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General Category => Kawasaki Owners => Topic started by: dr1979-340 on December 23, 2015, 03:39:47 PM

Title: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on December 23, 2015, 03:39:47 PM

Well, since we don't have any snow here in Southern Minnesota I thought I'd get a start on Drifter III.  I bought it this past September for $250 in running order.  It was complete but beat up.  It even had the original exhaust boot still on it.  Oh wait, it was missing the suspension shock.

I've got most of the big dents hammered out of the belly pan.  I think they ran over a fence post too.  It was easier taking this one apart now that I've done a couple.

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: Interceptor398 on December 23, 2015, 07:48:26 PM

Now that is getting serious. ;D

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: Joel on December 24, 2015, 08:04:31 AM

That is the beginnings of a Kaw herd or as my wife would say Kaw hoard. Always great to see another one ready for snow when the snow finally comes. Merry Christmas         Joel

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on December 30, 2015, 08:01:21 AM

I re-painted the metal parts in the tunnel and on the front of the sled and started to re-rivet the belly pan back on.  I pounded all the dents out as best I could and polished up the belly pan.

I tore the engine down last weekend and replaced all the gaskets and crank seals.  No wonder why the engine compartment was so greasy.  The seals were shot.  One was in pieces.  Looking at them it was hard to believe that it ever ran in that condition.  I'll see if I can dig them out of the trash to take a picture of them.  Now I under why everybody always is preaching to replace them.

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on January 20, 2016, 09:02:45 AM

Well I'm making some progress.  I got the engine and converter mounted as well as the wiring cleaned up and put back in.

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: rminier on January 20, 2016, 03:22:31 PM

 Lookin' great. You riding any of them in the Great White North?   :)

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on January 20, 2016, 05:11:48 PM

Yes, riding the two 340 Drifters I restored last year.  I took one of them out on our county trails last Saturday.  It was about 3 degrees out but it was fun anyways.

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on February 09, 2016, 02:15:10 PM

Well, I coming along with the project.  I haven't worked on it for a couple of weeks because I've been riding my other sleds and doing a little maintenance on them.  I have the fuel tank mounted, cleaned and new gaskets in the fuel pump.  Cleaned and refurbished the carburetor.  Cleaned and put the brake assembly back on.  I re-used the brake pads as they weren't worn down too much.  Added new fuel lines.

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on December 01, 2016, 03:53:59 PM

Well, after not working on it for the summer, the old Drifter is taking shape.  All that's left is to finish up the suspension and hood.

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on January 23, 2017, 04:54:23 PM

Done for now.  I put the original hood back on it.  I have a spare hood that I may paint up during the off-season.  I had it out a couple times and it runs good.  No issues.

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: kawhead on January 23, 2017, 05:04:49 PM

hard to beat a drifter in deep snow....the sled looks nice....

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: Interceptor398 on January 23, 2017, 08:36:06 PM

Quote from: kawhead on January 23, 2017, 05:04:49 PM

hard to beat a drifter in deep snow....the sled looks nice....

What he said!

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on February 01, 2017, 04:43:30 PM

Thanks guys!!  I took it Waconia for the vintage ride.

Title: Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
Post by: Interceptor398 on February 01, 2017, 05:49:59 PM

Nice looking sled!  I saw it but missed getting a picture of it.