Minnesota Kelly

Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 1 week, 5 days ago

On the Kawasaki project:

I omitted that little detail on my previous post but no doubt you all figured it out. Today was an incredibly nice day for late October so I took advantage of it and did some outside sandblasting in the slide rails, which are too big for my cabinet. Still a long way to go but it’s a start.
Also pulled the spare m…Read More

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Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 1 week, 6 days ago

Having problems with my laptop so trying to post with my phone so look out, anything can happen. Found a good front swing arm on eBay but it was missing the lower shaft. I had some in my other swing arms but all were seized. Drastic times call for drastic measures so I split the tube. Eventually it came out and is usable.

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Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 2 weeks, 3 days ago

As Gary mentioned, the summer cabin season is officially over for us and we are back at the house full time. The bright side is that after a couple of weeks of catch-up on things, there will be a lot more time for the shop.

That will allow me to really focus on the rear suspension purgatory that I seem to have found myself in. This is the…Read More

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2 Comments
- Neenah Gary
  1 week, 5 days ago
  
  I’ve got a True or False question for Kelly. Since the current topic is of the rear suspension, with the current layout/configuration of the components, nothing has really changed over the years. Just a few tweeks here and there but the same principle has been with us for many years. True or False.
  - Minnesota Kelly
    1 week, 3 days ago
    
    From a conceptual perspective I think that is largely true. Most modern sleds still run some form of sprung slide rail suspension. What engineers have done with the concept is light-years better than the early days. 14 inches of travel sure feels a lot better than 4 when you hit a rough stretch of trail.
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 2 weeks, 6 days ago

The Kawasaki Project”
In spite of a lack of evidence, work has occurred in occasional bursts in the off season. I did address the major crack in the seat foam, most likely due to running it without a seat cover. I cut out most of the bad foam, glued in a replacement piece, and shaped it to (mostly) match the existing foam. There is a little…Read More

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Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 2 weeks, 6 days ago

Some of us are old enough to remember the album “Twin Sons of Different Mothers”. That comes to mind when I look at this photo. Imagine yourself walking into a dealer showroom in 1979 and see these two sitting on the showroom floor. It would be a ‘Where do I sign” moment.

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2 Comments
- Neenah Gary
  2 weeks, 6 days ago
  
  Agreed, every decade has a look and feel and these two are proof of the best the 70’s had to offer.
- Hermie
  2 weeks, 6 days ago
  
  A couple of really nice looking sleds. There were some really sharp sleds in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 4 weeks, 1 day ago

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 ROU…Read More

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Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 1 month ago

In keeping with Gary’s mindset: Have to love these things. A guy a couple of hours from me in Northern MN is making these custom-made backlit signs. He will put any sled you choose and sign content. Very cool. Thinking this would be a great Christmas present from my wife. Would just have to decide which sled to use.

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4 Comments
- euphoric1
  1 month ago
  
  I like those back lit signs, I have a few large vintage snowmobile scenes framed ones in my living room, my favorite one has a line of vintage sleds coming in on a trail from a ride to a cabin and headlights are lit as well as cabin window and post lights, really cool!
- Neenah Gary
  1 month ago
  
  I saw an Ad for these on Marketplace. Very cool! Now if someone would drop a hint to our wives…..
- Hermie
  1 month ago
  
  Kelly do you mind sharing his information? I would be interested in purchasing one. I can’t wait on the wife I would never see it.😂
  - Minnesota Kelly
    4 weeks, 1 day ago
    
    The fellow’s name is Shane Chapman on FB. He lives in Newfolden, MN. He operates his business under his name. You can try sending him a PM referencing his sign products. If he doesn’t respond, let me know and I will contact him and find out the best way to get in touch with him. I have done some business with him on sleds.
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 1 month ago

Gary sent me some vintage sled photos from the Wide Open Wisconsin show and I spotted this sled in one of the photos so I did a little digging and found another photo. As the story goes, the sled was a Kawasaki prototype test sled and was to be destroyed when it had served its purpose, which is why it has DES on the tunnel. Apparently this one…Read More

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9 Comments
- euphoric1
  1 month ago
  
  Kelly, don’t know if he sent you pictures of a Diablo and a Hus-ski sitting next to each other, Good friend/customer of ours, he took first and second for the year of his sleds.
  - Minnesota Kelly
    1 month ago
    
    No, they were not in the photo set. Don’t know if you have any but if so, you should post them here. Obviously they were meticulously restored. Always thought the Diablos were really cool. A guy up at the Copper Harbor ride a few years back had one. I was surprised at how well it did in the backcountry. Had no problem staying with the group.
    - euphoric1
      1 month ago
      
      You asked and you shall receive lol, ran to his shop this morning and got some shots
      
      euphoric1
      1 month ago
      
      euphoric1
      1 month ago
      
      euphoric1
      1 month ago
      
      euphoric1
      1 month ago
      
      Minnesota Kelly
      1 month ago
      
      How fun are these!!! I can see why he took home a lot of hardware. These things are perfection. He should be rightly proud of his work. I learned something today,. I didn’t realize that these were both marketed under the Bolens brand. The model names are kind of interesting. “Hus-Ski” might have been a loose reference to the sled dog but my…Read More
      
      euphoric1
      1 month ago
      
      Thank you Kelly, I will definitely pass on your comment, like yourself I’m sure it will make his day and I know he will deeply appreciate it!
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 1 month, 1 week ago

On the Kawasaki Project:
Yes, work does continue on the project but it’s a fair question to ask: “Why do these projects take so long?” For starters, I think I’m just naturally slow and while shop time can be limited in the summer, probably the better answer is that sometimes there’s just more to a task than meets the eye.

Let’s take the lo…Read More

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Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 1 month, 2 weeks ago

For better or worse, this is the initial installment of the build series. I hope you all will find it interesting.

While it isn’t my plan to cover the various builds in any particular chronological order, I thought I should lead with the sled that really kicked the restoration journey into high gear: a 79 TX 340. I bought this sled in the s…Read More

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1 Comment
- Minnesota Kelly
  1 month, 2 weeks ago
  
  Going back through old photos, I did run across one of it mostly torn down. I don’t remember doing any body glazing on the tunnel but I guess I did.
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 1 month, 3 weeks ago

OK “Shop” people, I need some feedback. A number of you have faithfully followed my various sled build threads over the years on John’s site but there may be some of you that haven’t. For those that have, there may be builds you have missed, builds you may have forgotten, and there are at least a couple that never made their way into any build…Read More

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5 Comments
- euphoric1
  1 month, 3 weeks ago
  
  I can honestly say there are no builds that I have forgotten, however the couple that never made it into any of your posts would sure be nice to see, even if just pictures and not any in depth coverage but…. be ready for the questions LOL! revisiting and introducing us to past projects would be cool! I for one am all in!
  - Minnesota Kelly
    1 month, 3 weeks ago
    
    Brian, I’m thinking your memory is better than mine. You probably remember stuff I don’t. I’m going to have to do some thinking to summarize a project that may have taken several months, or even years, in just a few paragraphs. In addition, there were a few sleds that, while I had the best of intentions of making them a project, it never…Read More
    - euphoric1
      1 month, 3 weeks ago
      
      Doesnt have to be anything crazy Kelly, I’m sure all of us would appreciate a walk down Kellys resto memory lane. even if only pictures.
    - euphoric1
      1 month, 3 weeks ago
      
      Kelly, later this month my wife and I will be going to the Wide Open Wisconsin show and last year a swear the swap portion of the show had almost doubled in comparison to the year before. I’d like to help you with finding anything you might need for Kawabunga project or anything you might need to ice the cake of other projects you have done. If…Read More
      
      Minnesota Kelly
      1 month, 3 weeks ago
      
      Thanks for the offer Brian. Yes, there is a messaging feature here and it works well. From what I gather, it’s a good show. If I come up with anything you might run across in just passing by a vendor, I’ll let you know. in any case, have fun at the show!
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 2 months ago

Hood is painted. The light plays tricks on this color and my phone. It’s actually a little darker than it looks in the photo. Should look sharp with the 82 graphics.

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Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 2 months, 1 week ago

A few days I mentioned a special project I’d like to take on in the future and I may be one step closer to it now. I have a deal pending on this beauty: a 77 Liquifire 340. Hopefully it will work out. Now I know you might be thinking: “All the hype for this?”. But don’t let its unassuming presence fool you, my plan is to try to put a very pe…Read More

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9 Comments
- Minnesota Kelly
  2 months, 1 week ago
  
  Well gang, this deal fell through. After we had agreed on a deal, the seller changed the terms and I just couldn’t meet those terms. Disappointing, but I’ll find another one or maybe a Cyclone somewhere. In any case,, I’m still determined to find one and make it a future project.
  - Heckler56
    2 months, 1 week ago
    
    I see he lowered his price to $200 on FB.
    - Minnesota Kelly
      2 months, 1 week ago
      
      He must have it listed somewhere other than Marketplace. It’s still on MP for $300 in Bayfield, WI. Unless it’s a different sled, which is unlikely, there’s no mistaking this sled. Thinking I was actually dealing with two people and the first person was all excited about the deal but the second person turned out to be a real tool. Do you have…Read More
      
      Heckler56
      2 months, 1 week ago
      
      https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1791140438977212/?
      
      Heckler56
      2 months, 1 week ago
      
      The price is now listed as $400, marked down to $300. Yep, a real tool.
      
      Minnesota Kelly
      2 months, 1 week ago
      
      Thanks David,. That is the sled. He could have had this sale locked up but apparently doesn’t understand the concept of electronic money transfer or cashier check in advance of pickup. It will sell eventually for less than I offered him. Genius at work.
  - Heckler56
    2 months, 1 week ago
    
    A pair of 440’s Liquidfires for $500 (wants gone asap)
    - Heckler56
      2 months, 1 week ago
      
      https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1420811439942597/?
    - Minnesota Kelly
      2 months, 1 week ago
      
      Yeah, this listing has been tormenting me for some time. It’s a good deal. He won’t separate them which is probably OK because you would probably need both to make ome sled. This is one problem with living up here on the fringe. it’s just too far to pull a trailer to pick up both. If I were still living in the Twin Cities, it would be a piece…Read More
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 2 months, 2 weeks ago

On the Kawasaki Project:
I did manage to get the skis finished a while back but just getting around to posting a photo. Kawasaki shocks are not to be found but with the help of a couple of shims, Arctic Cat shocks work nicely.

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Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Sitting out on the deck tonight enjoying an incredible lake evening and wondering how far out in advance I can realistically plan projects. As you all know, I’m not exactly a picture of youth. I ask this question because my plan was to work the Drifter F/A next year and finish it in the winter of 27/28 and the latest acquisition is has raised…Read More

13 Comments
- Hermie
  2 months, 2 weeks ago
  
  If you still have the drive and you still have your health then why not do something you enjoy doing? Keeping moving and doing things is what keeps you going as you age. So are you going to give us any hints on this image?
  - Minnesota Kelly
    2 months, 2 weeks ago
    
    I agree with you on the moving thing. I live in an area where a significant percentage of the residents are older and I see so many people that aren’t aging well. I think this is at least partly due to not continuing to stay active. Sometimes moving may not always feel that great but in the long run, it’s good for you. Something else that I thi…Read More
    - Eagle1
      2 months, 2 weeks ago
      
      Ya my parents are getting close to 80 and have garden large enough to feed whole neighborhood. And still take care of pool and too. They only finally bought a riding mower this June!!! I swear I probably take more naps than they do!!🤪
      
      Eagle1
      2 months, 2 weeks ago
      
      …also there’s a few of us in/near Appleton that could help enable your addictio…I mean dream. 😁
      
      Minnesota Kelly
      2 months, 2 weeks ago
      
      Always appreciate offers to help with the “dream”. At first glance it seems to difficult to make happen but desparation may dictate otherwise.
      
      Minnesota Kelly
      2 months, 2 weeks ago
      
      Good for your parents!! People like that are my inspiration to keep at it.
- Neenah Gary
  2 months, 2 weeks ago
  
  To paraphrase a song from Toby Keith, How old would you be if you didn’t know your birth date? And there’s your answer my friend.
  - Minnesota Kelly
    2 months, 2 weeks ago
    
    YES!
- euphoric1
  2 months, 2 weeks ago
  
  Kelly I agree completely with the comments listed and think no matter what it is to keep doing what ones doing because there will come a day when one wont be able to anymore and I believe it plays a huge part on ones longevity. Its clear you have the passion, the drive and are a true master at you craft. It is also clear you truly enjoy what you…Read More
- Heckler56
  2 months, 2 weeks ago
  
  There was a 90 year old member of my RV group. Former Vietnam pilot. He sold what he said is his last rv. This guy did circles around everyone modifying these Airstream vans. Bought one, made mods (beautiful woodworking skills), sold it 3 years later. He did this in his 70’s & 80’s. All of it by himself. But he bowed out when his vision began to…Read More
  - Heckler56
    2 months, 2 weeks ago
    
    Hit the enter button before I was done. He modified several vans over the 20 years. Kelly, you are that guy with snowmobiles. I am still looking for my unicorn (although shoulder surgery put a stop on everything this year). Thank you for being you…
- Minnesota Kelly
  2 months, 2 weeks ago
  
  You guys pretty well nailed it with your comments and examples of people making the best of life in their later years. Jimmy Buffet wrote a song titled: “Growing Older but Not Up.” It’s words I’ve tried to live by.
  - Heckler56
    2 months, 2 weeks ago
    
    That is exactly what that RV gentilemen would say 😂
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Ah, summer. Baseball, barbeques, and…..Snowmobiles (of course). It’s been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That’s what I’m going with on this one. Supposed to be a parts sled but thinking it may be too nice to tear it down, just for parts. Seems to happen a lot.

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3 Comments
- euphoric1
  2 months, 2 weeks ago
  
  Cant see the whole hood but looks to be in not too bad shape and looks like you picked up a few other nuggets that could be useful in future projects, one has to wonder what other barn finds are out there yet just waiting to see the light of day once again.
  - Minnesota Kelly
    2 months, 2 weeks ago
    
    The hood is actually very nice, much better than what I started with on the current project. The engine in the sled is seized (oil injection failure) but he threw in a good 440 and another Cat/Kawasaki 440 in case i wanted to rebuild it. I thinking barn finds will continue to be discovered for some time to come. There will always be someone that…Read More
    - Mezz
      2 months, 2 weeks ago
      
      You’re gonna need to build a Kaw Barn now!
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 3 months ago

Some not so deep thoughts on a Sunday night.

August has arrived and it means that I’m starting to make some noises about getting my project painting done. The first step in setting up my “paint booth” is to move some sleds into the house garage to give me some room to paint.

I don’t normally see most of these sleds on a regular basis a…Read More

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2 Comments
- Snowtrailsusa
  3 months ago
  - Minnesota Kelly
    2 months, 3 weeks ago
    
    this is more true than you would believe.
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop

• 3 months, 1 week ago

A little project diversion here. Finally picked up this little beauty today. Looks like the 2027 project is locked in. Long drive, but it was worth it. Nothing like that new sled smell. Gotta love the free-air sleds.

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8 Comments
- Neenah Gary
  3 months, 1 week ago
  
  A couple of questions here; What Is It? Without graphics, I can’t tell. Those handlebars look awkward, kinda like those on the bicycles of the 70’s. Anyway, glad to see you’ve got something to keep your head in the game for another year and congratulations on a new member of the family! We hope the Mrs. approves of another “rescue” at the table.
  - Minnesota Kelly
    3 months ago
    
    Sorry Gary, i guess I was a little short on details. It’s a 1980 Kawasaki 340 Drifter F/A, a one-year build sled and the only free air sled Kawasaki ever produced. The bars probably do look a little goofy but they feel right when you’re sitting on the sled. Kawasaki did take a page out of the bicycle book though and mounted the bars in a block…Read More
    - Neenah Gary
      3 months ago
      
      Tell your Mrs. all of us on SnowTrails appreciates her support. For you to rescue an old snowmobile that’s been abused and left alone in an old barn is admirable on your part. A little TLC, and a case of Hamm’s will go along way in bringing her up to speed on “Kelly Time”.
  - euphoric1
    3 months ago
    
    handlebars remind me of John Deere snowmobile handle bars
- Mezz
  3 months ago
  
  It’s in pretty decent shape! 2 Kaw’s in a row, you’ll be in the groove when it’s this ones turn. Nice!
  - Minnesota Kelly
    3 months ago
    
    Yeah it’s weird, considering Kawasaki wasn’t even on my radar a year ago and now I have two. The Drifter F/A is a unique animal. I’m thinking the windshield was an option. The shop manual I got with the sled shows it without one. Personally, I like it better without. I don’t think I’m even going to have to touch the hood, unless I want to add…Read More
    - Neenah Gary
      2 months, 4 weeks ago
      
      I found this photo over on Bookface. Not much for graphics is there?
      
      Minnesota Kelly
      2 months, 3 weeks ago
      
      No, just a tiny “Drifter F/A” decal on the side. I think I mentioned this before, but it’s interesting that a windshield must have been optional. I’ve seen several photos now of this sled without one, including the cover of the shop manual.
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group General Discussion

• 3 months, 1 week ago

Really enjoying Gary’s event photos, amazing stuff! You Arctic Cat guys also have to be lovin’ this. The new ZR White Tiger. Awesome looking sled!

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2 Comments
- Hermie
  3 months, 1 week ago
  
  You ask me one of the best if not the best color combos for MY27. I will be keeping an eye on cat to see if there quality gets better and perhaps a new updated rear suspension.
  - Neenah Gary
    3 months ago
    
    One of my earlier sleds had an unpainted tunnel, just polished aluminum. Scuff marks from my boots were evident and impossible to remove. I’m wondering if the same occurs with this AC. But, yes, that’s a really sharp looking machine, very much so!
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