1978 Invader 440

[whitley1983]

Going to pick up a 1978 Invader 440 tomorrow, looks to be in good condition (attached pictures), currently runs with no issues. I was hoping to link up with someone who has restored/owned one of these so I can communicate with them after I get it as I hope to restore it to it's original glory.
-Jake

[Interceptor398]

Good find, this is the place to ask.

[whitley1983]

Is there anything in particular that I should check out when I go to look at it? MB the heat exchanger under the seat?

[Interceptor398]

Compression test on the motor but it is always a good idea to do the crank seals and clean the carbs as a good starting point.

[gixxer6]

Check to see that the track update has been done. 

[whitley1983]

what was the track update? And how do I tell if it has been done?

[mswyka]

Good find, the sled looks really clean.  I would offer that the most important thing for me is that all the parts are there.  And, at least as far as I can see from the photos, they seem to be.  The seat has been redone and appears to be missing the glove box.  Under the hood looks very clean - cleaner than most I see.

As far as the track, if it has a metal crossbar track, it has not been updated.

[whitley1983]

Not familiar with a 'metal crossbar track', I found an image of an old track off eBay and attached it, is that what you are referring to? Can you describe it more so I know what I'm looking for? Thanks
-Jake

[Interceptor398]

That is the new style track.  The original one had metal bars that went all the way across the width of the track.

[whitley1983]

Ok, so the old track had metal bars on the outside of the track, I think my father in law's old Evinrude is like that, instead of just rubber lugs it had full length metal bars.

[Boomologist]

Metal cross bars are deadly. I came up behind a friend on his antique John Deere. I was just ready to pass him when his track exploded sending 10 inch pieces of cross bars, still attached to chunks of track, out the rear of his sled. One of these flew past my head and sounded like a bullet. It would have been deadly had it been a direct hit on me. I retrieved a larger chunk of one of  these missiles and mounted it on a plaque and presented it to him. Still have a chunk of it somewhere in the shop.

[gixxer6]

Not familiar with a 'metal crossbar track', I found an image of an old track off eBay and attached it, is that what you are referring to? Can you describe it more so I know what I'm looking for? Thanks
-Jake

If it looks like this, you are good.