Getting 95 put back together, slowly! [Archive]

Roadrunner

05-13-2007, 08:24 AM

Bubs- elbow is fine, so far!
Powershack - If it wasn't for Skinner this sled would of been parted out. I am very glad he has helped me out with this. should look AWESOME once it is all back together!
mj- long ways to go but it won't take that long once I get back to it.

Ken

05-13-2007, 09:16 AM

Looking good Doug!!

What's the scoup on the old Skiroule?

Roadrunner

05-13-2007, 09:26 AM

Thanks Ken. Well I think most of you know about how many sleds I come across and this is just another one. It is a RT 500, not in great shape but not to bad. I had so many people who where supposed to come and buy it but this sled has been the worst one for people not showing up! Hopefully some one buys it soon, I need the room!! I just get the old sleds cheap around here and since I have a list of sleds that people are looking for, I pick them up and make $25-$100 per sled. I don't look to get rich but it has helped me pay for the parts for the 95 and paying for the other project going on!! I think last year I sold 34 and this year only about 11 so far.

Ike

05-13-2007, 01:31 PM

Looking good there Doug! Keep posting how you manage with it.

Ike

Ken

05-15-2007, 10:26 PM

Roadrunner

05-17-2007, 08:50 PM

Ken,
I do have a few pictures of it. Send me your email address and I will send them to you.
Doug

Roadrunner

05-19-2007, 09:48 AM

Finally got the hood and pod all together! Looks great with the new decals! Still a little bit to put back together!

jminor

05-19-2007, 10:00 AM

still trying to sell some decals?

Roadrunner

05-19-2007, 10:06 AM

Josh,
PM sent

mark the shark

05-20-2007, 02:05 AM

Wow, can I send you my sled and have you clean it up for me? Wait a minute, I've got my sunglasses around here somewhere!:D :D :D

Shark

Roadrunner

05-20-2007, 01:26 PM

Thanks Shark! It isn't perfect but it sure is close!

Lisa helped me put the motor back in. Still have to hook up the lines but that shouldn't be a big deal. Also got the pipes on - they look AWESOME!!!

Ike

05-22-2007, 12:13 AM

That is a clean sled! Great work Doug!

IKe

Roadrunner

06-09-2007, 10:11 AM

Finally got the suspension all back together!

JAMIE

06-09-2007, 11:27 AM

do you have the before pics..? awesome attention to detail..i love it!

Roadrunner

06-09-2007, 12:40 PM

Here ya go -

turbogriesbach

06-09-2007, 01:19 PM

WOW! that's better than new. Excellent job.
Hopper

Ike

06-09-2007, 03:42 PM

Doug, I´m sending my skid to you for some TLC. LOL

Ike

opsled

06-09-2007, 07:36 PM

Looking goooooood!!! If you need belly pan rivets let me know. I found a local supplier that can get them for around $15 per 100. When I did mine Yamaha wanted 52 cents apiece for them if I remember right and there are alot of them under there. I brought one into the dealer to compare with oem and we couldn't tell them apart (he quit buying them from Yamaha too). They come in large or small head, aluminum plain or colored. Black or white for sure and maby others I would have to check. They look great and crimp up perfect on the inside.
Phil, (opsled)

vmax4rules

06-10-2007, 10:21 AM

Nice job Doug, is the front suspension arm on upside down? (I have not seen a stock skid up close in awhile.)

Roadrunner

06-10-2007, 11:01 AM

rules - I don't think it is but I am going back and checking our other sleds out and the manual. The 93 suspension that I rebuilt looks the same as Lisas' 92. You have me second guessing myself, which is a good thing once in awhile!!

Roadrunner

06-10-2007, 01:57 PM

rules,
I am pretty sure the suspension is right. I went through everything again and it looks like it should, from the way I see it but if you think differently, please let me know. I know how things can get switched around on things and I just want to make sure it is the right way. While I checked the suspension again, I did forget to put the 2 suspension straps on the front!! I eed to get other ones from a 95. The 92 and 93 straps I have are not the same as the 95s.

Roadrunner

06-10-2007, 06:55 PM

Rules - After further evaluation of the suspension I noticed it was wrong!! I guess even the BEST of us can make a mistake! LOL -I hope this looks better to you!! Thanks again for pointing out that something did not look quite right! I always like help on anything and your opinion is always valued by me, either bad or good. I had the part that holds the shock, on top and it should of been on the bottom side! The straps now work from the 93!
:bowdown:
Thanks again. I hope this doesn't change peoples opinion on sending me their suspensions! LOL
Doug

mark the shark

06-10-2007, 09:18 PM

WOW Alan, good eye! They don't call him vmax4rules for nothin'! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Shark

vmax4rules

06-11-2007, 08:42 AM

Thanks guys, that's what this site is for - to help each other out.

dealermotorcycles

06-11-2007, 10:03 AM

Very Nice Work,but now to Zero the odometer when you are finished.

Roadrunner

06-11-2007, 06:45 PM

Yes, I am glad I found this site! Thanks for all the replies. It might not sound like a big deal but it sure feels good to have done something even if it is just the suspension. ( even though I had 1 little part upside down!) LOL It sure looked bad before. Well since this was the second one I did, it sure should go good if I ever do another one!
Again Rules, THANKS! :clap: :clap: :clap:
And thanks to all the other people who helped out with parts for the sled!

Roadrunner

06-21-2007, 07:36 PM

I want to thank Mark ( the Shark ) for the skis!! Here you go Mark - one ski is done! I think you know how bad they looked but I got one back to life! The pics may be hard to tell but I tried to take the best pics that I could.
Again, THANK YOU for the GREAT deal!
Doug

mark the shark

06-21-2007, 11:04 PM

No problemo, Senior Doug.

Now when you get the other ski done you can send them back to me and I'll put them back on my sled. I forgot to tell you that your skis are still sitting in the barn.:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Mucho gracias,
Senior Shark

racer7x

06-22-2007, 09:16 PM

opsled

06-23-2007, 05:19 PM

That ski is looking very nice but I think you should hold off on the second one untill you get some more practice in. I would be more than willing to help you hone your skills and have 3 sets of skis I could send you to work on.;) Once you get them done and send them back to me I will let you know if you are ready to move on to your second ski or if I should send you some more parts. Most of the guys on this forum seem to be very helpful as well and I'm sure they would also volenteer some parts to help you achieve polishing perfection. (he,he):smilielol

P.S. Warning to all members. Prolonged exposure to RoadRunner's ski's may cause permanent eye damage and burned skin. It is recomended that dark glasses be worn and sun screen be applied before viewing.
Phil. (opsled)

Roadrunner

06-23-2007, 05:42 PM

Shark - No problem, send them my way! I sort of thought you sent the wrong pair!! LOL

Phil- Yes, I could have a little more practice before I move onto the next ski!

Still have to get the bearings pressed out of the chain case and the new ones back in! Then I can get most of the sled back together. I guess it may be a couple of weeks till I can take it to get done.

Dean - What is so funny?!!! LOL I hope you are not thinking about bringing your parts here! Well I guess it would be worth it for the help with the cables!!
Doug

Ike

06-25-2007, 01:53 AM

Doug, what do you use to polish those ski´s? Just elbow grease and some polishing stuff?

Ike

Tuchodi

10-03-2007, 09:12 PM

Very nice, It is an Honour to be aloud to belong to this incredible site and get to see the incredible work you guy's do.!!

Roadrunner

10-26-2007, 08:30 AM

I haven't done much to the sled in awhile and thought I should start again! I did get a few more things put back together, so it is close to being done!
I still need the belly pan, get the handle bars on, suspension bolted back in, some lines hooked back up, ski skins pop riveted, some runners, panels back on and carbs bolted in and I think we will see if it all works!!
The new paint looks freaking AWESOME ( THANKS SKINNER)!! I just can't get the right side panel decal, which sucks but maybe some time down the road I can find a good 95 panel with the decal on and hopes the paint matches ok.
I do love these sleds for some reason, even though we don't get much snow! I hope after another project that is going on is paid for, I can find a 94, 96 or a 97 to go with the other ones I have!
Thanks again to everyone and I will thank everyone again once it is all together! :clap:
Racer and Blue - I think I may need to be shown how to adjust everything on this, so maybe I can get you down here again!!
Ike - I didn't see this thread for awhile and never checked it but too answer your question - YES, ALOT of polsih and elbow grease!!!!

vmax4rules

10-26-2007, 09:12 AM

WOW that thing is spotless!!

Great work Doug, I would put that thing on a rotating stand in the living room for all to see!

Roadrunner

10-26-2007, 10:42 AM

Rules - THANKS! I really thought about putting it in the living room on a stand but the wife may have something to say about that! Still not sure if I will run it or not, well maybe once in the snow! I still can not believe that the sled turned out like this after knowing what it looked like - just makes me want to do another one!!
Doug

Roadrunner

10-26-2007, 03:25 PM

Tuchodi - There is some cool sleds on here that people have fixed up!

opsled

10-26-2007, 05:42 PM

That is just beautiful. There is nothing better than black and polished aluminum. It's going to be a shame to get it dirty.

Do you know what you are going to use for belly pan rivets? I am asking because when I was doing mine they wanted 52 cents a piece for them at Yamaha which is nuts but the ones I could get at the hardware store wern't much cheaper and they were ugly steel junk. I have found a speed shop here locally where I can buy a box of 100 for $20 in either bare aluminum or black. They are very!!! nice rivets and pull up on the inside perfectly. I took one down to my dealer to compare with the oem rivet and we could not tell them apart. If anyone wants some let me know and I will see if I can get more. I added a pic of the rivets but I have trouble with closeups on my camera. The ruler that is in the pic (and you can't read:banghead: ) measure 1/2" wide so you can get an idea of their size.

Awsome!!! Work
opsled

Skinner

10-26-2007, 05:46 PM

Doug, the windshields your guy sent me are the same as the one on your sled in the pic. Those are the low windshields. Were you using your knees to polish all that aluminum.............no wonder they hurt!!!!!!!!!!!
Sleds looking sweeeeeet

Spose I should send you a belly pan,,,,,,,,,,,,,,ehy?

Roadrunner

10-26-2007, 06:21 PM

Skinner- You let me down on the reply about the knees. I really thought you had to have a good joke about having sore knees!! You may be right about them being sore from the sled. There was a lot of polishing to do on the sled!!

After I put the hood on, I got to see the difference in the windshields - it is low. I guess keep the one for the sled and if you know of anyone who wants to buy the other 2, sell them.

Whenever on the belly pan. I still need a few items for the sled.

Thanks for the comment on the sled! I really am trying to make it look great.

Thanks!
Doug

Roadrunner

10-26-2007, 06:24 PM

opsled- I know I will need some rivets for the belly pan. I guess I better go through and see how many I am going to need and what sizes. I guess I will let you know. Have to add that you are right about getting it dirty! I really think it will go under the shelves with the other 2, get covered ( if I can find a 95 cover for it) and not be ran..... I would like to run it once!
Thanks,
Doug

mjdevries

11-10-2007, 11:31 PM

I'm just getting into tearing apart a 95 VMAX-4 myself. I have the suspension off and started pulling wheels and bearings off, etc. I think I'm going to have issues with the rear axle. I managed to get the 2 outside wheels off, but haven't tried to remove the bushings on the outside of the rails yet. They seem to be pretty seized up. Any tips for getting this thing apart. I currently put a little PB-Blaster on them and are letting them sit over night.

My suspension also has 4 wheels across the back. The micro-fiche on the yamaha website doesn't show any with 4 wheels? I noticed the suspension you rebuilt with the plastic wheels also had 4.

I've tried my hand at polishing too, and all I can say is that you must have put lots of hours into that machine, or you discovered some magic polish! Looks so sweet!

luckyone

11-15-2007, 10:02 PM

what a work of art! intense! surely a labor of love!poster material

mark the shark

11-16-2007, 12:04 AM

They came with 3 wheels on the back axle, but putting on a 4th wheel is pretty easy and a lot of people do it. I'd let your rear axle soak for a couple of days before trying to knock it loose.

Roadrunner is a polishing animal. I've seen him. He has one bicep that's about 40 inches and the other is 10! :smilielol :smilielol :smilielol

Shark

opsled

11-16-2007, 09:16 AM

Roadrunner is a polishing animal. I've seen him. He has one bicep that's about 40 inches and the other is 10! :smilielol :smilielol :smilielol

Shark

Are ya sure it's from polishing aluminum? or just a strong libido and no one to share it with.:eck02: :bum:

opsled

mark the shark

11-16-2007, 06:55 PM

Good point! I think it's from polishing because I know he's got someone to share it with.:rolleyes:

Shark

mjdevries

12-27-2007, 10:04 PM

What do you guys use to paint the suspension parts. I know a powder coat would be ideal, but do you guys know of any decent paint or coating that is durable and won't rust right through it? Any brands and sources if they are mailorder like Eastwood Chassis paint. Has anybody used Eastwood paints? I haven't used anything from them, they are expensive, but if they are truly tough, they may be worth it.

Here is a link to their website.
http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=415&itemType=CATEGORY&iMainCat=410&iSubCat=415

Roadrunner

01-03-2008, 11:53 AM

Thanks again for all the compliments!
I got to finally do some things to the sled. It has been a long time since I did anything to it. We have been busy with some injuries and work but now things are calming back down.
For Christmas, Lisa got me the studs I needed, so I put them in and got the suspension all bolted back in.
I just have to hook all the electrical connections up, put 2 new hoses on, put the carbs back on, I have all new cables to go on and little odds and ends.
Thanks again for everyone who has helped me out so far. I knew it would be slow going with all the things the sled needed but it is getting there.
Doug

opsled - LOL!

Shark - I am trying to use the other arm to get it caught up to the size of the other one!! LOL

mj- I had all the suspension parts powdercoated on my 93 and 95. I think it was around $86.00 for somewhere around 12 parts.

mark the shark

01-03-2008, 06:39 PM

She's a beauty, just like all of your project sleds. :rockon: :rockon: :rockon:

Shark

Roadrunner

02-22-2009, 05:31 PM

Well, here it is. It was a long time to get back together! There are a few little things it needs but on the most part it is done.

I do want to thank Skinner for a lot of things that he helped out on. This sled would not be back together if it wasn't for him.

Also thanks to Mark (shark), Jeremy and alot of the forum members on here.

I do have another project that has been done for awhile and I have to concentrate on getting the man paid up - then Lisa and I should have some fun on the track!

Thanks again for all the help and I really hope the pictures show how nice the sled is.
Doug

Roadrunner

02-22-2009, 05:58 PM

Here is one before picture when I got the sled!

Big Willie Style

02-22-2009, 08:17 PM

Doug,

Nice job, when can I send my 93 out to you for a clean up. Your making my new project seem like I have a lot of work ahead of me. BTW why did you send a payment?!

BWS

luckyone

02-22-2009, 09:27 PM

truly a nice stable of vmax,s! i,m envious!

vmaxjim95

02-22-2009, 10:54 PM

that i candy !! looking good hey by the way do u have an extra hood decal for 95

brian102

02-22-2009, 11:03 PM

how did you get that ski to look like that? just keep polishing?

mark the shark

02-23-2009, 04:09 AM

Doug is the King of polishing. He's done some really nice stuff and can make a piece of junk look like a gold mine. The only problem is that he's got one bicep that's about 40 inches and the other arm, well... let's just say that he holds his coffee cup with that one. :smilielol:smilielol:smilielol If I didn't live so far away I would have dropped my sled off and let him do his magic a long time ago. Probably would have paid the bills for the project sled.

Shark

JG4 my 4

03-04-2009, 01:43 AM

I'll give you $1500 plus my sled when you are done!!!!

vmaxfourmike

03-05-2009, 01:11 PM

Your certainly taking all the right moves to make her nice again. good luck with your project. Mike

turch

02-21-2011, 12:58 PM

Not only did he do a great job polishing his sled, but just look at that shop floor!

Roadrunner

03-01-2011, 08:10 PM

turch - the garage floor doesn't look that good any more! Too many carbides sliding across it. Time to redo it.

Thanks for all the compliments. I have not really looked back and saw what people had replied. The sled is a beauty!

Again, a BIG THANKS to Skinner for alot of parts and paint!! I almost parted it out but Skinner talked me out of it - and I am glad he did. Also alot of members helped out with either parts or mechanical help. This forum has been good to me!