Which custom tunnel would you get?

[crackerjack]

Bent my tunnel and figured I might as well put a custom one on as a replacement. Which would you recommend and why? If you have pictures that would be great. The idea of extra cooling and lines in the running boards appeals to me but I really like the quick mounting rails on the stocker. Thanks for the help.

 

[Hairy Mark]

van amburg makes a really nice one. i am running their bumber and running board kits. works really nice. 509 225-6681.

 

[highmark289]

^^^ x2 i would get the VE boondocker tunnel

 

[crackerjack]

The running board doesn't look to have enough holes to evac the snow. I'll call and see if they can retain the strength with larger holes. Has anyone not liked the wider running boards in the deeper snow? How about the kicked up end of the tunnel. I have heard it doesn't really help in deep stuff and that is why polaris and skidoo don't do it but it seems to make sense. You can have it built either way.

 

[sledhooligan]

I would say Vanamburg or Evans Marine if you want to go carbonfiber. I've used both companys and they are both good to work with. I'm not a big fan of wide boards I like my foot to straddle the outter grip rail. I like the width on the Pro and my old Edge chassis. Looking at the cooler lines on a Pro I think you could run coolant through the edges.

 

[ryan_625]

I would probably go VE too, I saw HarryMarks sled yesterday, really liked the way it looked

 

[harrysmith500]

VA Boondocker tunnel... in the white variety!

 

[JSCC]

The theories that were talked about this weekend are merely theories Justin. My VE Evacs snow far greater than any other running boards than I have had. If you are worried about snow pushing up from below just put no cutouts in them......I bet I know how that turns out.... Go ride any twenty year old sled or older.
The tip ups are meant to end the running board sooner making the tunnel as narrow as possible at the end. The tip ups give it strength, nothing more.
You will have to give up your current bag setup but can add a double length rack for more storage or a tank rack and a bag rack....lots of options.

 

[crackerjack]

Not worried about snow pushing up as much as it not cleaning out. GOod to hear they evac snow well. If I get the midlevel tunnel it doesn't have the bag holder and I could use my present bags. I want to use the rotopax that I have now but turn then 90degrees so I don't hit them with my foot when I am moving back and forth with my feet. Dealer is saying that It might be alot more hours to do the VE tunnel because they will have to mount parts that come on the stock tunnel around the bulkhead and shaft. Can't remember what he called the parts. They are calling VE to see how much extra work it will be. Anyone have some experience with what they are talking about? How much extra work do you think it would be to use a VE vs. a stock tunnel?

 

[crackerjack]

Bummer!!! I hit the rock right at the axle and drivers and bent some of the mounting points for the axle. Polaris doesn't sell the parts seperate from a new tunnel so they say I would have to buy a new tunnel from polaris and then the VE tunnel and swap the parts over to the VE. I guess I will just get the Polaris tunnel and powder coat it before install. Doesn't make sense why polaris is doing it this way.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

Bummer!!! I hit the rock right at the axle and drivers and bent some of the mounting points for the axle. Polaris doesn't sell the parts seperate from a new tunnel so they say I would have to buy a new tunnel from polaris and then the VE tunnel and swap the parts over to the VE. I guess I will just get the Polaris tunnel and powder coat it before install. Doesn't make sense why polaris is doing it this way.

show some pics of the damage..we have fixed some that were pretty bad...

 

[crackerjack]

The dealership has the pictures and was sending them to insurance. I am having them send them over and I will post them. Are you thinking we can fix the parts that are bent to be able to use the VE tunnel or fix the entire original tunnel with parts on it?

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

straighten out what is there, then overlay it with reinforcments...something like this...
http://www.snowestonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283734

 

[XP2009]

VE boondocker tunnel all the way.

 

[mountainhorse]

I'll add Fabcraft to the mix.. Love the running boards and the quality is top notch.

Whoever you go with... you are looking at some serious coin... over $2000 plus full disassembly of the sled.

The factory replacement tunnel/bulkhead is not too pricey...Then add on the VE tunnel-side/bumper/board kit like Coyotegirl did... Or contact AKSnowrider and see if he can make you one of his cool tunnel brace setups.

The big thing to ask when calling a shop about their replacememt tunnel is 1) Have they installed one on YOUR model/year sled.... 2) Tunnel cooler hook ups and how they route the plumbing for that...Is ALL the plumbing included or will you have to also fabricate that.

Keep in mind that you will still need to purchase the equipment to bond the tunnel parts and bracing to/with the bulkhead.

Post up a photo of your bent tunnel.


Fabcraft

.

 

[crackerjack]

I'll post the pics as soon as I get them from the dealer. You can't see any of the damage until you have the track off and are looking from the bottom. I haven't even seen the pictures yet. I rode it all weekend with the damage and really couldn't tell there was a problem.

 

[crackerjack]

here are some pictures. AK your stuff looks great. thanks for all the help.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

you need this setup..it bent right behind the chaincase right?....

I think you can fix that pretty simple..need to go around to all the automotive bodyshops..you are looking for the oldest body guy you can find...(they know how to straighten bent metal so you cant tell it was bent,,they are extremely good at it...)., have them straighten it, then reinforce it..the kit pictured above runs 100.00 + freight..or I can combine it with a full tunnel reinforcment...did it bend the clutch side at all?(I havent seen one bend the clutch side yet..always been the chaincase side)

 

[crackerjack]

Aksnowrider hooked me up. He is sending a full tunnel and chaincase reinforcement kit with bumper. I am going to powdercoat and install as soon as I get them. I'll post some pics when it is done.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

Built my own reinforcements 065 alum with vinyl wrap and 1/8 alum fishplates. Welded up a bumper with a buddy tow point integrated.
Used .040 black anodized alum between the coolers to stiffen it a little.