I am so glad to have found this awesome series of videos. I have been looking for a 73 340 Panther for several yrs and I just found one a couple of days ago. My dad bought a 73 Panther brand new and it was a big deal. I was 6 yrs old at the time and remember just sitting on that machine in the garage imagining riding it. Luckily mine is in completely original condition with almost no damage. The track still looks almost new. I doesn’t run though as it only has spark on one cylinder. I will definitely be putting your episode on the ignition to good use. Thank you for doing such a great job documenting your restoration as it will be a valuable tool for me with my restoration.

@Letsfixsomething26

Жыл бұрын

Jarrod, that’s so cool. It’s kind of the reason I started the channel. Today there’s lots of vintage sled channels that do a great job but are different brands. Guys like John Nutter and Todd Clyne, Matt’s work shop, New Hampshire Vintage, 2 cylinder will.. to name a few. Great channels but not specific to cats. Good luck on your 73 restoration for sure. Apologies for that video series as that was my first attempt at you tube. Videos 1-3 are a little rough. Give a shout if you need some help finding parts. And if you spy a 73 parts sled make sure to buy it. It’s great having extra parts. Also look up Joe Inferra on marketplace. He parts out cats and has a LOT of stuff.

@jarrodleis4046

Жыл бұрын

@@Letsfixsomething26 I was wondering if you ever ended up buying a new seat cover for your Panther. Mine isn’t too bad but it will definitely be the worst part of the sled after I give the sled a good going over. I was looking at the Atwood cover but I have heard good and bad reviews about his stuff…

@Letsfixsomething26

Жыл бұрын

@@jarrodleis4046 I’ve got 3 Atwood covers. They are priced right for a rider sled. I’d go with him hands down. Now… if your building an obscure or rare sled of showroom trailer Queen quality, there are others who do that, I ride all of mine all winter.

Congratulations on your restoration! So much details, Nice meticulus work! Beautiful Artic Cat machine ! In the 70's this sled was a dream machine ! My neighbor had one and he was the talk of the town, the King! Hello from Montréal Canada. Again congratulations amazing work 👍

Fantastic job! It was so much fun (binge) watching your restoration series and I am sure anyone, like me who grew up in the 70's riding sleds likes this was inspired to do a project just like yours! Your video work, as well as the mechanical work and tips on finding parts, made it so enjoyable. Thank you for posting.

@Letsfixsomething26

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul. It was a crap ton of work working on the machine as well as the video edits. There are so many people who do this and more yet we never see it. I have to admit, I probably will not do another one on video. Glad I did it, glad its done. Time to ride!

I always love that first 1:00 AM test ride after wrenching all night to get to a vintage sled show at 6:00 AM the next day.

@Letsfixsomething26

3 жыл бұрын

Yea that was pretty late if I remember right. Just about a year ago in early December 2019 was the initial run.

Awesome video man. My grandfather had that exact model when I was a kid. This video brought back tons of old memories of riding it as a young kid. Great job man. 👍👍

@Letsfixsomething26

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Yea, that is kind of the theme, reliving some old memories. Thanks Matt!

Great series and an awesome job, i think it was awesome to take it back to your friend and show it off! Hats off to you👍🏻

@Letsfixsomething26

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brian

Just finished watching the series! Great job and i know that feeling of firing it up after a complete rebuild! Enjoy!!!

Great job man! The details you put pay off and the sled looks better than new

@Letsfixsomething26

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a bunch! Lots of work, lots of fun, not that much cash spent. As in OPPOSITE of airplanes.

Great job, Your lucky you know what your doing and know how to do it, I'm impressed what a beautiful old sled

@Letsfixsomething26

Жыл бұрын

Oh wow Joe, that is such a nice comment. I am learning big time with each sled. Each has it's own challenges for sure. THANKYOU FOR WATCHING!

Great work bud...well done!!

Absolutely fantastic video series! Thank so much! Subscribed!!

@Letsfixsomething26

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it. Video 1 was pretty rough and I wasn’t intending to do this You Tube thing. It was a way to show the person who gave it to me the work that was getting done on it. Videos were too big to text so used this instead. Well it kind of blossomed. There are so many nice comments so I decided to keep going. New project reveal is coming March 1!!!!

@richardelinskas6663

2 жыл бұрын

Let’s Fix Something! Can’t wait!

I just Subscribed to your Channel. Absolutely Amazing job you did on this sled! I just picked up a 73 Panther 400 for free. And I just put fresh fuel in it, and it started and I'm just gonna run it! But Hats off to this Beautiful restoration you just did!! Absolutely Awesome! I'll be looking forward to anything you do in the future! Your Pennsylvania friend!! LET IT SNOW. AND SAFE RIDING

@Letsfixsomething26

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Darrell, if you need help on your Panther, just reach out. While I probably wouldn't go that deep into a 73 Panther again, I am glad I did. It helped me with the 2nd Lynx project. I have another one I am starting but will not be doing a video until the end like the Lynx video. It is going to be a longer term project and maybe not a "RATT" sled like the lynx, although the "RATT" sleds I see and far beyond this machine as far as cobble and rust are concerned. Thanks for the nice comments. Much appreciated. I hope you get your Panther in top shape and enjoy it. --Jason

Did a 73 John Deere model 500 with the CCW 440 man o man it's alot of work and time and trial and error but it's worth it all when they are done....😁👍

@Letsfixsomething26

Жыл бұрын

It’s weird when you’ve touched every bolt, bearing, screw, and wheel, how you are visualizing it all spinning around in your head when you ride. It’s very rewarding for sure. Next time… make a video of your work, and then become the JD guy on KZread!!! Thanks for the comment!

@Frank-rx6wm

Жыл бұрын

@@Letsfixsomething26 Ya it's true through all the research and knowledge I gained throughout the process between the CCW engines and John Deere chassis is off the charts...had vintage salvage yards tell me I'm the most knowledgeable John Deere guy they ever met....just saying I've been there totally done it.....

Just got done polishing my tunnel on my 2000 ski doo the other day, sounded like a great idea until your 30 minutes in and too far to just leave it haha. Great series, a lot of great information that will come in handy once I start tearing in to my grandpa's panther. I pulled the old girl out of the barn when I was in high school started it after it sat for 15+ years and haven't touched it since, just bought a parts sled to revive her after she's sat another 5 years.

@Letsfixsomething26

3 жыл бұрын

Damian thats great. Pitter Patter and get after it. Most of the time it is cheaper to buy an entire parts sled to get one or two parts from it. Then you have to decide if you are going to E bay the rest or just keep them around. You never know when the parts sled becomes a build. That has happened to me and how I ended up with my Lynx build. It was a toss away parts sled that I took on........... and used all the extra parts from OTHER parts sleds to make this one. I even took on a 3rd project and am still using left overs. I keep telling myself the 3rd one is the last one. But then the voices in my head tell me to find another fun project. Its the mental tug of war. Good luck on the panther. I hope you document it and make it better than my video series. Thanks for the kind words.

Awesome vintage Cat ! Great job!

@Letsfixsomething26

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! It was a lot of work but it sure is fun to zip around on. Check out the next sled I built on the channel. The 74 Lynx Frankenstein RATT sled. Super fun project. Stay tuned for the next one......... SHHHHHH

Nice job on the video series. That machine is as reliable now as it was the day it was new.

Cool voyage, I've done several by also taking the bulkhead right out each time and it does get old after a while. Super nice you had the previous owner come over to go for a rip. You can easily pull that front bumper back out to match the belly nose shape with a couple straps hooked to solid anchor items and a come-along.

@Letsfixsomething26

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip! It is so very slight I said piss on it....... however you have given me an idea to try. Ironically I sold a mint bumper to a guy from one of my parts sleds and instantly regretted it. Oh well. Onward and upward. Thanks for the kind words.

Great job..! It looks Awesome..!!

@Letsfixsomething26

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment. The 73’s don’t attract much for attention for some reason. It was my first build and kind of a tank but makes me smile none the less.

very nice!

Nice job!

@Letsfixsomething26

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

What an excellent series I just picked up the exact same machine but it’s a 340. I love the detail and everything I’ve watched the entire nine parts. Everything was done very professionally and perfect like an aircraft mechanic word. I don’t normally subscribe but I’m going to subscribe to this one. Pitter patter. The track was the worst part I felt your pain. Mike

@Letsfixsomething26

Жыл бұрын

Cripes thanks Mike! That was my first vintage and the first couple of videos are admittedly pretty grim. I got way deep in the weeds on that build with “how to” and tend to stray away from that now. Got a lot of hecklers actually bashing me on various points. There’s only a hand full of vintage builders who record these things and I’ve called them out on the channel to their great efforts. Lots of videos destroying vintage sleds, but that’s not for me. To each their own. Thanks for the nice comment. Good luck on your 73 340 build.

@generalrepair8731

Жыл бұрын

@@Letsfixsomething26 good morning, There is no reason for bashing. They are bored. I had the same response when I used to upload videos. Too time consuming. Besides your work is exceptional. I’m ordering the points buzzer because of you. Received my order from Jerry’s yesterday. I think 🤔 I will use aftermarket next build idk 🤷‍♂️ $20 per set of points is extreme. Pitter patter. PS. I went and ordered the par 36 bulb Now that’s extremely awesome! Take care brother Pitter patter……

A Great ride watching the process. Did you notice how Many self congratulatory thumbs up you continually give yourself?

@Letsfixsomething26

2 жыл бұрын

Bahaha, yea I did actually. But the fact you even noticed is flattering. Thanks for commenting!!

Mint👍😎

This is an awesome project. I am currently in the middle of a project on the same exact sled. I had a few questions that I was hoping you could answer. I took the carb off and it was an old Bendix Zenith. not very familiar with those as it must of been added on at some point in its life. what carb would you recommend me switching to? thanks for your help

@Letsfixsomething26

7 ай бұрын

Never heard of a carb like that. Original was a Walbro with a whispurr airbox. You will hear a lot of people bash the Walbro but is the simplest option. Then you start a deep dive into Mikuni swaps. You will have to deal with the 30 degree tip of the engine and intake flange. Mikuni can handle like 20 degrees max. Good luck

I have one of these engines with the carb and I can’t figure out where all the gas lines and vapor return lines hook up

@Letsfixsomething26

2 жыл бұрын

Anders, copy and paste this link. This should answer your questions. You will have a pulse line, supply line, return line. vintagesleds.com/library/manuals/misc/walboro/Walbro-WD-WDA-WR.pdf

Do you still have the puller you used for the primary? If so could I buy it by chance? I can’t seem to get my hands on one and I’m in a tough spot. Appreciate the help on the videos thanks!

@Letsfixsomething26

Жыл бұрын

Like I do have it but currently have 2 of those clutches in operation on the fleet, and a 3rd clutch being built up as a spare. I did a search on E bay and didn’t see one. Nothing at Jerry’s NOS either. Where are you located?

@Letsfixsomething26

Жыл бұрын

Luke, you could freeze it off too. I’ve found that pretty successful provided it is a steel center. Think it over

@lukehamilton4281

Жыл бұрын

@@Letsfixsomething26 Located in iowa. Going to try my luck with making my own puller first as it seems simple enough. I suppose we will see how that goes! thank you for the help!

Great video series on your restoration... Getting into vintage sleds with my son. Saw your "Acme Tools" hoodie and was curious if you are close to Grand Forks, ND?

@Letsfixsomething26

2 жыл бұрын

Oh gosh that was a couple of years ago. Nope, just east of St. Paul MN in Wisconsin. They are a customer of ours at my work. A word of advice is to stick with a platform (sled) that has at least some support. Meaning Cats have several places to get "stuff". Ski Doo's have a lot of resources too. Polaris's not too bad. But there are some rare and obscure low production brands that are pretty much unsupported. Save the brain damage and start with something you can get the major components for. Dont be afraid to get a parts sled to pick from too. Sucks to have a carcass in your yard but what I did was strip it down to the bare nothing. Makes for digging for parts easy. Toss the junk, keep the good stuff, and keeps you from having to dig the carcass out every time you need something. Hell even my junk pile has been raided a crap ton. Good luck on your projects and start a channel and post some vid's!!! --Take care Jason

@richardestenson7799

2 жыл бұрын

@@Letsfixsomething26, thanks Jason! Actually looking at 2 identical 1980 Yamaha Enticer 340s in very good condition... to start with. I hear collecting classic sleds is a disease!

@Letsfixsomething26

2 жыл бұрын

The Enticers have been made famous from Mr. 69 DENIM DANGER himself..... Larry Enticer. Nice following and seem to be a fair amount of them out there. You are correct, there is no cure for this. Enjoy the YAMMIES!!

@richardestenson7799

2 жыл бұрын

"Gonna be a good day... just gonna send it!"

@Letsfixsomething26

2 жыл бұрын

Richard, ABSOLUTELY. Personally I do not do FULL SEND stuff. 1) I am still working so do not want to deal with the injury. 2) I put too much work into them to destroy things, however a jump is never off the table, just not one as big as Larry's. He makes a lot of money doing that. Hope you enjoyed the build. There are 2 more sled builds to watch. Another one is in the mix. STAY TUNED!

I just got a 73 panther 400 for free very very similar motors and I plan on rebuilding it and if you don’t mind me asking what was the final cost of all the parts you got the gaskets piston ext. thanks

@Letsfixsomething26

3 жыл бұрын

With new piston kits, seal/gasket kit, plugs, and coils you are looking at about 175.00 USD. All available from Dennis Kirk. Just load your sled into their page and it will all come up. That is why I really like having Kawasaki powered sleds, I can buy all of this stuff at one location. Good luck with the overhaul. Your 73 should have an aluminum center seal already. You will need new O rings. Buy them at Jerrys NOS Cat parts. Use YAMABOND on the case halves and loctite on the center seal. Download the overhaul manual from vintage snow. GOOD LUCK !

@sambowden6753

3 жыл бұрын

@@Letsfixsomething26 yes great advice will do but I’m having trouble finding the center seal o rings I called jerry NOS about them and I asked for the o-rings and he said he doesn’t sell them?

@Letsfixsomething26

3 жыл бұрын

The PN in the video is 3001-437. I just checked Jerrys site and he has 200+ of them. You really need to have a PN when you call him. Again, if you watch PT 7, I clearly show the PN of the O rings for the center seal. Again, SAMUAL TURN ON YOUR MESSENGER ON FACEBOOK SO PEOPLE CAN MAKE CONTACT WITH YOU.

Do you have a good hood for a 73 for sale?

@Letsfixsomething26

Жыл бұрын

I have an extra 73 hood, not sure how “good” is however. Shoot me a message at xxxxxxxxxxx and we can chat. This 73 might be for sale too. I will delete this comment in a day or so that way my e mail address is not out there forever…

Mine I won but I want to do a full restore

@Letsfixsomething26

3 жыл бұрын

Tyler, well PITTER PATTER and get after it. Stop staring at it, give er hell.