Custom 82' 440SS

[MikeMetzger]

Ive always been blown away at how poorly the geo has been on snowmobiles. Seems like the first proper snowmobile finally came out (Polaris Pro) being a Freestyle Mountain Biker I want to get an old sled for cheap and see if I could modify the riding geo in order to make it more freeride spirited. Not necessarly the best climber, or fastest sled around, but just something small manuverable and fun to make creative lines with. Ive love riding skateparks and dirtjumps, so when I snowmobile I look at the mountain that way. So I wanted to try and make a sled that would compliment that kind of riding. This is my first attempt.
The sled

My workspace I made by adding an enclosed car port to my little shed, then opening the wall. Just barely big enough to work on the sleds.

This is the stock steering column angle

This is the angle I decided to change it to

In order to make the new steering column position work I have to make a custom braket spacer atthe bottom of the steering collum, then had to file some of the crank case cover away that it was rubbing on.

Here is the new geo/riding stance. It feels really good and I cant wait to try it out.

Another angle of the setup.

Im happy with the progress so far. I still want to modify the back of the tunnel a bit, lower the skid about 2 inches, also custumize the rear wheels on the skid to run only two wheels on the inside, also want to lower the seat and add some side cushion. Current seat would be banging around on my knees to harshly.
Im hoping to get a little video up soon.

 

[hunterdon]

Good project

Aaah the old SS. Should be fun for you. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[MikeMetzger]

I had an 88' Phazer, and that sled was amazing for its age. This one doesnt seem to be much different. Hopefully Ill get a chance to ride it this weekend and get some footage.

 

[maxco]

how did it go

Did you ride it? I must admit this post made me a little sad. That sled looked to be mint. I would like to have a vintage one in good shape. But I am curious how it ran.

 

[MikeMetzger]

UPDATE

Update:
Took it up with me so I could at least test it out and make sure all was in working order. Worked really well. I didnt change anything as far as the engine, clutches, etc. So there was no reason for it not to run well. I was really happy with the "feel" of the sled. Made riding around, climbing, manuvering seem not only easier, but way more fun. I havent fabricated the hook to work with the new setup, so I didnt ride it long since it was snowling like a mother and I just didnt want to get a bunch of snow in and around the clutches, engine, carb etc. Next step will be to get the hood to fit properly, and make you guys a little GoPro edit.

Changes to the sled so far:
- Adjusted the steering to almost a vertical stance

- Drilled the stock foot rest out and moved them back about 4-6 inches.

- Reinforced the running boards with metal shelfing "L" brackets from
Lowes. Riveted them in and its almost commical how well it works.

- Lowered the rear of the skid about 2 inches

- Fabricated the rear skid wheels to just two on the inside. Works great.

- Took off stock seat, I dont like the one in the pics so im going to fab
my stock M7 seat, I was checking it out and it should work really well.

I think thats about it. changing the steering to where it is was much much more involved than I thought it would be. I had the entire engine out and had to cut the steering bolts down so they were flush and wouldnt rub the engine mount. ( You'd have to see it to know what I mean) Also had to cut/file some of the crank case so the steering wouldnt rub. Sounds like a dumb move, but it wasnt a big deal either.

Next:
Now that I know I like the position of the steering column Im going to remove the temporary supports that go over the engine, and weld in some clean metal supports.
Also, and Im really excited about this. I purchase a 150cc Quad frame with the entire front end, IE A-arms, shocks, steering, spindle, etc. And Im going to work with a buddy to fabricate the front end onto the sled. Should be really really cool. Imagine this thing with some A-arm suspension.

I hear ya on being bummed about cutting up a nice old sled. However the picks of the stock sled I put up are not of the actual sled Im working on. I just used that because I couldnt find the ones I took. It wasnt in as good of shape as the one posted above, but it wasnt in "bad" shape either. So it was kind of sad, but knowing that A) Im not the type to leave something unfinished made me feel better because I knew this thing would be back out on the trails(with a face lift) and B) I think youll be surprised at how original it will still look as Im going to use the stock hood, skid, tunnel, engine, skis, etc etc.

Anyways, hopefully Ill have some new pics and possibly a video up soon. Just been crazy busy with work, school, house, band, etc.

PS, made a little edit from that day of riding, only I was on my M7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tONlIiqvp08