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Author Topic: 1979 440 Drifter Project  (Read 6122 times)

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dr1979-340

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1979 440 Drifter Project
« 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.

« Last Edit: December 23, 2015, 03:45:48 PM by dr1979-340 »
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Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

Interceptor398

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #1 on: December 23, 2015, 07:48:26 PM »
Now that is getting serious. ;D
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Joel

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #2 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
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79 Drifter 440, 79 Invader 440,82 Intruder,81 LTD, 82 LTD x2, 82 GT Prototype,82 Interceptor #519

dr1979-340

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #3 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.
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Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

dr1979-340

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #4 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.
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Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

rminier

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2016, 03:22:31 PM »
 Lookin' great. You riding any of them in the Great White North?   :)
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75 SnoJet Astro SS, 79 Kawasaki Invader 440 (two of them), 81 Scorpion Sidewinder, 82 Blizzard 9500, 83 Yamaha Vmax 540, 97 MXZ 670....and holding...for now.

dr1979-340

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #6 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.
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Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

dr1979-340

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #7 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.
« Last Edit: February 09, 2016, 02:17:37 PM by dr1979-340 »
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Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

dr1979-340

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #8 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.
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Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

dr1979-340

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #9 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.
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Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

kawhead

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #10 on: January 23, 2017, 05:04:49 PM »
hard to beat a drifter in deep snow....the sled looks nice....
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Interceptor398

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #11 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!
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dr1979-340

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2017, 04:43:30 PM »
Thanks guys!!  I took it Waconia for the vintage ride.
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Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

Interceptor398

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Re: 1979 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2017, 05:49:59 PM »
Nice looking sled!  I saw it but missed getting a picture of it.
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