Yellow Fever
Thanks Barrie ,I saw that done at Port W. Going to have to fix that problem.
Bring on the snow
Decals
Moving along on this project. Got the decals on this week.
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- This hood is beautiful.
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- The decals where from Barrie. They go on and look great.
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Bring on the snow
Gas tank assembly
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.
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- Here you can see the 3 mounting holes. Most people wouldn't even know it wasn't stock, because you can't tell the difference from the drivers seat.
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- When this is installed it looks completely original other than the 3 bolts on the firewall.( Which I used S.S. to dress it up.)
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- Also a picture of the old broken straps.
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Bring on the snow
Handle bars
The handle bars are completely finished.
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- I didn't like the look of the cotter pins in the original hood hinge rod. I used a 1/4" S.S. rod, threaded the ends and used acorn nuts.
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- The brake handle is one of Barries parts and the throttle is an original handle.
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- Pre-wired and all parts assembled, ready to be bolted to the frame.
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Bring on the snow
Hood
The hood is finished and looking awesome.
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- I made my headlight assembly, looks nice but not original. By the time I found out I could get an original I had this all painted.
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- Headlight wired. I used wire loom that Snowcat Pete uses, it looks and works awesome.
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Bring on the snow
Skid bars
My original skid bars were getting rotten. Time for some new maple.
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- Here are the new ones pictured with the originals.
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- The gloss finish looks nice and I have them lined up perfectly with the drive wheels.
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Bring on the snow
Frame assembly
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.
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.
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- Rear wheels with new axle, hubs and bearings.
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- Drive sprocket lined up perfectly with 9 tooth sprocket.
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- Front drive wheels with new axle and bearings
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Bring on the snow
Track Supports
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.
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- Here are the tabs I welded in all 4 corners of the frame to mount the supports. The holes were predrilled and line up centered with the wheels.
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- I got the pattern from Ken Mueller.
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- I don't think it's a stock setup for a 444, but I'm glad I did it.
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Bring on the snow
Brake assembly
Finally finished the brake assembly. Sandblasting, paint and new pads. Ready for action.
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- This was the condition of the original brake set up.
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- Newly rebuilt and ready to stop all that horsepower.
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- New brake disc from Bruce.(Sitting on my new jackshaft) You can also see the new chain cover I had to reproduce.
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Bring on the snow
Assembly
Moving along with assembly. Hope to be done soon.
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- Motor mount and secondary clutch assembly.
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- Newly rebuilt jackshaft assembly.
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- I'm surprised the brake cable roller guides made it over the years. Using both the originals.
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Bring on the snow