Author Topic: 1980 440 Drifter Project  (Read 5553 times)

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dr1979-340

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1980 440 Drifter Project
« 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!!
Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

Interceptor398

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Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #1 on: February 08, 2017, 06:39:02 PM »
That mistake makes that sled very interesting in a show.

dr1979-340

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Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #2 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.
Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

dr1979-340

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Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2017, 08:07:35 AM »
Ready to start building it back up.  New seals, gaskets and piston rings are in order. 
Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

rminier

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Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #4 on: February 10, 2017, 04:44:24 PM »
 GOOD post!
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: 1980 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #5 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.
Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

Interceptor398

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Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2017, 07:39:24 PM »
Looking real nice!

Gilson435

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Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2017, 01:14:47 PM »
Nice work!  8)
69 Panther 372 JLO
73 Gilson 435
80 Kawasaki Intruder 440
81 Pantera,93 Jag,(2)94 Cougars, (2)Prowlers, (2)Z440's
2002 Polaris XCSP 800

dr1979-340

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

dr1979-340

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Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #9 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.
« Last Edit: July 11, 2019, 09:51:10 AM by dr1979-340 »
Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

Interceptor398

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Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #10 on: July 13, 2019, 05:33:28 PM »
These old sleds are worth the effort, nice work!

dr1979-340

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Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #11 on: July 22, 2019, 04:23:02 PM »
I'm very pleased on how this turned out considering I just clear-coated the hood. 
Two 1979 340 Drifters
1979 440 Drifter
1980 440 Drifter

gixxer6

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Re: 1980 440 Drifter Project
« Reply #12 on: July 23, 2019, 06:42:28 AM »
Very nice!