Author Topic: 72 Arctic Cat (Read 14638 times)

mud_n_fun · « **on:** Oct 30, 2009, 10:13 AM »

This year I will have a new ride for the ice! Well new to me that is.It's a 72 Cheetah 399 with electric start. It came with a parts sled as well. I'm just going through and cleaning her up and then I will build an auger rack for the front and a Bucket rack on the rear. Should be a great machine for me when I am done.

Finally got the paint of the tank. It was alot of work.

When I got tired of working on removing paint my son would take over!

We got some primer on her now I just need to pick up some paint.

We removed all the sticker from the hook an now need to repair some of the chips in the glass but the hood has no cracks in it.

I plan on polishing up the aluminum too!

This is a fun little project.
Also I picked up this 74 Cheetah 340 with electric start for the wife. All she needs is a windsheild and she's reday to ride.( had the seat off for cleaning her up)

CMMahy · « **Reply #1 on:** Oct 30, 2009, 12:53 PM »

Nice sleds! There's something to be said about the simplicity and durability of those older machines, built to take a beating and just about any repairs can be done on the side of the trail with a crescent wrench and a screw driver. Make sure you post some pictures of them in action once the ice hits!

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #2 on:** Oct 30, 2009, 01:18 PM »

Quote from: CMMahy on Oct 30, 2009, 12:53 PM

Nice sleds! There's something to be said about the simplicity and durability of those older machines, built to take a beating and just about any repairs can be done on the side of the trail with a crescent wrench and a screw driver. Make sure you post some pictures of them in action once the ice hits!

Oh I will. That is another plan for this year. Take more pics!

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #3 on:** Oct 30, 2009, 05:16 PM »

Today I felt like doing a little polishing.

And at the same time I thought I'd clean the hood vents. Yup that's the dishwasher(of course the wife was at work while I cleaned them).

ZFK · « **Reply #4 on:** Nov 01, 2009, 09:27 PM »

Any more pics of those old cats? Thats all my dad had 440 Cheetah, 340 Cheetah, 340 Panther and a 292 Lynx. I loved those old machines! I got a 1972 340 Puma in high school it hauled me everywhere i wanted to go!

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #5 on:** Nov 01, 2009, 10:03 PM »

I'll take more after I do some more work tommorrow. I can't wait for the swap show I'm attending Friday. I need a few parts.

stumper · « **Reply #6 on:** Nov 01, 2009, 10:06 PM »

Anything specific you need? I have a couple old cats out back. Actually just had a cat and a 89 Skidoo given to me yesterday.Cat last ran last yr....

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #7 on:** Nov 01, 2009, 10:14 PM »

Quote from: stumper on Nov 01, 2009, 10:06 PM

Anything specific you need? I have a couple old cats out back. Actually just had a cat and a 89 Skidoo given to me yesterday.Cat last ran last yr....

I need an ignition switch and hyfax for the 72, a kill switch for the 74 some track rivets and a windshield for each. I should have to much problem finding these there. I can accually by all these new form Dennis Kirk.

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #8 on:** Nov 06, 2009, 10:12 PM »

Got the tank painted and it's time to fire her up! Well she runs but needs a carb rebuild.

So I put the boys to work!

Nor Easter · « **Reply #9 on:** Nov 07, 2009, 10:54 AM »

Quote

she runs but needs a carb rebuild.

I hear that it`s better to get the angle piece either in aluminum or the angled boot and putting a Mikuni carb on those Kawasakis is THE WAY TO GO.

Unluckily my `71 Panther sports a Kohler 399 so I can`t put one on it.

But it runs and does what I need so I can`t complain too loudly...

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #10 on:** Nov 07, 2009, 05:20 PM »

I rebuilt the carb and now she purrrs and Growls!!

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #11 on:** Nov 13, 2009, 05:18 PM »

I couldn't find a winshield at the swap meet but a gut was sellin some for $5 each so I bought one to see if I could mod it to fit. I saved $55 over buying a new one and I am pleased with the out come. I cut it with a cut off wheel.

Had to test fit the GPS.

Put new wearbars on the skis and painted them.

Installed a couple mirrors so I can keep an eye on my equipment.

It's coming along!

CMMahy · « **Reply #12 on:** Nov 13, 2009, 05:44 PM »

I like it!

The monster GPS kinda looks a little out of place on that oldie though....

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #13 on:** Nov 13, 2009, 05:48 PM »

Quote from: CMMahy on Nov 13, 2009, 05:44 PM

I like it!

The monster GPS kinda looks a little out of place on that oldie though....

It's better than having it sit in the closet all winter!

I'm going to hook up the transducer too so I can sit on the seat and fish on nice days.

luv2fish2 · « **Reply #14 on:** Nov 13, 2009, 06:05 PM »

picked up an old cheetah 5000 (suzuki motor) my self, like the way your trickin your ride your giving me ideas like the mirrors

bucketmouth · « **Reply #15 on:** Nov 13, 2009, 06:27 PM »

this post has me convinced I outta pick up an ol sled to work on next summer... keep on updating us on how the build progresses. Can't wait to see the auger holder and bucket rack.

Don

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #16 on:** Nov 13, 2009, 06:58 PM »

Here is a Preview!

I have this piece of c-channal aluminum that fits nicely around the handle. With a couple quick pins and holes this will be secure on the sled and easy to get off.

As far as the bucket holder goes I have this rubbermaid box, that without the lid, holds 2 buckets just fine. Or I have the option of using it with it's lid for holding things.

CMMahy · « **Reply #17 on:** Nov 13, 2009, 09:46 PM »

Quote

It's better than having it sit in the closet all winter! I'm going to hook up the transducer too so I can sit on the seat and fish on nice days.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the GPS, I just thought it looked out of place on a sled that doesn't even have a speedo....but I guess that's all the more reason to have one!

I can't wait to see what you come up with for an auger mount, I'm still debating where/how to mount mine on my Tundra.

Have you got any screens or covers for the large vent holes in the cab, or are you just going to leave them open?

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #18 on:** Nov 13, 2009, 09:58 PM »

Quote from: CMMahy on Nov 13, 2009, 09:46 PM

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the GPS, I just thought it looked out of place on a sled that doesn't even have a speedo....but I guess that's all the more reason to have one!

I can't wait to see what you come up with for an auger mount, I'm still debating where/how to mount mine on my Tundra.

Have you got any screens or covers for the large vent holes in the cab, or are you just going to leave them open?

It came with a screen! Oh don't worry about offending me. Yep the GPS has a speedo! I'm planning on making the auger mount above the rear. If my hood wasn't so short I'd put it in front.

sbfPA_Mike · « **Reply #19 on:** Nov 14, 2009, 07:01 AM »

I am sure you can buy rubber U-channel to put around the edge of you custom windshield. This would enhance safety and make it cleaner.

Mike

duke31 · « **Reply #20 on:** Nov 14, 2009, 07:13 AM »

Yoooo Mud; Nice to see ya got the boys involved in this effort..

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #21 on:** Nov 14, 2009, 09:20 AM »

Quote from: sbfPA_Mike on Nov 14, 2009, 07:01 AM

I am sure you can buy rubber U-channel to put around the edge of you custom windshield. This would enhance safety and make it cleaner.

Mike

I am going to I just need to order it. I will also round it of a little better before final assembly. That was just a test fit.

DennyB · « **Reply #22 on:** Nov 14, 2009, 12:44 PM »

Quote from: mud_n_fun on Nov 14, 2009, 09:20 AM

I am going to I just need to order it. I will also round it of a little better before final assembly. That was just a test fit.

Have an old piece of rubber hose laying around?

Drifter_016 · « **Reply #23 on:** Nov 14, 2009, 12:54 PM »

You can use door edge guard purchased from the auto parts store.

sbfPA_Mike · « **Reply #24 on:** Nov 14, 2009, 03:42 PM »

Hmmmm, I wonder if there is a place where a bunch of guys could put in their $.02 about another guys awesome project?

I Love IceShanty.Com

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #25 on:** Nov 14, 2009, 04:16 PM »

Quote from: sbfPA_Mike on Nov 14, 2009, 03:42 PM

I Love IceShanty.Com

Me too!

I like the windshield trim ideas thanks guys!

Well today I worked on the hood repairing some chip with bondo.A bodyshop guy said that was all I needed for what I was doing.

Got some primer on her too. Now I can see all my flaws

Oh well, it's just for ice fishing! (I hate body work)

Then I added my 12v outlet!

I need to pick up the paint now.

Drifter_016 · « **Reply #26 on:** Nov 14, 2009, 05:56 PM »

What colour are you going to paint her? Arctic Cat black or something different?

mud_n_fun · « **Reply #27 on:** Nov 14, 2009, 06:09 PM »

Quote from: Drifter_016 on Nov 14, 2009, 05:56 PM

What colour are you going to paint her? Arctic Cat black or something different?

Just black. I did even think about painting it another color. Black just fits.

Nor Easter · « **Reply #28 on:** Nov 14, 2009, 10:36 PM »

Quote

Black just fits

Is that a Henry Ford quote?

KgBnY315 · « **Reply #29 on:** Nov 14, 2009, 10:57 PM »

sweet project and well done. its nice to see the classics back in action although im a skidoo man id take an arctic cat over a polaris any day you cant kill those old cats

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Author Topic: 72 Arctic Cat (Read 14638 times)

luv2fish2

DennyB