1968 Jiger 6×6

Jiger
Jiger

Once again I could not resist a deal on something weird..  or cute.. or Yellow.  no wait my favorite color is blue.   Oh whatever it’s still cute..  it’s still got gears and chains and a motor.  I love it..  Don’t need any more projects..  This one runs.. not great but it runs.  Drove it into the back of my truck..  That beats winching or pushing  it into the truck !

It small as AATV's go
It small as AATV’s go

shorter yes… But it’s wider than 4 ft.. cause two wheels had to go over one wheel well.

  So welcome my little yellow friend to the place where old things get made new again… When I have time ..
New Home
New Home

Fact:  jigers where the first AATV’s made.  Fact:  made in Canada EH.  It is believed that these were the reason Argo’s were made..  And Argo’s are the longest production AATV.

Yes that's a piece of wood for a seat
Yes that’s a piece of wood for a seat

This little yellow guy is the last of it’s kind..  speaking of production that is.  1968.. last year for the jiger..  It’s just a tad longer than the first Jigers. (can’t imagine it shorter).. and it has a hydrostatic drive.   I’m a fan of hydrostatic stuff..   However..  this one I may not like..  as much..  Being old hydro units.. they are not as “refined” as the newer stuff..  They seam a bit “jerky”  Now this could be something else like the chains driping with oil .. yup ..  Skippity Do Da..  Or maybe the sprockets are worn..  Skippity Do Da..  Or when you break a linkage to one of the hydro units.. and are trying to drive with power to one side only..  and that side want’s the other side to help too…  Well maybe..  I guess I’ll know when I fix that.  YES I drove it about  50 ft from the truck when I noticed that the right lever was not doing anything…  Kinda drove in a big sweeping curve..  So Here’s what we have :

  • Newer 12 hp 2 cycle single motor , runs good , pull start only 🙁
  • Re Engineered ???  levers, with a twist throttle.
  • Wheels adapted to 5 bolt 8″ trailer wheels…  Yes Good
  • Good fiberglass body.. No repairs needed.  could use paint.
  • Missing seat ?   not hard to make one..
  • Key switch not hooked up.. ? I’m good with electrical.

Plus there is a few details that I could look after..   It’s one of those things you fix and use or really get into..  yes… restoring…  or maybe improving !   It will never be original again..  the T-handle control is gone.   I like the new lever set up that is there..  with a few improvements it may be great little runner..   OR maybe this is the one that gets the “Toro Treatment”  And by that I mean taking the drive system from this ……

EL TORO
EL TORO

And putting it in THIS…

EL JIGER
EL JIGER

You know the Toro Zero Turn is just a 6×6 that’s missing four wheels.  BUT..  the Toro is a proven work horse..   with sturdy bits.  The Toro goes fast.. and can change speeds and wheel direction in an instant.   Not so my little yellow friend… it protested when asked to do that..   The Toro has no hoses or cooler..or extra pump..  and the V-twin 16 hp Vanguard motor is both electric and pull start.

Power to spare
Power to spare

Power enough to run the hydros and a triple blade deck..   This is all very tempting..  The deck on the Toro is almost wore out..  I do not use this mower it was my Nephew’s  .. he has no more grass..  I have my Kubota..   He did use it for plowing snow ..but now has a blade for his Jeep..  so Toro sits … and Jiger sits..   And here’s another BUT.. I should give the Jiger a second chance..  Fix the linkage..  Clean and aline the chains.   Speaking of those chains… and those sprockets.

Chain Layout
Chain Layout

This is a diagram right out of the service manual.. and this is one side of the drive chains..   I see 4 sets of chains.. each side..  I also see one of those sets is unnecessary.  But only from my point of view.  Extra chains means extra points of failure.  I think this can be done with 3 chains and 2 less sprockets..  But it is what it is ..  and unless I’m totally changing the drive system it will stay like it is.

Update:  Feb 2016..

The jigger sat broken under a tarp for most of last year..  just too much going on..  when the chance to trade it for a broken Yamaha quad came.. I did just that..   It went back to the guy who owned it several years back..   He knows how to fix it.. In it’s place is an:

Argo 6×6

 

 

 

Terra Jet Page 5 ( The Re-Assembly )

We are almost finished restoring all the bits & pieces..  But enough to start putting things back together..

Frame back in
Frame back in

Back together again..  The newly painted frame goes back into the (painted a month ago) tub.   First is to get the axles , bearings and housings bolted back together.

Rear axle
Rear axle

The rear axle is in and sealed..  this is the drive gear side… Interestingly it’s adjustable for chain slack.  For the very short chain from the jack shaft.  This Terra Jet has three chains.. Something not found on 1973 and up models.. which only have one chain running between the front and rear axles.

Other Side
Other Side

This is the other side..  New bearings & seals.  The front is next.  Plus stuff like the jack shaft.

Meanwhile back to the steering:

Can’t assemble the front axles with first fixing the steering.  As talked about on page 4.   I saw a friend with a metal lathe today and made 4 new collette’s.

TJ76
New Collette

Here is one sitting where it goes on the steering tube.  Once the bolt is adjusted correctly the allen bolt will lock it in place… SLICK.   There will be a hole made and the collette will be welded in place.

Where they go
Where they go

This is how the 1/2 ” bolt will hold it all together in the outer steering cup ..  on the left is a collette test fitted..  Much better than a nut.. That flat surface is important for smooth steering.

Steering tube
Steering tube

Here above you can see the newly welded in place colletes.   Big gobs of weld.. Have to be strong.  Now isn’t that better than nuts welded on.   Time to clean up the mess and paint them..

Drive side (right)
Drive side (right)

Today we got the front hubs back on.. and the new steering bushings work great..

Left side
Left side

We also straightened out the rear  wheel hubs..  they bent a bit when we were using the puller to get them off the axle..  All better now.. I will be installing new wheel studs.   Imagine… have all the nuts on each wheel… so many things I’ve brought home have missing wheel studs or nuts..  Not happening..

Oh Oh…  I noticed a problem..  The front sprocket is not in proper alignment.

It's hiding in there
It’s hiding in there

If you look at the above photo.. you can see a bit of the front sprocket hiding in there..  and you can see that it’s too far to the right.. That means the chain will hit the welded nuts.   Oh darn !  The only way to properly fix this is to remove the front axle.   I assumed that this sprocket was in it’s proper place.  Not so.. And this may explain why there was no chain on the front drive.  It most likely broke.   So we had to take apart the front again..  Sigh.

your out !
your out !

Of approximately 3/8″ .. See that distance up to where the E-clip goes..  ya..  that’s a lot.   Tried to hammer the sprocket into place.. nope.  So off to the press and we pressed it off the axle.  Out comes the emery cloth.. and cleaned  everything good .

New set screw
New set screw

And I don’t want this to happen again.. so I drilled and tapped for a set screw.

Ready to go
Ready to go

Just need to slide the sprocket up to the E-clip.. and lock it  now.. and Then.. back together.

March 3 2015:

We got all the front axle back together ..and the steering too.

Complete front end
Complete front end

No play in the steering.. solid as can be..  It’s true rack & pinion steering..

The steering guts
The steering guts

Lots of grease on the parts..  Even did an EYE BALL alinement.   And we got the threads fixed on the rear axle and the hubs …with their new wheel studs are on..

Rear hubs..
Rear hubs..

Wee ha.. got a rolling chassis now..  if I put the wheels on…  They need the paint first..  … And this post is getting long.. time for

Page 6…  continue the re-assembly:

 

1994 Chevy 2500 4×4

Feb 2015:

1994 Chevy
1994 Chevy

I’m at it again…  changing vehicles.  After watching all the new ones on the lot.. come and go.. and driving the Dodge for six months.. It was nice to drive… yes..  But I’m seeing a lot of problems with all the gadgets in the new vehicles.   I’m seeing too much crap..  TPS sensors..  back-up warning sensors..  All very exspensive to fix when it starts screwing up… I’m going back to simple..  I bought this truck back in January… it was a good trade.. looked after well.. and I got it cheap.   So I just took it home.. parked it while I thought about what to do.. WELL  I’m keeping it..I’m fixing it up… and I’m going to use it !   Here’s the details about the truck:

  • 1994 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 4×4
  • Regular Cab Long box.  Seats 3
  • 350 V-8 with 4 speed auto , 4:10 gears
  • 213, 000 kms.  New Transmision
  • Features:  power windows, power locks, siding rear window, AC, Cruise, chrome bumpers & grill, box liner. towing setup.
I love to pimp out my ride !

And everything listed above is a good place to start. I’ll be adding :

  • Keyless remote locking
  • New multi media stereo with touch screen.
  • Back up camera.
  • Gull wing tool box.
  • Reworking the rack to include side rails and a removable rear rack for the kayaks.
  • Installing the fifth wheel hitch.
  • New pull out towing mirrors.

I know what your thinking… Rob your adding all those things that you said would break !  No.. not all..  and what I’m adding will be better quality.. and independent systems..  New vehicles have computers that run all those gadgets..  And to replace some of those things… the back up camera on the Dodge costs more than $300 to replace.. The very nice one I bought was $24.  The new stereo I’m getting is a Kenwood  for $250.  The remote locking system was $26.  The truck already has the power locks.. I’m just installing a box with an antenna  that will flash the lights and it has a little security light.

Remote Locks
Remote Locks

Here’s the lock system…  I have bought and installed these before..  they work good..   And these fobs are better than others I’ve seen.

Camera
Camera

And Here’s the Camera that I’ve chosen.. Color / night vision..   The housing is all metal not plastic..  and on the screen are the lines that help with the distances..   Only the price is cheap.   And !  factory back up cameras are just that.. they only work when you are in reverse..  Very annoying when you are maneuvering to hook up a trailer,  and that is what I want the camera for..  Therefore I will be having a switch on the dash to turn on the camera when I want it.

Mirrors

These are the mirrors that should be arriving any day.  Not power..  They fold away, and you just pull them out for towing…  Perfect !

It was a slow day at work so I brought the truck in for an interior wipe down.  And I took a few photos.

Window Guard
Window Guard

These photos are of the way I got the Chev..basically untouched.    That wood box has got to go..  And that mesh screen too.  I doubt I’ll be carrying things that would break the window..   I would rather have a good view.

Interior
Interior

All I’ve done is wipe it down a bit.. the carpet and seat need a good cleaning.. But that’s all.  As you can see it’s in great shape. And my favorite color for a “easy on the eye” interior…  Brown. 🙂

More Interior
More Interior

The only piece I found broken is the cover for the fuses. It’s missing a tab.  I can fix that.  or find one at the wreckers.

Door Panel
Door Panel

What no drink holder in the pocket !   you’re lucky to get any for this year..  but there is two (pull out ) on the dash,  so no worries.  Even though it looks great there is so much fixing up I could do to this truck..  The tailgate has a little bend in it..  The passenger side window is pitted from what looks like grinding too close.   The lights could use a polish..

Fender Trim
Fender Trim

And these fender skirts could use new paint..  Satin Black  of coarse.  And I would give the rims a fresh coat of paint too.  All this will be done in time.. But first it’s getting the mechanical stuff dealt with.  And once I’ve collected all my goodies I’ll set to work one day “Pimp’n”

The truck had it’s service and check up..  No problems !   Wow.  I thought for sure there would be something needed..  The steering is just me expecting it to be as nice as a new truck..  And the loud exhaust is just that … a loud after market muffler..  combined with the holes in the fire wall letting all the noise under the hood into the cab..  and Yeah.  It’s noisy.   I can fix quite a bit by sealing up those holes and adding some sound deadening in key places.

New Mirrors
New Mirrors
The last thing a bug sees
The last thing a bug sees

The mirrors came today and I had time to install them too.  A perfect fit and not too to hard to do..  These will be sooooo nice when towing a trailer. Remember they are manual adjust.. and you pull them out for towing… so cool and simple.  These same mirrors ( but power of coarse) are found on newer heavy duty trucks.     I’ve also picked up the new Kenwood stereo while in Kelowna ..  and I bench tested it last night.. Also  Perfect.  Just what I want.  But I’m not going to like it with the crappy factory speakers..  So I’m searching for some nice replacement ones..  I also got a smokin deal on a tool box for the back..$25.  Yup.

 

 

Terra Jet Page 4 ( the Frame Part 2)

Jan 19 2015:
Onward like we know what we are doing…

Today we did a compression test on the cylinders.  The results were good..  110 psi in both.  not the best but good.   We decided to fire up the motor again and see how well it would run with a gas tank.  I had the GoPro ready but pushed the wrong button..  so once again no video.   🙁   We ran it for a good minute and had to stop the gas flow to shut it down…  Then tried to start it again… nope. It’s flooding very easy.   Once the carb kit is in and the carb adjusted good that should not be a problem.   So I went back to reassembling the drive line and hooking the controls up.

Finished trans, clutch & brake
Finished trans, clutch & brake

Here’s the Transmission all done and secondary  drive, disc brake too.   I need a castle nut for the brake adjustment, but everything works good..

It bothered Dave that we could not re-start the motor…  So he wanted another try.   With this run the transmission is installed.

http://youtu.be/eHg8oGu8u5E

Here’s the promised video..  I think the belt is just a tad too wide..  it can stall the motor when you apply the brake.  Otherwise everything is working great.. as it’s supposed too.

Work has been slow as I think about the cables and try to find some ambition.

Brake & Throttle Cables
Brake & Throttle Cables

Got it..  Just a bit more welding and I’ll paint the frame..

I’ve also been working on the front hubs..  just to do something else.  They are all done now.  Cleaned re-greased and painted.

Front Hubs
Front Hubs

These are three times bigger and heavier that most Quads..  In fact these could work on a farm tractor..  The U-joints are the same as on my rear PTO on the tractor..  I can see how one could install locking hubs too.  Something to think about for the Jet I’m keeping.

Meanwhile back at the FRAME:
Improved Frame
Improved Frame

I’ve welded more seat support , a battery holder and new nuts inside the rear axle case.   Now it’s paint time.

Bottom painted
Bottom painted

Here’s the underside with a coat of Por15.  It’s a very hard frame paint for cars.  Not sure if this is better that good ole rust  paint..  After all the Terra Jet frame is protected inside the tub..  But water may be there too.. so. We’ll see.    Everything I do to this Jet is a test to see what will work the best..

Top side
Top side

All done now… And I’m reserving judgment till it’s cured.

Axles & Sprockets
Axles & Sprockets

I was in a painting mood.. so I got some of the other bits painted too.  And I turned some attention to the front steering.

Steering Boots ?
Steering Boots ?

Axle Tubes ?  Don’t know what to call them, and when you look in the Terra Jet parts catalog… they don’t either.  Suffice to say they hold the bearings and are an outside extension of the frame.  The steering pivots on these..   So yes they are very important.  The one on the left has one of the original collette’s still in place..  The rest are 1/2 ” nuts welded on !  What a mess.  No good…  I want to make new collette’s and have set screws to lock the bolts instead of someones holes with bent nails through them..  GEEZ.   These pivots need to be strong with a good surface area.  Think of the forces on here..   Continued on page 5

Terra Jet Page 5…  The Re-Assembly

 

Terra Jet Page 3 (the Frame)

Jan 1 2015:  

New years resolution…  to finish the Terra Jet..  for now..

The frame is a very important part of the Terra Jet puzzle.  Everything but the steering linkage is on the frame.  With a bit of welding you could add that too.  Then you could go cruising around no problem..  The tub is basically just the bottom of the body.. and the “boat” part too.  It’s a very cool design overall, and has stood the test of time.  I will be experimenting with a few “improvements” of my own, such as better pedals, linkage and a center floor board.

Seat position
Seat position

Here’s the frame up on jack stands ..with the steering wheel attached.  I’m testing the seating position.  Turns out a bench seat straight across will work best.  I was concerned that the steering wheel would be too far away for comfort.  And was considering a middle seat that was forward more.  Not necessary.

Old pedals
Old pedals

Also the pedals… these are just wrong!  However right foot braking will be necessary due to the narrowness of that part of the tub.  So a pedal on each side of the steering shaft.  But a better design, and just a bit closer to the seat.  The steel plate is just there to rest my heels on.  Plans do include a floor across this part of the frame.

Seat and Shifter
Seat and Shifter

Also turns out this is a good place for the shifter.  So I need to keep it here and I want to have the choke and key switch in this location too. Now it’s time to remove the unwanted stuff and weld on new stuff.

Control Freak:

I spent hours looking through my scrap metal and thinking about how to rig a better pedal set up.  I wanted them to be comfortable and the brake pedal to have good leverage.  I wanted the throttle pedal to be adjustable.  And both to have the leavers go down between the frame tubes.  I believe I have done all that!

Pedal set up
Pedal set up

looks a bit complicated..  If you took away the steering shaft maybe not so.  Yes ! I used an old brake pedal from a lawn tractor.  Upside down from the way it would be on the tractor..

Pedals
Pedals

View from the other side.. you can see the adjustments I have for the throttle pedal to make it comfortable.  The sheet of metal you see represents the floor and where it will come too.   So that should be fine..  But they have to hook up to the things they control.   So I figured I better mount the motor and the transmission and get all the linkages proper.  May have to weld more bits & pieces to the frame.   It’s looking like a cable would be better for the throttle.

The 340 CC motor.
Rupps / Kohler motor
Rupps / Kohler motor

Well here it is in place on the frame..  seams like a good place to work on it.  The Carb is off and the covers too.  The pull start and fan cover are missing.   I’m planning on making new ones..  because finding those would be hard.

Back of motor
Back of motor

This is a snowmobile motor !  Air cooled ,  high RPM , but very simple.  I hope the carb works good.  Before we get carried away though we need a few tests on the motor like we did with the BAZOO.   There needs to be good compression in both cylinders for the motor to run proper..  So that’s the first thing to check.   And spark !  won’t run without spark.

Tillotson carb
Tillotson carb

Here’s the Tillotson carb ready for a bath and inspection.   It was amazingly clean.  And the motor too…  I’m thinking it wasn’t very long ago that this ran.   Optimism builds.

Cone Clutch
Cone Clutch

Attached to the motor is of coarse the clutch..  this is an interesting one.  When I pulled the cover off I see there is these four plastic / weighted thingys..  I forget what they are called..  When the motor speeds up the weighted “Things”  push the two halves together engaging the belt.   Typical snowmobile stuff.   But usually they are metal rollers..  Hmmm.  This is very rusty and in need of lubrication..  Badly.  So I hope it will work.  I cleaned it the best I could and greased up the sliders.  Put it back together.

Jan 12 th :

Clean Motor
Clean Motor

Dave came over today so we could run the motor..   We could not get it to run for more than a minute… just whatever gas was in the carb.  But it fired right up…  so Thinking if we had a gas tank and proper adjustment of the carb.. away it would go..  I forgot to get a video to prove it.. so take my word.   But we now know that the motor will run..  I also found a throttle cable in my bike parts.  So that’s one of the next things to do.

The Transmission :

Same transmission as the Bazoo..  So I’m very familiar with this..   And like the Bazoo it works fine..  But the silicone job joining the two halves is poor and leaking.   So once Dave helped me get the secondary clutch disc off the shaft I was able to do a clean and Re & Re on it..

Cleaned Tranny
Cleaned Tranny

Is that clean or what..  I took my big sander to the two halves and flattened the surfaces good..  With better gasket stuff should be no more leaks.  Also the end of the change lever that rides in a grove was warn a bit so I built it back up with the welder and got a better fit.  These transmissions are tough..   This one is very old but works like new.

Like New
Like New

Ta Da…  Ready for installing..  after I put the secondary drive back.

Long Enough…. Continued on Page 4

Here’s the other Pages:
Page 1
Page 2

 

 

Terra Jet 400E Page 2 (The Tub)

November 30 2014:

Cleaning & Repairing…

Today I took the frame and axles to the wash bay and degreased them..  nice and clean now..  makes it a bit easier to finish taking them apart.  Did not clean the tub..because  I’ve decided to replace most of the bottom of the tub. Front and back too..  Just too many holes and thin beat-up metal..   So I’ve ordered a 4×8 sheet of 16 gauge steel.  this is a bit thicker than the factory 18 Gauge of the tub..  I used this same steel to make a hood for the Kubota F2400 mower that I restored.  Got to bend it with a torch because it’s too thick to use the bender.  But it will be easier to weld than the 18 gauge.

Lots of holes
Lots of holes

Holes like this will be gone..  the 16 gauge will take more beating on the bottom than the thinner stuff.

Sheet of 16 gauge steel
Sheet of 16 gauge steel

Here it is.. nice and new , no rust..  I use the jig saw with a fine tooth metal blade..  makes a nice cut.

Rear drive cover
Rear drive cover

Well it’s more of a bump.. and it hangs down under the body, one front one rear..   This is where the chain sprockets live.. and this is the rear one and it’s in good shape so I’ll save it.  The front one needs a rebuild… is full of holes.

Bend at the rear
Bend at the rear

This is the rear of the bottom.. and under the striker is the place to cut out for the rear bump.  We have also bent a 1″ lip to the correct angle for the rear piece to weld to.

Tacking the new bottom on
Tacking the new bottom on

Now you can see what I’m up to… and how much of the bottom I’m replacing.  Lots !  I need to weld as much as I can then flip the tub over and cut out the “unneeded ” old  metal.   That will take some patience..  I did not want to remove much of the old bottom so as to keep the form & dimensions.    When the tub sits flat on the floor “like in the photo” the shape will be intact too.  From the factory the tub was in just two pieces, and a press was used to put those bumps in for the chain runs..  And other bends too..  Can’t work that way ..so we’ll now have three pieces, and my front bump out will be welded.

Almost done bottom
Almost done bottom

The Bottom is 90 % welded in place now .. And I’ve cut away what was left of the rear..

Old & new rear Panels
Old & new rear Panels

Here’s the new rear panel next to what’s left of the old one. Quite a difference !  I may be going through this process a second time with the other Terra Jet.  As tough as these Jet’s are.. this is one weakness. 18 gauge steel is just too thin.  16 gauge is not very much heavier, but I feel it will take more beating before failing.   Another weakness is those aluminum bearing hubs..  We actually got the one out of the front left housing  INTACT. !  Wow.

New rear panel
New rear panel

Here’s the new panel for the rear of the Jet.. all welded up.. just needs grinding.

New axle holes
New axle holes

Here’s one ..the rear one .. of the axles holes for the tub.  The hole is six inches round so you can get the chain sprockets inside. Then a cover plate goes on with the bearing holders.   If you look back you will see that these only on the chain side  are bent & beat up..  Welding new pieces with smooth new metal will make the seal work better.

Bearings ,holders and seals
Bearings ,holders and seals

And speaking of seals & bearings…  Above you see I have only two good holders..  Both the rear axle holders were cracked.  I would like to replace these with machined steel holders and four new bearings and new seals too.  It just don’t make sense to have heavy 1-1/4 ” axles… nice big bearings and put it all in a wimpy aluminum holder.  ?

Dec 15 th 2014:

Meanwhile back at the Tub….  I put the frame back into the tub so I could line up the new mounting plates.  Then I removed the frame and flipped the tub back on it’s side.

Rear Mounting plate
Rear Mounting plate

Here’s the rear one all welded.  I’m not the best welder. it’s a bit messy.. but  the whole tub will have a thick coat of black paint… And most of where I welded would not be seen unless you look under the Jet.

The front mounting plate
The front mounting plate

A bit of fancy bending needed here… and some trimming too.   This part of the tub gets sandwiched between the inner frame and the hubs that hold the bearings..  I will make thin rubber gaskets instead of just using silicone.

Also today I went to the auto parts store with my one good bearing.. and they had the perfect match.. So I bought three more.  They did not have a seal that matched .. sigh.  So I’ll be looking for those.

Got the front all welded now.

Front panel Done
Front panel Done

Getting closer to finishing the tub..  just a bit more welding and a lot of grinding.. and cleaning.  I’m considering using truck box liner paint.. it’s thick and tough.  So Here’s a Video of where I’m at  with the tub and stuff..  Got a GoPro for Xmas..

 

 

It’s a so so Video..  My first attempt..  I’ll do better.

December 27 2014:

Christmas is over and I have more time to get back at the Terra Jet.   I got all the welding finished now ..  No holes that I can see.   Everything is all cleaned up..  and today I ran urethane caulking around the inside of the tub..  And I gave the tub a coat of grey paint.

Grey Inside
Grey Inside

Grey !  I thought that I would try something different that the back.   And I had a can left over from another project.   Keep in mind that this Terra Jet is my learning one..  When I get to fixing up the second Jet I’ll know what works..and what I like.

Coated Tub
Coated Tub

Like this … Box liner coating for trucks..  It’s a two part epoxy thick coating.. much like tar..but hard.  and very durable.   I’m hoping the this is the ultimate coating for the bottom of the tub..  When they do truck boxes with this stuff and seal all the cracks.. the box holds water..  for months !  so if the opposite is true ..than this tub with never leak  through my crappy welds.

Rough surface
Rough surface

However if your wanting a smooth surface this is not the stuff.

Finished
Finished
Done
Done

IMGP0032

And with these photos the tub is 100 % done…. now to start the frame on a new page…

PAGE 3 ( the frame).

 

 

Terra Jet 400E UATV Page 1

Nov 24 2014

This POST will be for one of the two Terra Jets I have for restoring this winter…  There will be a separate post for the other once I start it.  The 400E (in the shop now) looks like a Corvette with monster mudder tires.

Bringing them home..
Bringing them home..
Fancy Body Eh
Fancy Body Eh

All About A Terra Jet:

What we have here is a power train similar to the Bazoo that I restored last winter.  A 2 cycle snowmobile motor and belt drive / clutch.  A simple transmission with just forward , neutral and reverse.  The difference is:  Far less chains,   a steering wheel instead of leavers,   Four wheels not six.  Like the Bazoo there is no suspension to cushion the ride..  just the soft tires and hopefully a soft seat.   Controls are a gas and a brake pedal very much like a little car .  Ahh but a 4×4 car.. all four wheels are driven..  full time.  Very simple straight through axles..  I would imagine that turning would not be tight with the two rear wheels trying to push you straight.  But you would have tractor like traction..   AND you also have an AMPHICAR  that floats and the wheels paddle it through the water.  How cool is that !  Well its’ so cool, and the design is so good that 44 years later they are still making these..  Yup you can buy a new one.

Tub and no body
Tub and no body

When it comes to taking things apart I do not wast too much time .  But I wish I’d stopped long enough to take more “before” photos.  Hopefully one can glean a picture of the sad little Terra Jet from this shot above.   SOOOO   Got the wheels off and the body off.. The body get’s set aside for later.  Once I do work on the body You’ll get a better idea of the roughness of that.  The wheels will come off the rims so the rims get cleaned and painted.    But first I need to start with the tub and inner frame.

Things to deal with:

As I dismantle the Terra Jet I’m going to find the stuff that needs attention. Here they are:

Holes in the Tub
Holes in the Tub

Holes: Yup there are a few.. if you want to cross a river or go out on the lake you can not have holes.  This is a steel tub so it’s patchable just like a car body.  And I have two welders !

The Steering & peddles
The Steering & peddles

Some play in the steering.. caused by this interesting steering gear.  It shouldn’t be a problem to fix.  Some guys replace this with an auto steering box.   Oh you can sorta see those foot pedals…  real crappy.  There is a better way .  And below is a photo from another guys restore of a Terra Jet..  He set up hydraulic brakes.

Hydraulic brakes !
Hydraulic brakes !

This would give you some nasty braking power.  May do this to the other Terra Jet ,  but maybe I’ll just make better pedals and keep the push rod brakes.

steering hub
steering hub

In this photo you can see the little short steering tie rod.  they are worn and so I’ll need new ones from Princess Auto.

Rupp 340 cc motor
Rupp 340 cc motor

Before I use this motor to anchor my boat.. we will test the compression and look it over good.  It does have a better carb, but it’s a noisy 2 cycle..

As we carry on taking things apart.. there is lots of rusted and seized stuff.  Like the nuts on the end of the rear axle..  Big wrenches needed here..  Got the motor and transmission  out.. and chains off the sprockets..

Rupp..rupp... rupp
Rupp..rupp… rupp

Here’s the motor liberated from the Jet..  Couldn’t resist cranking it over a bit.. Hmm we think it would run fine..

The Trany
The Trany

Oh ya… deja-vu  The very same trans that the Bazoo had..  So I know what to do..  sure hope there are no cracks in the body..  But they are built tough so I’m doubting that.    The big disc for the brake is a bit bent..  and it seams too thin.. Maybe I’ll get a thicker one made.

The greasy parts
The greasy parts

This is where I’m at .. the hubs and axles need to be removed ..then the frame will just lift out..  and boy it’s not easy..

The left hub
The left hub

The Left Rear Hub:  These parts are all seized together..  Needed a very large wrench to get this nut off.  And still the hub is stuck..  I guess a torch and a puller is the way.   Once this hub is off and the bearing and seal slid off,  the whole axle pulls out through the right side.  Same with the front axle.. comes out the right side.. because that is the side with the drive sprockets, and larger holes in the tub for pulling them through.

Bearing and seal
Bearing and seal

OPPS.. I broke the aluminum bearing cup (on the floor).  The bolts were so seized in there that while trying to punch them out the casting cracked in half.  This should be a steel part so it won’t react with the steel bolts.  The bearing was toast too..  Ah the start of the parts list.  And I’m shearing bolts off constantly…   Oh well it’s all good fun , and part of restoring something old and rusty.

Front Axle
Front Axle

And speaking of rusty !   I did get the front axle out.  That’s good but it still needs to come apart.    The steering came out without too much swearing.. So that’s out of the way.. I only sheared off two bolts for the front hub.. They are in the frame…so once the frame is out I can remove them.

Frame
Frame

Well after much toiling and foul language..  We got the hub off the rear axle ..  and the frame out of the tub.  Here’s a photo of the frame standing up on it’s left side.  Tomorrow it’s off to get pressure cleaned and de-greased.

Bottom of the tub
Bottom of the tub

We flipped the tub over to see just how bad things are..  Yup there is a few holes…well lots of holes..   Once it’s clean and I run the sander over the metal I’ll see the bad stuff..

The bad stuff
The bad stuff

Some is obvious..  Like this hole for the rear axle.  Going to weld in a new piece here for sure.  There has to be a gasket here..so it needs to be good.

This is a big project..  and will need several pages.  Now that the destruction is done,  it’s time for cleaning and repairing..  on to…

Page Two :

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kubota B2400 Tractor Project

Sept 2014:

B2400
B2400

Here’s a photo of a 1997- B2400 tractor.. not the one I just got..  nope.. this is what it would look like if it was in better shape not in pieces.  And if it had a mower deck.. (I do not).  Here’s the one I have…

As is where is
As is where is

And this is where I found it ..  Way up a rural road.. Way up..   Truth is this is the second time I’ve seen it .. The first time was the winter of 2012..  and it had a lot of snow on it and it was down at a shop in the Kettle Valley.

Burried
Buried

And I was not very impressed.  However the owner dropped the price .. a lot..  And I hemmed and hawed.. for a year and a half..   What the heck.. I can’t really lose..  The motor runs.. and it’s a Kubota !  would be a great winter project just like the Kubota F2400 was.  This too has been sitting for years .. because something went wrong in the gears… locking up the rear wheels..  The owner did not want to pay thousands to fix it ..so here I am.

Ride home
Ride home

And there it goes… great way to try the new trailer out..  This photo was taken quickly at the Midway Scale..  Yes this is a small tractor.  And fixed up it will fetch $6000. to $7000. so hell yes I’ll fix it..

LA 351 Loader
LA 351 Loader

The Loader alone is worth quite a bit..  But the loader & tractor together has more value.

It’s more than just the gears.   Cosmetically this tractor is a hurting unit..  Needs new tires too.  So it’s not a cheap fix.   But !  This is a Kubota.. and I know how hard they work and how durable they are.  This was a very nice one ..  with lots of good features.  :

  • Hydrostatic Drive with Hi / low range
  • 4 wheel drive
  • Bi- Speed Power steering ?
  • Separate wheel Brakes for fast turns
  • Two Speed PTO.
  • Mid PTO..  so a Mower deck can work to.
  • Legendary 24 hp 3 cylinder Kubota Diesel

What more could you want..?  Maybe someone to figure out where the pieces go.. Naa I’m good at that. But there is a lot of levers and no labels.  But I’ve got the Operators manual… and the Shop manual on my computer.

How does this Kubota Differ from My BX :

Aside from the size..  And the B2400 is a bit bigger, both the wheels and the motor.  There is some more conventional tractor stuff.. a clutch, split brakes,  also a cruise control..   Missing stuff..  well even though there is a mid PTO all the mower deck hook ups are missing.  The BX has turn signals.. the B2400 just has hazard flashers.

I’m not thinking this tractor ever had a mower deck.. Given that all four farm tires were filled with calcium for weight .. this was just a front end loader tractor..

Into The Shop :

No good just sitting on the trailer..   There was a break in the rain so I figured it was time to get the poor thing in out of the weather.

Unloading with help from the BX
Unloading with help from the BX

First I took the chains off the rear wheels..  Then with the BX I could lift the rear..UGGG.. well I guess there must be calcium in the tires.. because it’s heavy.  The little guy could only bare some of the weight.. but enough to move it.. And that lifted my rear wheels off the ground.. Good thing for 4×4 !  Once I had it in the middle of the driveway.. I used the BX to lift the loader off.. and set it aside.

LA 351 loader
LA 351 loader

Then I picked up the rear again and into the shop..

Ready for working on
Ready for working on

The Work Starts:

I’m actually starting this project kinda early.. so there will be a lot of time when nothing is done..  and I’m playing with other stuff..  No worries..no hurries.   Better stock up on brake cleaner & penetrating oil… there is a lot of rusty bolts.  I putzed a bit on it after getting in the shop..  The rear wheels need to come of .. But the nuts won’t budge.  I removed the remaining fender..  motor covers..  the very dead battery..  Peeked into the top of the differential case.. hmm  The mechanic had taken some stuff a part to see if the problem was obvious.. so all the covers are off the transmission and diff.. and some leavers are hanging there too.. oh fun..

wheels off.
wheels off.

LOCKED WHEELS…. FIXED !

Dave got home from the coast and was really wanting to check out the tractor.. last time he saw it was when it was buried in snow. So curiosity got the best of us..   And here’s an example of how good Dave and I are at diagnosing a problem when we put our heads together.   First I have to say that the mechanic that looked at the tractor and said “big job to fix”  did not raise the rear wheels off the ground..   AND may or may not have noticed that the floor boards where the return springs for the foot brakes are attached…  were so beat up that those springs were gone.. (I have them in a bucket of parts)..  Not that he is not a good mechanic.. no I would not say that.. I think he just wasn’t interested in the job …. SO with the wheels in the air we are able to turn shafts and try different levers… to see what was stopping the wheels..   One of those things was the brakes..  Dave was able to wiggle the wheels just a bit.. and so I thought I’d try the brakes to see if they worked..  Well there was not much movement in the pedal…  but they seamed floppy.  so I pulled back on them and …. the wheels turned !   The freak’n brakes were on!   Just the weight of the big brake pedals was enough to hold the wheels from moving !   Wow are those good brakes.   So the cause of all the problems is the poor condition of the floor boards.. They are seriously bent up and the metal is broken in lots of places..  They are interfering with the operation of the brakes as well as the forward & reverse controls.

Floorboards
Floorboards

See how beat up they are.. the bottom one in the photo is the one that caused the most grief.   It even has a hole worn in it..

Left & Right Brakes
Left & Right Brakes

In the above photo you can see how the weight of those big pedals and their arms can pull on the brakes.

SO  now I need to put those covers back on the transmission..  Move the tractor back outside and give it a good bath..  Then replace the filters and new fluids..  and see how it runs.

Covers on
Covers on

Ok I got the three covers back on the Transmission..  Had to sort out which bolts go where.. and Clean everything good.   I use Permatex silicone gasket goo.. for sealing thing up.   It now makes sense what lever is what.. and where it goes..   Looks like I’m missing the control knob for the rear lift.  Considering all the bits & pieces were in a soggy falling apart box.. I’m doing good.

Rob Puttith together… Rob Takeith apart:

Dash Removed
Dash Removed

No not the stuff I just put together..  I want to clean up the tractor.. One hidden area was behind the dash panel.  So I took that apart.. And look at the crap there..  Plus after I pulled the steering wheel off I noticed a missing bearing or bushing ?  So that needs a fix..  Also the wiring is back there and that needs attention.  Oh ya..

Light Switch
Light Switch

The Kubota light switch is a weak spot.  I had to fix the one on my BX.  They are not very water proof.. and tend to stop working..  Good thing I made sure to check this one out.. Look at the wires they are melted ! In fact there was a bit of a fire in the dash.. because a few things are melted.. Mostly wires .. no real damage.    Now that switch would not have worked well.. or at all.  and could have caused the meltdown or fire..   I’m thinking that replacing this with two sturdy toggle switches would be wise.

Got most of the parts:

And I’ve also given the tractor a much needed bath..

Clean!
Clean!

Now that things are clean ..it will be easier to work on.  See the difference in the fuel tank.

Clean Motor
Clean Motor

And the motor too..  Next step is too change the oil , the filters and run the motor… test the drive & hydraulics .

It’s the thanksgiving  long weekend.. and I can’t get the new filters till Tuesday..  So I did two things..  Cleaned and repaired the fuel filter..  The shut off was not working so I took it apart and found the handle just bent enough that it would not make contact with the valve in side.. FIXED.  and the new fuel filter was installed.  That’s one step closer to starting the motor.  Clean Fuel !   Also I did the cleaning and checking of the dash..

Dirty melted dash
Dirty melted dash

You can see the damage done to the back of the dash panel.. none of that is seen on the front.. Lucky me !

Dash
Dash

See it’s now clean and no damage..  Almost 6000 hrs on the tractor..  It’s 17 years old.. but hasn’t moved for at least 3 years.. so 14 years and that would be about 430 hrs a year..  That’s a lot..

Ready to go..
Ready to go..

I polished the lens and painted the bezel..  so it’s ready to go.

While I was waiting for the oil filters .. I thought I’d hook up the battery and see that the starting circuit was working..  Well that’s where I found out the Fuel shut off solenoid has failed.. went through all the tests and it’s hooped. The rest is good .. the motor turned over , the glow pug light is on..  So with a new solenoid we should have the diesel running in no time..  ( I’ll be working alone now that Dave has gone hunting so he will miss that starting up of the motor) .

Shut off solenoid (Hooped version)
Shut off solenoid (Hooped version)

Oh and no you can’t run the motor without it .. cause when you turn the key on ..it powers the solenoid  to open the fuel injector.  turn the key off, no power ..solenoid shuts off fuel.. that’s how this diesel  stops. Some diesels have that the other way .. power needed to shut down the motor.. those motors will run with no battery too.   So add a solenoid to the list of parts needed.   Ordered and on the way..

Meanwhile……

Went and got the new filters today.. but still can’t test the motor.. So I turned my attention to the seat support..  which also holds one of the levers .. the Bi-Speed steering control.

SIX levers !
SIX levers !

Yes SIX..  here you can see the rear seat mount (blue) and how it holds the Bi-speed select lever (red knob).  Now all the levers are in place and proudly functioning they way they should.  They look kinda weird .. but when the fenders are on and the guides, it will make sense.  See the very first photo to see what I mean.

Seat mount parts (painted version)
Seat mount parts (painted version)

These seat slide parts were badly rusted and a weld was broken.  So with a liberal amount of liquid wrench..  and the impact I got everything into a pile of pieces.  Not sure about salvaging the seat..  one of the bolts broke off..  The seat has a slider for back & forward adjustment..and it was locked up tight too..   The seat mounts help hold up the fenders.. witch help to hold up the floorboards..   everything is connected..  so it’s important to fix these parts and making them stronger is my goal.

The new box of parts came and they sent the wrong solenoid !  so I need to go to Kelowna and exchange it.  Good thing I’m not really in a hurry.

Ok I got the right parts now.. and put things back together.. air filters, solenoid..  Filled the motor oil.  And I thought it would be good if I turned the motor over a few times to get the oil moving…  and Bam! the motor started.. WTF..  there is no diesel in the tank.. or fuel lines..  But there must have been some in the injectors !   It ran for less than 30 seconds and I turned the key off..  Well I guess the motor is OK.

I put some fresh Diesel in the tank and ..this time ran the exhaust out the door…

 

And here’s a short clip… proof that the motor runs.. and good too !

But the wheels still won’t turn……

Nov 11 2014:

By running the motor I could test the drive train..  and found out the the PTO’s both work fine. The clutch is working good.. The three point lift arms go up and down..  We already know how well the brakes work 🙂  .  But the hydrostatic moaned and did nothing..    So after alot of studying so as to understand how that unit works .. we tried to get the hydro motor to turn using the rear wheels..  and that took a lot of pushing on a big bar & socket on the axle..  But we did get it turning..  Maybe Buddy kept tromping on the hydro drive after the brakes locked on.. and heated things up … and we are hoping no damage was done.   Oh and to do the test we needed to drain the tranny and remove the top cover to see make sure the shafts were turning..  And of coarse that meant dropping a part down into the tranny..   No today I’ll fish that out clean the filter screen , reseal the covers and refill the fluid.

Also of interest … I made a trip to Salmon Arm just to get a three point hitch setup for this tractor..  so now I have these much needed parts..

Well not so good news… The HST is pooched..  so it’s rebuild or replace ?   Makes a lot of not good noises..  This could be a pricey part..  so some thinking has to happen here…

Ok thought about it..  I put the Kubota up for sale as is.. and see if I can at least get the money back that I’ve spent..  and I sold it within two days..  to a local fella..  Actually same guy I bought the tandem trailer from..   And I used his old trailer …now improved to take the Kubota over to his shop..  GONE  SOLD…  on to better things.

 

Ideas & Dreams of the Ultimate RV

Sept 2014:

Ultimate RV ?  Well yes.. but that is subjective.. what’s cool to me may not be cool to others.  When you go to the RV show to check out the latest, you can see a lot of new things that the manufactures have done to “improve” the RVing experience.  But it’s the décor in them that seems to be the focus.  All that is so much fluff to me.. I’m a practical guy..  I want function.  I want a big roomy bed.. I want a bathroom that you can sit on the can and not feel like your in a telephone booth.  Seriously if your going to tow around this big trailer than make it big where it counts. Remember these are just my thoughts and opinions on that… But if I’m going to be critical then I should have a solution.. Right !  Well  I did that and came up with a trailer design that I could build on the old Award frame that Dave has..  Balanced and simple.. big where it needs to be and still light weight. These are my drawings…

Better Award
Better Award

By preserving the things that make the Award trailer such a pleasure to tow.. but eliminating the faults the are the construction problems .. we make a great trailer.

Things to keep:

  • Light weight frame & independent torsion suspension
  • All plumbing & wiring above the floor and accessible.
  • All heavy stuff over the axles.
  • Curved roof and roof ends for less wind resistance.
  • Low entry.. (one step)

Things to change:

  • Treated wood framing
  • Aluminum skin on walls
  • Steel reinforced floor to bare the weight of the walls
  • Roxul insulation
  • One piece rubber roof .
  • Larger Queen bed
  • No tub or shower.  (never use them)
  • More kitchen counter space
  • Large pantry
  • Larger Fridge

Ok But but but …. what if you don’t want a big trailer.. or the truck to pull it.  What if storaging your RV is an issue.   That’s where the “cute” RV’s come in.

Boler’s

Classic Boler
Classic Boler

If only someone was still making these.  Well there are a few offerings out there.. mostly in the USA..  And if you have one… you are sure to get top dollar for it .. no matter what the condition.

Trillium’s

The Trillium
The Trillium

Very much like the Boler.. just a little bit less rounder.. Still rare and pricey to buy.

now I showed you these two because they are close to what I believe to be truly the lightest RV’s minus a bathroom..   that doesn’t involve a tent. so it’s just park ..open the door and enjoy..   They are very simple.. two fiberglass shells put together like an egg.  very little wood involved.  Reminds me of the way boats are made !

And that’s where this post is going…  the “what if”  here..

What if:  your little fiberglass RV that’s built like a boat could float like a boat… wheels and all.

What if:  no wood was used so rot & weathering is no longer a problem.

Think about it..  a lake now becomes another campground..  We like it when we camp near water… it’s peaceful and relaxing..  why no on the water.. ?   I’m not the only one thinking like this.. I’ve recently found on the web a few dreams of others.. like me.  Here are two:

Sealander:

sealander
sealander

Here’s the German’s at it once more…  ok cool looking little trailer..

This is not a misstake
This is not a mistake

It really does float!..  and obviously they have a prototype..  Hmm now we are getting close.. but I doubt you will see one of these on this side of the ocean.

Another offering:

what ?
what ?

This is just a concept.. but it’s much closer to a useful one.  and there are some good ideas “onboard”.   A tad large as well..  If I was to have a list of what I think should make up one of these “dual purpose” RV’s it would go like this.

  • Single axle, no more that 3000 lbs
  • Electric outboard for power
  • Solar panel charging
  • Sleeps four,  galley & potty
  • Walk out front “bow”
  • Still have trailer door
  • Not more than 16 ft length

If you use the two piece body construction .. I think all these things and more are possible.   How about the don’ts..  in RV construction..

  • dark colors , particularly the roof… ever parked a black vehicle in the sun ?
  • Lack of windows…  need light and fresh air ..
  • the need for six steps up to the door ??  what are we building a tree fort?
  • Rear kitchens.. too much weight on the back..  moving the axles back does not improve the towing..
  • Sandwich wall sides..  or what they call hard wall.  if it leaks it’s not fixable..
Stay tuned more to come…

 

 

1992 Trave-L-Mate Fifth Wheel Trailer

Sept 16 2014:

1992 TraveLMate
1992 TraveLMate

I know.. can’t tow two RV’s ..and where do I store a second one anyway..  However when it’s FREE.. .and my Nephew was going to need a place to sleep while reno’s are happening … then you say YES !

A friend and long time customer of Mo’s .. husband got ill and has been in the hospital for a few years now .. she sold the house and is moving to a condo… also getting too old for towing a trailer around.  all those things and then the roof got a leak…She just wanted it gone.   The whole trailer is in great shape except the roof.. In fact it’s a very deluxe trailer..  all the goodies you need for “Glamping”

Door side
Door side
WP_000793
Bed couch & ugly chairs
WP_000794 (1)
queen bed..
WP_000795
your basic bathroom

I also got the hitch.. and I’ll mount that in my truck..   Free stuff does not come without work.. and so the roof needs to be peeled back and repairs done.. That will be next spring.  For now  we will tarp it for the winter and deal with it next year.

A new Chevy 2500..

We decided that a more reliable truck would work better.  I bought this one before I quit the car lot..  This truck came equipped to pull trailers. Even has the fifth wheel hitch installed..   Also has the heavy duty Allison Transmission and a 399 hp V8.   It’s a big truck ..  the quad goes in the back with room to spare.

2004 Chevy 2500
2004 Chevy 2500

Well it’s June 2015 and I’ve got the Fifth wheel in the Franknport  to get the roof fixed.  It’s taken a few weeks just to remove all the vents ,  A/C  and the trim from the roof.   I’ve now rolled up the aluminum roof..

Roof without tin
Roof without tin

 

The Roll of Aluminum
The Roll of Aluminum

Well you find out quickly how bad things are once the aluminum is off.  It’s still wet under the metal..  even after months of no rain getting on the roof.  Quite a bit of the plywood is de-  laminating .

What a mess
What a mess
Yuky
Yuky

I’ve got about half the roof off.. the rotten half.  Once I’m done with the demolition I will clean up …then it’s construction time !

Topless
Topless
Big mess
Big mess

I’m just tossing it all on the ground for now.. I’ll clean up.

July 5 2015:

The Roof is completely cleaned off.  The mess is gone… and we are ready  to build a new roof.

Open air camping
Open air camping

I have all my supplies :  new rubber roof/ glue,  New fridge vent & cover, new plumbing vent.  Maxair covers for the roof vents.    I also have enough 2×6 treated lumber for the rafters..

Arched Rafters
Arched Rafters

And because I don’t want the roof to sag ever again..   I’m custom cutting all the rafters to be arched on top.. Thicker in the middle where it’s needed.   I’m building in 4 ft x 8ft panels so they can be lifted into place easy.

New rafters
New rafters

I have now got four of the five sections in place..  Only the rear one is screwed down..  Once they are all up I’ll attach them with ceramic coated screws.. they won’t rust or react with the treated wood.

Nice White ceiling
Nice White ceiling

A thing of beauty..  There is finish strips for the seams, lights and vents..   The big whole is for the A/C unit .  I laid the tin roof out and copied the location of all the vents and A/C..  fudged just a bit on some to get the right spacing on the rafters.  But it’s all back the same .. Minus the skylight..  and the TV antenna.

Finished the inside
Finished the inside

The whole roof is on now..  Interior I mean.  and most of the finishing inside is done as well.

New light
New light

Like this new light I added to the living room..  It’s close to the kitchen so it benefits from some extra light.  The wires went across the roof anyway so why not add a light.  The new ceiling is a brighter white as well, making it far less dark.

Onward…

I now have all the insulation done and today I got the 1/4 ”  ply on the roof.

Pink.. and fluffy
Pink.. and fluffy

Here’s the batting all in place…

Roof Skin..
Roof Skin..

And here’s the 1/4″ Ulay ply installed..  lots of screws..  5 sheets did the whole roof.   You can really see the slight curve in the roof..   Now to glue the rubber on.

July 19 2015:
New Rubber Roof
New Rubber Roof

Well … Git R Done..  and with only a week to spare..   So close to a finish..   The wrinkles are ok..  you should never stretch the roof..   and I was working with a fast drying glue..   As you can see all the vent’s, covers and the A/C is back where they belong..  All the trim is back too..  Just some fiberglass repair and a bead of RV sealant left and we are ready for whatever mother nature can throw at the roof.

Back in the drive
Back in the drive

Well the Fiver can come out to play now..  Install the fridges and give the plumbing the once over.

 

2014 Polaris Sportsman 400

Aug 26 2014:

Time for a new Quad.  Everything came together .. I sold the 300 Polaris… These were on sale till the end of Aug.  Very low financing rate..  If I take good care of it … should last me a long time.

New & Blue
New & Blue

Here’s what it looks like without the extras.  I’m adding a few goodies.

Mine & Blue
Mine & Blue

Here’s what it looks like in my shop after a quick trip to get it.   I am thrilled ..  brand new .  Because I’m enjoying quading so much..  and the older one was… old..  and would always need help.  This is going to be a pleasure to ride..  can’t wait till Sunday.  I need to attach the accessories I got .. the photo above shows the new bag I have..

All decked out
All decked out

Last night I got all the goodies mounted up..  A railing around the rear rack, My new three compartment bag and the mirrors.

Bag
Bag

I also mounted the LED brake light .. but I need to figure out the wiring to hook it up.  And I had to cut slots in the rack to run the hold down straps for the bag through.  A draw back for a big flat rack.. but with the padding in my bag and that flat surface..  things I put in the bag will stay protected.  Plenty of room for my little gas can too.

Front Storage
Front Storage

When you add all this front storage .. I have way more than I need.  This is a cool feature of the Sportsman,  dry, hidden and lockable.  I don’t like anything on the front rack to block my view so this is nice to have.

Mirrors
Mirrors

The mirrors are fold away and very rugged..  I’m hoping that they work well and I don’t grow to hate them..  On lots of rides there is always someone behind you.. and I like to check to see that they are still there..   Compared to the 300 the body of the 400 is way wider.. the fenders cover the wheels and then some..  The foot wells are huge.  I could wear shorts & sandals… but I wont.  The quad is quite a bit higher too.. but that’s because we are now riding on 12 ” wheels not 8″  and the clearance under the 400 is close to 12″  wow.  I also think that at 688 lbs we are now more than 200 lbs heavier.  That should translate to a better ride.

Running lights
Running lights

I could not resist at least one pimp…  I found these in one of many  boxes of goodies from the motor home.  LED marker lights that you can change the color..  Red, green, yellow.. but Blue is cool.   I was nosing around under the access panel to the fuses and found two auxiliary power wires..  They would be for things like hand warmers.  So I used one..  Also noticed the wires are in place for a winch.  And yes I’ve got a winch.. 4000 lb one is now on the front..

I’ve been on no less than 8 rides now..  20 hrs on the meter..  and I love this quad..  so smooth..  quiet..  so far reliable.

Jan. 2019:   After enjoying this quad for years I traded it for a 2014 RZR 570..  same color of blue..   Post is HERE

2010 Ram 1500 Laramie

Aug 2014:

new ride
new ride

This was a good deal… and we felt it was time for a truck up grade..  The decision was made to advertize the Avalanche and see what happened.. it sold within a week.. so home came this LOADED.. Dodge.  Just in time to go camping..  So I had to get some racks installed for the kayaks..

Ready for camping
Ready for camping

These quickly put together racks turned out to be great..  And this truck has 100 more hp than the Avalanche.. so the trailer is no problem..  Has trailer mirrors and factory built in controller.  In fact it has every option possible for the year..  Nav, heated /cooled seats, back-up cam, remote start…. on and on..  Check out my new plate.. yup “robeye”.  The Interior is very nice .

Interior
Interior

This photo was taken by me for the lot..  hence the price tag..  I’m a console type of guy.. so this suits me just fine..  And I’m very fussy about gauge placement, and Dodge got it right in 2010.  I also don’t like cheapness in the trim.  They got that right too. The knobs feel good to the touch. And everything is trimmed nicely.  Even the top of the dash is stitched leather… nice.

2014 Polaris Sportsman Ace

July 1 st  2014:

Ready for the parade
Ready for the parade

My Sister wanted to come over for Canada Day and join the GF ATV club in the parade.  “I’ll bring a quad from work” ( Polaris Dealer).  I said see if they have one of those new Polaris Ace’s.  She said “yup there’s a new one in the showroom”  So that’s how I got to try one without even leaving home..  This is so very new concept.. like quad meets side by side.  Same size as a quad, but you drive it like a side by side..  They basically took the motor in the quad and moved it back to make room for a floor , a comfy seat, and gave you a tilt steering wheel and foot peddles.  Add a roll cage and the all important cup holder and there you have the Ace.

Kathy behind the wheel
Kathy behind the wheel

I took her up some very rough trails close to town..  Lots of big rocks, washouts..  and generally rough going.  Those big tires .. the clearance and it’s heavy 850 lbs … smoothed out the whole works.  Wow .. this thing is like bringing you new $50,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the trail.   No fighting the wheel…  no steering around the rocks..  The cup holder down beside the seat is kinda shallow.. And we were sure the water bottle would go flying .. NOPE.  That smooth !

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On the trail with my Polaris

Now this unique machine has a unique motor as well..  it’s got only 32 hp.. it’s fuel injected, counter balanced and multi valved.   not neck snapping power..but it gets the job done.  And reportedly good on fuel.  Typical  Polaris drive line.. hi, low range but with an added “park”.   AWD drive is a button on the dash..  Quite simple and user friendly.  The roll bar keeps the trees out of your face.. and you have a feeling of security in the seat..

Me !
Me !

Anyways I was impressed enough to desire one in my garage..  We’ll see.  It’s would be cool to go all day and not need physical therapy after.. its that comfy !  You drive this … not ride it..   so there is that,  of which the die hard quader’s reject.   And did I mention the cup holder !  But !  this is not the quad for me..  So back it goes.

 

 

1995 Polaris 300 4×4

May 29 2014:

Don’t even try to keep up with me !

Polaris Explorer
Polaris Explorer

You will hurt yourself..

Everyone was getting a quad..  I had a Sportsman 500 this winter… as a fixer upper project…  but I found it to be complicated and just a tad too big to fit my Avalanche.  They are great quads.. but I sure liked the profit that the sale brought me.. and it was time to move on to the Bazoo . Now with that done..  it’s again time to move on.. But I want to have some fun this summer..  Then this little guy kinda fell into my lap while advertizing a trade with the Bazoo..   The price was low enough that I could just buy it and not trade.  It’s in awesome shape.. not a fixer.. not a project..  Oh but I can always find something to fiddle with..   Also it fits in the back of the Avalanche ( if I wanted too).  That’s how it came home.  I would rather use the trailer,  less scary when you’re backing up off of..

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There was some questions as to what model this Polaris is.. a call to MainJet and with the vin # was able to clear things up.. it’s simply a 300 4×4.   And it was purchased new in Deer Park, Wa.  just south of here.. so it’s a US model..  I believe it was bought there and brought here..  so it’s a GF’er .. Cool..  The 288 cc motor is a 2 cycle with oil injection.. Plenty of power and still good on fuel.  No liquid cooling on this one.. just a fan when needed.

I’m going to service it.. once I get a peak at the repair manual..  Then I’m going to ride it..  Oh it came with a snow blade..  That I don’t want,  so I sold it.. Made the 300 4×4 even cheaper

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The Green & tan kinda grows on ya..  Look at the seat.. other than being dirty.. it’s in good condition for 20 years old.

June 10 2014:

Now that we are back from our trip to Alberta I want to get caught up..  This Sunday I would like to use the Polaris so I’m giving it a go over.  And that required the removal of some of the plastic..   First: … it runs good  IF you remember to shut the fuel off.  Seams the float in the Carb is not doing a good job and the fuel will flood the motor..  So I’ll need a carb kit to rebuild the carb..  Second: .. The front drive chain did not “just” come off.. It broke.  Not a biggy..  it’s just standard motorcycle chain.  Really… that’s only two things out of a possible many..  Oops I forgot the pull start rope could use another wrap around the pulley..  but it still works.   Everything else is working good.  Dave and I are marveling at how good shape the little Polaris is..  So I’m ordering a Carb kit, chain & air cleaner.. that’s it.  For Now..

More like 5 wraps for the pull starter..  Over time the spring gets weak and won’t return the cord.. all fixed now.   As I was putting the body parts back ..the head light bulb went pop.. and that was that .. These are a special bulb that you have to buy from Polaris..  I’ll have none of that.. so I’m adapting a regular  Brake/ Taillight holder into the old bulb.. this way I can use a LED bulb I have.. If this ends up not working I can easily revert back.    As for the Override switch issue …(the Guy that I got it from thought it normal to push the override button every time you use reverse) NO.. shouldn’t have to…  I decided to disconnect the speed limiter circuit for now..   It stalls the motor ..  So something is not working there..   I’ll have to be careful because this is a safety thing.. preventing you from going too fast in reverse. I also added a 12 volt power outlet.. newer quads have them..  and I’ll need that for my GPS.   Let’s see how the ride goes this Sunday..

Taking a break
Taking a break

First Ride..  Fathers Day too.

Don’t have to go far.. just a 5 min drive and you are on some great trails.  Dave , me.. and my neighbor Brian..  And we choose to just go up behind Valley Heights.  Just over 3 hrs of riding.   Brian’s new Honda..  Dave’s trusty Yellow Polaris Sportsman 500 ..(the one I rode when I first went quading last summer.. see POST) and my little Polaris 300…  The weather was threatening to rain.. .but it held off for the most part..   Great ride..  And the 300 purrrred like a 2 cycle kitten.   Didn’t need 4×4 .. nope.. got along fine without.   The only thing that may or may not be an issue is my front struts.   They bag hard when you “top out”  ( wheel off the ground)  I’ll find out if I need something for that..

Over looking GF
Over looking GF

Anyway this was a familiar trail for me from my mountain biking days .  The others had not been there before.  So I lead the way..  If I’d had a map we could have made a loop trip instead of doubling back..  But we took a few side roads and checked out the pond that’s hiding up there.  Hey it was fun.. and I wished the weather was better.. and we went longer..

Fixin a few things:

As mentioned at the start of this post there are a few little things to fix..  I got the parts this last weekend..  A new chain for the front drive, a carb kit to fix the flooding issue ..  and a new air filter.   One more thing that I found to be needing is a new fuel shutoff . The 20 year old one has a tiny leak… Can’t have that..  So that’s on order.

Shutoff on the bottom of the tank
Shutoff on the bottom of the tank

If you turn the fuel valve to off.. it leaks..  If you leave it on.. the carb filled up with fuel.. or did till I fixed that.  Also of interest I found a vent hose in the overflow place and the overflow hose on a vent ?  That would not help at all with that flooding !

Mikuni Carb
Mikuni Carb

Here you see the carb all clean and rebuilt.. and the vent & overflow hoses in the right places. The two lines tee together and have a one-way valve.  Their purpose is not explained any where..  I’m thinking of adding that extra shutoff and a new filter.   The new shutoff will be under the seat..  I bought new 3/16 ” fuel line today..  as well.  So all will be good… Just the way I like it..

I decided not to install the extra shut-off.  Keep it simple.  I re-assembled  everything and put some gas in the tank to check for leaks.. none.  Then I fired up the motor to make sure nothing went out of adjustment..  runs good.  So I must have the float adjusted properly…

With the mechanical end of things in good order.. I decided to do a little “pimping”.  I’m building the winch mount .. and I’ve repainted the racks.

Satin Black
Satin Black

The green paint was wearing off … and I like the look of the satin black..  it matches the frame.  I also installed the new bag I bought for the rear rack..

El cheapo bag
El cheapo bag

But it works..  I’ll maybe get a couple of small tubs to put inside .. hold some tools & stuff..

The Winch:

Small winch
Small winch

This quad never had a winch..  So I had to start from scratch.  There was lots of room up front.. so I built a holder.  It’s just a small 1500 lb one.. but the quad is light.. and the winch was a price I could live with..  A nice little roller fairing in front..  and there you go.  I always carry a tow strap as well and I’ll have a “snatch block” which doubles the pulling power.. if needed.  I’m not one to go places I’ll get into trouble.. But one never knows !  Boy Scout rule applies here..  The other rule is don’t get lost… !

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So my GPS is also there when I need it..  powered by the 12volt plug and I will mostly use the trip / speed feature.   Would be nice to have a new one that had topo maps.

As the Summer goes on:

I’ve gotten out on a few great rides.  Been to the top of a few local mountains.

Mount Moressey
Mount Morrissey

Old lookout towers are on a few peaks, so there is a trail to the top.  Like Mount Morrissey in the above photo.  This is the highest peak between here and Christina Lake.  We’ve explored a lot around the Phoenix area too.   Lots of good trails up there..   And the last trip (with the ATV club)  was to Renata on the Arrow Lakes.  A long 120 km ride which really challenged the little 300.   My tank of fuel won’t last that long..

At the beach Renata
At the beach Renata

Now that fitting a regular sized quad in my truck is not an issue .. a newer 400 or 500 would be nice.  Hmmm.

Aug 23 2014:   SOLD

I’m taking the plunge…  will be buying a new quad next week.  I sold the 300 within the day of listing it.  Off the Nelson on Tuesday to pick up a 2014 Sportsman 400 HO.

Liberty Backhoe for my Kubota

May 26 2014:

Three weeks ago I bit the bullet and ordered (on line) a very small backhoe attachment for my Kubota.  It came to the Depot just the other side of the border and I went and brought it home..  That free shipping within the US was a deal breaker.. so that was the best way to get it.

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This is the SMALLEST backhoe that you can buy..  And that’s good because my tractor is small too.   I ordered orange.. though not quite a match , But I can live with it.  It took me about 4 hours to unpack, assemble  & get it attached to the tractor.  The instructions are poor..  so it was a “figure it out yourself” kind of project.  Good thing I’m a “figure it out myself” kind of guy..  My overall impression is good.. The quality seems to be at par with any Kubota attachment I have.

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In this photo you can see the reason I have yet to really try the backhoe out.. the roll bar on my tractor is IN THE Way.. can’t sit on the seat..  I’m not a fan of the roll bar anyway, hits trees..  Kubota has R.O.P.S on all the tractors for safety.  It was suggested to me to just cut off the top only so that there is still some roll over protection.   Not a bad idea… Hmm maybe arm rest and grab handles ..  cup holders !  I do have metal & welder..

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As I look at the three point hitch mount I see room for improvement there too.  A sub frame like the BX 24 D has for the Kubota backhoe is something I could make.   One cool thing with this backhoe is that it has it’s own hydraulic system , tank, pump and valves..  it’s driven with the rear PTO from the tractor..  and works even at low motor rpm’s.  They supplied me with a new PTO shaft .  But it needs to be trimmed to length.  So I just used the one from my Rototiller .  it was the right length.

So I took the rops off.. so I could at least give the backhoe a try.  The perch (seat) is good you can really see what you are doing… but the doing is going to take some practice.  I found the controls to be … “unnatural” .

Control Diagram
Control Diagram

I kept wanting to push forward on the left stick to lower the main boom.  And pull back to raise it..  I guess that makes sense to me because the front loader works that way.. and I’m getting very good at that.   As you can see by the control diagram that they have it the other way.   Which is different than the manual.  Scratch..scratch..  I will swap the hoses around ..   Because I’ll wrap my brain around working with the two sticks better.   But I was digging away awkwardly and yes it’s small but it digs !  and I tried some sod too and no problem… big rocks are a problem …  Big roots too.. so there are limits.

May29 2014:

The control valves
The control valves

I removed the backhoe from the tractor  tonight and pulled the cover off the valves..  Yup will be easy to swap the hoses..  not bothering till we get home from our Alberta trip in a week.

With the hose swapped the operation is more natural now..  And by the end of summer i’ve had a few chances to use the hoe.  first I found out how deep it will dig when trying to remove a concrete slab in the yard.  4 ft ! that’s it..  It is a very small hoe after all.. so I can’t expect much.   But dig trenches… Yes !  and quick too.. I can move forward from the backhoe seat too.   I’m getting good..

2019…

I’ve used the back hoe lots over the years with very few problems..

It's all about the projects that keep me busy