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General Category => Kawasaki Owners => Topic started by: dr1979-340 on February 08, 2017, 05:20:13 PM

Title: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on February 08, 2017, 05:20:13 PM

Since we don't have enough snow here in southern Minnesota for riding I decided I might as well work on a snowmobile anyways.  I purchased it about two years ago for $125.  It had a factory mistake hood on it, not the original.  The hood shown is a '79 340 Drifter hood.  It has the proper decals for a '79 340 except it says "Inviter" on the front instead of "Drifter" as it should have.  Also the top vents were cut the wrong direction for a Drifter hood.  They were cut that way for the '78 Inviter.  It was in pretty rough shape but it's always good to fix up another Kawi!!

Title: Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: Interceptor398 on February 08, 2017, 06:39:02 PM

That mistake makes that sled very interesting in a show.

Title: Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on February 09, 2017, 10:48:01 AM

I probably should have left it in that condition but I repaired the damage and re-painted it for a 340 Drifter.  It still is a conversation piece with those vents going the wrong direction.

Title: Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on February 10, 2017, 08:07:35 AM

Ready to start building it back up.  New seals, gaskets and piston rings are in order. 

Title: Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: rminier on February 10, 2017, 04:44:24 PM

 GOOD post!

Title: Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on February 20, 2017, 03:47:21 PM

I'm making some progress.  I have the engine back together and put the fuel tank, steering column and wiring harness back on.  I have to splice into the harness for the new voltage regulator as they added an aftermarket one at one time and hacked up the original harness.

I also clean the fuel pump and did the gasket kit for it.  I have to splice in the primer hose yet.

Title: Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: Interceptor398 on February 20, 2017, 07:39:24 PM

Looking real nice!

Title: Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: Gilson435 on February 22, 2017, 01:14:47 PM

Nice work!  8)

Title: Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on June 28, 2017, 04:54:45 PM

Well I'm motivated again on this project.  The engine is back in and it taking shape. 

Title: Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on July 11, 2019, 09:48:39 AM

After two years of sitting I'm finishing this project.  I recently bought another '80 440 Drifter for $200.  See picture 2226 below.  I'm using it for some parts and the hood.  I'm just going to clear-coat the hood off the recent one and call it good.  More pictures to follow when completed.

Title: Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: Interceptor398 on July 13, 2019, 05:33:28 PM

These old sleds are worth the effort, nice work!

Title: Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: dr1979-340 on July 22, 2019, 04:23:02 PM

I'm very pleased on how this turned out considering I just clear-coated the hood. 

Title: Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
Post by: gixxer6 on July 23, 2019, 06:42:28 AM

Very nice!