Restorations

"Restoration" can be a very broad term, and it can hold a different meaning for everyone. For some, it can simply be getting an old machine up and running again, for others it may mean returning everything back to showroom-floor condition. Or, maybe even modifying something to be better than new, and more updated for today's day and age.

Over the years I've revived various vintage equipment such as garden tractors, ATV's, snowmobiles, and dirt/mini bikes. My main field of specialty is John Deere snowmobiles, mostly the '79-'84 "Fire" series sleds. Personally, I enjoy "running/riding restorations" the most, but I'm always happy to discuss whatever you may have in mind. After all, old machines were meant to be enjoyed, not sit on a shelf, right? 

Shown below are a few featured examples of some past projects that I've had through the shop... If you have a project you're planning, or just need some ideas for "someday", head over to the contact tab at the top of the page to get the conversation started!

1977 John Deere Liquifire 440

This sled had been sitting out in the elements for many years, and it's condition definitely showed it. The engine had extensive damage from being severely overheated at one point, which is most likely the reason it was parked. The engine was torn down and rebuilt with lots of new parts, the cylinders had some port adjustments done and were bored .020" oversize, the cylinder head was replaced, and the ignition system was upgraded to a new Hewtech CDI unit. It also got a partial repaint and many other small repairs. Even though the 1st gen Liquifires were somewhat known for being heavy and handling like a loaded hay wagon, with a factory rating of just under 60 horsepower it's still lots of fun to ride!

1979 John Deere Trailfire 340

Honestly, I don't think there's hardly any fasteners on this thing that I haven't had a wrench or screwdriver on at some point or another. This was the first Deere sled I purchased way back in 2015, and was initially saved from a scrap pile when I acquired it. The original engine was completely seized, and was swapped for a slightly newer identical model replacement engine, after completely going through it with all new seals and gaskets. Over the next year or two many various missing parts were replaced, the suspension was pulled out and rebuilt, dashboard/gauges/electrical repaired, seat, windshield, drivetrain, etc.

1979 Honda ATC 110

If you're familiar with Honda ATC's and the different features between model years, you may identify this as less of a true '79 model and more of a "mutt" of sorts... This bike was pulled from a building that fell on top of it, and in typical old Honda fashion, fired right up after cleaning the points and going through the fuel system. Most of the body components were damaged, and it was mostly just a "for fun" project, so it received parts from various donor bikes which ended up making it a unique unit. It was finished off with a fresh paint job, and an aftermarket DG exhaust system.

1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

This was a really clean one-owner sled that was brought in by a customer after sitting in storage for a number of years, who wanted to fix it up completely and give it a full overhaul. The engine was rebuilt with new pistons, all new seals/gaskets, and topped with a new Mikuni carburetor. The rest of the project was mostly giving everything a thorough cleaning (including evicting some mice that had taken up residence), and replacing a few small parts for that "finishing touch" to put it back to like-new condition.

1983 John Deere 111

This was a nice all-original example of a classic old garden tractor... Right up until rodents left droppings all over it and the paint rusted off... Oh well, it was probably all for the best, since the engine also leaked oil out of the bottom crank seal really badly and needed attention anyway. After some paint work, the engine got the new seals/gaskets it needed, and a new carburetor, which helped it run better and gave it a slight power improvement. Hey, not everything needs to be flashy or high-performance, sometimes you just need to get the lawn mowed!