The calendar is telling me it’s time to revisit another sled project, in this case a 79 TX 440. Looking at the photo, this may seem like Deja ‘Vue all over again but trust me, this project was a whole different ballgame from the previous 340 project, even though the only obvious difference is the 440 decal.

For starters, this sled was ROUGH but I poured my heart and soul (and a lot of money) into it to make it achieve its potential. It was a total teardown and anything that couldn’t be brought back to original condition or needed improvement was replaced.

The list of new parts was impressive: hood, windshield, gauges, seat cover, track, shocks, graphics, Team Rapid Response P-85 clutch, 38mm carbs, and dozens of small parts too numerous to mention. Everything that needed cleanup and paint got it: tunnel, pan, tank, dash skis, exhaust, and suspension. Finally, my master mechanic friend Adam worked miracles on the engine with a professional rebuild.

The sled rewarded me for the effort, giving me a trouble-free ride on four annual Iron Man rides at the Copper Harbor vintage event. To my surprise, it also brought home a “Best Restored” trophy one of those years.

In a weak moment, I had entertained the idea of selling this sled but then I realized, I just can’t. This needs to stay in the fleet. I haven’t ridden it much the last few years because there are so many new kids on the block but I’m thinking it should maybe make a return to the U.P. next February.