Bolens Diablo Rouge and Hus Ski Discussion Forums

I have done alot on the restoration of my 444 so far but I still have a couple questions. I found a company that I can buy new rubber track from but I was wondering if it is suppose to be 4 inches or 5 inches wide? Also I have removed the belly pan - bumper, it looks like I need to cut off all of the tubing and piping off to attach a new one. Is there a " BEST " way to do this or do I just go at it? Thanks for any info.

The track belting on a 444 is 5" wide. Here are some pics of how I cut my chassis apart to replace the pan.

Frank, those are fantastic pictures. Thanks for sharing.

When my buddy Rod did his 444, he cut the the four welds (in your second picture) that connect to the bottom of the engine mount pan instead of the two that connect to the rail assembly like you did. Other than the obvious 2 welds versus 4 welds, did you see an advantage in doing it your way or possibly understand why Rod did his 444 his way? I'm trying to understand one method versus the other. Rod would have installed a full fender assembly without a cut or splice. Is this what you did too?

Thanks again for sharing. Your experience is invaluable to others who are trying restorations like this for the first time.

Thanks Frank,

That is what I figured, can't wait to get this part of it done. Have a good one!

For myself, I think it has easier access to cut off the lower frame. One other thing is that the tube on the left in the second photo isn't welded to the bottom of the pan, but extends up into the channel for the jackshaft mount ( see photo below).This chassis was in such bad shape that I had it cut all apart. In the second photo above, I spliced the tube on the left and replaced the other tubes. I made a one piece pan as can be seen in the photos.

If anyone is cutting the lower frame , add 3/4 of an inch ,when welding back together. This give a little extra track clearance so it doesnt slap the new fender if the track is a little loose. If this machine is only for show , dont bother adding the 3/4". duke