Bolens Diablo Rouge and Hus Ski Discussion Forums

Well here I go again, as I start the restoration of my Diablo 502 a fine specimen i picked up from Bruce last fall.As you guys know get ready for lots of pictures as will document the steps of the restoration as I did with the Hus Ski restoration.Many of you guys commented that you enjoyed the full pictorial progress of my Hus Ski restoration.I started to do the tear down on July 11th with the air on in the shop as it was one of those 100 deg days.The engine was already removed by Bruce as to confirm some things when i bought it from him last fall.

Well i don't know what was worse taking apart tires from boogies or the tear down of the Hus Ski track for the cleats I will admit they both SUCK!Most of the boogies were ok but i have MANY spares!!All and all this unit is in great shape and was tore down in two days.The hood needed a few welds,the exhaust was fine.The body no issues just straighten the front panel behind the front bumper.The tracks are ok but will need new lacing and rivets.I have not opened the chain case but it turns very easy on the bench even have oil leaking out out of it,This is a good sign!The two front drives and a new set of skies have been ordered from Barrie.I will need to talk to Bruce as i work up a list but a seat will be one of the big ticket items that will be needed i hope he has a real good used one???The seater frame needed some welding as well.I did forget to document the size or take a pic of the seat hinges if someone can help me with that as i would like to send for paint next weekend.


Sean Mullin

A few questions to the guys?I have a small crack on the front nose cone that the head lights sit in, have any of you repaired these and what repair has worked the crack is on the top edge were it will be seen?What size is the hinge that goes on the seater?I will be taking whaterver spare parts from my last two projects to the St Jerome ,QC show in September. Diablo Hoods,One complete Hirth turns free,Bogies,a almost complete JLO with a new piston (not installed) and Jug (new not installed) Head (New as well not installed).A set of skies welded onto a Diablo seater spring with toe clips welded onto the skies all steel very good for just running!A 502 chassis with bogies (In Tough Shape)Chain case is on but in tough shape?Let me know?

Sean Mullin

Sean,

I've repaired these old plastic nose cones with typical epoxy glue, the kind you can get at any store. Once cured, it can be ground, sanded and painted.

Regarding the hinge, I'll have to remember to get a measurement as I don't know it off the top of my head.

Bruce

The hinge measures 3" x 2" when fully open. You can buy it at any hardware store. Look for the cheapest "fixed pin" hinge on the shelf.

Thanks Guys!This is what makes this group number 1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sean

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=389&start=70#p2069 this should lead you to the hinge replacement I did while fussing over those Diablos! I think senility is setting in early in my case as I have picked up the scent of a model 500 in excellent condition and fully operational and I'm making plans to see it. What is this world coming to???

There will be no goose on the table this thanksgiving, at least after my trip this weekend which turned out to be a wild goose chase and I came home empty handed. Remember that Diablo 500 in excellent condition that I was so excited about? HHHMMMmmmmmmmmmm!!!! Well I saw it . At first I though it was gold plated because of the glint from the sun but on close examination it was all the brazing that had been done which gave the gold hue to its color. Something had exploded under the hood and created five upward dents on the hood. These details had been emphasized with orange paint. Perhaps the owner was color blind and had thought it a perfect color match. A large spot light was screwed to the hood and the new owner showed me how well it worked. The original headlights were there but neither lit up during the exhibition of its condition. Two large vent holes had been cut in the side of the hood and covered with a wire mesh painted white. The front right corner of the deck had been severely smashed in at one point in its history and had been equally well pounded "out" to resemble the corner of the deck. A part which came "with" this machine was a slightly bent nose tin (compared to the nose tin on this machine the replacement part was mint!!) however the replacement part was for a 502. The seat had a few rips and two 1" boards screwed to the bottom of the seat to give it more height. The previous owner had also build a pivot stytem for the skiis where they attach to the seater box. This actually wasn't a bad idea. There was also one spare track....the belt lacing was broken. hey Bruce...come and get it!!!

Wow I think I had one of those encounters when i went to get my yella machine last year.Remember how you laughed at my story Barrie. KARMA !!!!!LOL LOL LOL

Sean

Sorry Barrie. I know how excited you were to get your hands back into another Diablo after all the fun you had last year.

I'm sure the fella did not purposely try to take you for a fool. Many owners believe their Diablos are very rare and really don't understand how some things like those you mentioned take away any such true value of the unit.

I won't be coming to get that one!