe work on the splined end then went to get the splines cut. I have a connection with a shop that cuts splines and gears. This person is a one man show, 75 yrs old with old machines, but is very talented and does great work. After that process I bored out the salsbury clutch .025 oversize to make it round and straight internally. then I finished turning the jackshaft to match. They fit together nicely. All is good again.
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I have connections with a shop that can cut splines. He did a perfect job, the shaft was custom fit to match Bruces sprocket and brake disc. He cut the splines a little far into my bearing surface, but isn't a problem. The shaft assembled nicely. I am lucky because this shop had the correct cutting tool for this size spline.
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The diameter where the clutch rides,I made .025 oversize. This is because I bored out the clutch .025 to make it round and straight again. It was the only way to save it, but worked out nicely. the 2 parts fit together beautifuly with no play.
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The old shaft was a descent pattern. I had to figure out some of the worn dimensions. The keyway was purposely moved to engage in a good spot on the clutch.
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randys444
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Joined:Fri Apr 22, 2016 6:43 pm

New 2016 hus-ski jackshaft

Post by randys444 » Sat Dec 03, 2016 12:47 pm

A couple more pictures of the shaft
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With the new 9 tooth sprocket
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With the new brake disc
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