Author Topic: 1981 Invader Project  (Read 13360 times)

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mswyka

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #30 on: August 17, 2019, 04:42:59 PM »
I set up the drive shaft with the outside wheels set to fit outside the nubs and found that I could not insert that shaft into the sled.  Possibly if we remove the chain case and install the shaft with the splined end first it could work.

Then I looked at the manuals and see some of the sleds have the outside wheels and some don't.  Most notable among those that don't is the 81 LTD.

So I can:

1.  Go with no outside wheels. 
2.  Assemble chaincase last, or
3.  Stick with NOS track and original drive  set-up

Quite the conundrum. 
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

gixxer6

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #31 on: August 19, 2019, 07:26:49 AM »
I have a newer style track on the Intimidator and my 81' Invader.  I removed the locators on the drive shaft and installed it allowing the wheels to move freely from side to side (making sure the wheels were outside the nubs when installing).  Once the track is installed, I used simple hose clamps to locate the wheels.  It doesn't take much to hold them in place and they don't spin on the shaft so there we don't need to worry about them wearing. 

It's been several years since I have done the 81' but I do recall that the rear drive shaft needs to be lengthened.  I think the first time I had a custom one made, and the last time I cut down an extra mounting shaft and re-taped the end.  There are also wheels outside the rails towards the front of the suspension that need to be widened.  I don't recall how I accomplished this, but I don't think it was too difficult.  I can take a look later and get some pictures if you need it. 

mswyka

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #32 on: August 19, 2019, 04:33:42 PM »
Sounds like a practical approach with the clamps.  Since the 81 LTD did not have the extra rollers I was considering leaving them off.  The 81 also had uprights on the outside of the track clips.  This may be why they didn't use them.  I don't have manuals for anything newer, so I am not sure what the 82's used.

I will need to double check the length of the rear shaft.   For the outbound wheels on the front of the skid there is enough bolt to shim them out.  The question is whether or not the wheel bushings will still be supported.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

gixxer6

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #33 on: August 20, 2019, 06:51:16 AM »
I will take a look at what I did on the outer front wheels.  I have put over 1000 miles on it and they have held up nicely. 

mswyka

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #34 on: August 20, 2019, 08:10:54 PM »
Thank you.

Tonight was drilling out rivets.  There are a lot of rivets in a bulkhead.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

gixxer6

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #35 on: August 22, 2019, 07:32:41 AM »
Looks like I doubled up the spacers.  I seem to recall installing a spacer to the shafts as well... 

mswyka

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #36 on: August 22, 2019, 09:38:42 AM »
Thank you.  That looks interesting.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

gixxer6

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #37 on: August 22, 2019, 09:53:43 AM »
Thank you.  That looks interesting.

If you look close you can see the seam in the spacers between the suspension bracket and the wheel...

mswyka

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #38 on: August 22, 2019, 06:51:52 PM »
Thank you.

Tonight was drilling out rivets.  There are a lot of rivets in a bulkhead.

Finally finished.  If I counted right it was 80 rivets.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

mswyka

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #39 on: September 14, 2019, 06:20:17 PM »
Did a little work on the dash panel. The panel that came with the sled was very bad.  Was able to use it as a parts donor.  Since I was patching one panel I decided to do a Intruder panel at the same time.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

mswyka

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #40 on: September 14, 2019, 06:21:10 PM »
last two photos
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

mswyka

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #41 on: September 15, 2019, 01:59:26 PM »
Back to the suspension question.  I added some shims to the rear axle and to the side wheels.   The wheels now clear the outside nubs.

My question is whether or not there is specific guidance for how much clearance there should be between a nub and a wheel?
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

mswyka

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #42 on: September 19, 2019, 07:15:47 PM »
Looking at air boxes tonight and coming to the conclusion that we have a miserable collection of battered and beaten air boxes.  Hoping to make one good one out of two or three.  This may be yet one more miracle for this sled.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

mswyka

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #43 on: September 20, 2019, 07:15:25 AM »
Before and After - Airbox screen.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

Interceptor398

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Re: 1981 Invader Project
« Reply #44 on: September 20, 2019, 07:54:40 AM »
It is coming along real nice.  If there is a "nub clearance spec"  I am unaware of it.