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General Category => Kawasaki Owners => Topic started by: Vader on September 26, 2021, 06:56:28 PM

Title: Getting back to it
Post by: Vader on September 26, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
Finally getting back to work on this sled after pulling it apart almost 25 years ago. The project turned out bigger than I expected, then other sleds came along, then kids came along... Life sure happens fast!
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: mswyka on September 27, 2021, 12:08:30 PM
25 years sounds like a long time.  But in other ways it was just yesterday.   The photos look good.
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: Vader on October 06, 2021, 09:50:09 AM
The ski saddle bushings are quite vigorously seized in the ski posts. I was thinking of making a mandrel to try pressing them out, but I imagine I will probably end up drilling them out and fabricating some new ones.
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: gixxer6 on October 06, 2021, 01:49:38 PM
Yeah, they can be buggers to get out!  I had a batch of replacement bushings made awhile back.  If there is alot of interest I might consider having another batch made. 
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: Vader on October 07, 2021, 04:15:14 PM
I would take some...cheaper than buying a lathe.
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: Interceptor398 on October 09, 2021, 07:14:37 PM
Yeah, they can be buggers to get out!  I had a batch of replacement bushings made awhile back.  If there is alot of interest I might consider having another batch made.

What were made of and how much did you charge to make it worth your time?
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: gixxer6 on October 10, 2021, 12:44:26 PM
They were made from mild steel, I have some NOS ones that I had copied.  I don’t recall what I charged, I believe I charged enough to cover my cost and have a few sets for myself. 
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: Interceptor398 on October 11, 2021, 11:59:48 AM
I have made them from 0-1 drill rod because the OD is already to size.  I have pondered using stainless steel or a good bronze but both materials cost more and the stainless is harder to work with.
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: gixxer6 on October 11, 2021, 12:57:50 PM
Yeah, bronze and SS would be very costly.  For most to open them up every other year to grease them would be a better option. 

I am currently having another batch quoted.  I should have cost and timing later this week. 
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: bryan_damone on October 14, 2021, 08:30:21 PM
Interested in a set too.
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: gixxer6 on October 15, 2021, 09:50:42 AM
Looks like they would be around $25 plus shipping for a pair.  Who all would be interested in a set at this price? 

Thanks,
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: Ameritude on October 15, 2021, 12:16:47 PM
I would :)
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: ArcticInvader on October 15, 2021, 09:17:04 PM
Hi Tom, I would take 3 sets please.
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: gixxer6 on October 16, 2021, 06:12:32 AM
I will get started on having them made.  It’ll be a few weeks before they’re done.  Thanks
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: Vader on October 18, 2021, 11:40:02 AM
I'll take a set for sure.

In the ongoing parts quest, I picked up this NOS bearing block for agricultural machinery. The bearing in it is the unobtainable EN205DR for the jackshaft.
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: gixxer6 on October 18, 2021, 02:04:46 PM
Like the lower steering mount, this is another part that I like to upgrade to the 80-82 version when working on them.  The later version uses a more common bearing that doesn't have that locking collar. 
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: Vader on October 19, 2021, 03:31:36 PM
What is this later version bearing of which you speak? The parts manuals from 78 to 81 seem to show the same bearing. Without the locking collar, wouldn't lateral forces on the shaft give the upper chaincase bearing a hard time?
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: gixxer6 on October 21, 2021, 02:18:50 PM
They use a flat style bearing instead of the rounded type.  Much easier to work with in my opinion. 
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: Vader on October 21, 2021, 03:56:01 PM
Interesting. I assume the inner spline on the other end is for the brake disk? If so, that seems better than the woodruff key setup.
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: gixxer6 on November 15, 2021, 11:56:48 AM
Ok repop spindle bushings are being delivered tomorrow.  They are $25/pair plus shipping cost.  Please message me. 

NOS on the left, repop on the right in the picture. 
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: Vader on November 16, 2021, 12:00:15 PM
PM sent.
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: Vader on November 17, 2021, 11:02:04 AM
Got the repro seat pan from T.H. Looks good! Big thanks to him for reproducing these, now I just have to figure out how to re-cover a seat without it looking like the dog's breakfast. Date stamp is still on the old one, may have to reproduce it on a sticker for the new pan.  :)
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: gixxer6 on November 17, 2021, 12:18:49 PM
Looking good!  I always have my local upholstery shop make or install my covers.  They do a wonderful job, way better than what I could do. 
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: mswyka on November 17, 2021, 05:22:23 PM
Looking good!  I always have my local upholstery shop make or install my covers.  They do a wonderful job, way better than what I could do.

Ditto.  With so much age, it seems that all the seat foams are slightly different.  So having the cover custom fitted is a good thing.
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: gixxer6 on November 18, 2021, 02:05:52 PM
Looking good!  I always have my local upholstery shop make or install my covers.  They do a wonderful job, way better than what I could do.

Ditto.  With so much age, it seems that all the seat foams are slightly different.  So having the cover custom fitted is a good thing.

Good point!  The Invader foams very greatly, I used a custom fit cover once...It worked, but wasn't the best fit.  I've had a custom cover made for all Invaders since with great results.  The Interceptors on the other hand seem to be consistent.  I had a purchased custom cover installed and it fit perfectly. 
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: Vader on November 19, 2021, 04:57:56 PM
I bought one of those custom fit covers, so that may or may not work out. I've never dealt with any upholstery shops so I don't know who's good and who's not, might only find out after the job is done. Also don't know how happy they'll be dealing with the foam, it's kinda oil-soaked on the bottom.
Title: Re: Getting back to it
Post by: Vader on December 02, 2021, 07:37:49 PM
The interwebz can be fun.