[Wicked King]

I'm starting this topic in response to some posts on the main Arcticinsider site - which indicated that there are strong opinions on both sides of the fence when it comes to vintage sleds and reproductions. Hopefully, we can keep a civil discussion so that we can learn both sides of the argument, and maybe learn why others are thinking the way they are.

To be fair, I'll offer my opinion first: I like the fact that I can buy repop parts for the vintage sleds, and yes - I really like knowing that I can one day pull off my clone/ mod dream of a vintage body with modern big displacement LC power and drivetrain. Probably more mod than clone, but pretty dependant on reproduction parts.
I also think that having reproduction parts available for projects like this will help to save some of the original sleds from getting sliced up/ parted out... which will in turn help the pure restoration folks.

I'm sure I'm missing valid points from those opposed, and I'd really be interested in hearing them.

[A G]

Wicked King, on 16 May 2011 - 01:29 PM, said:

...help to save some of the original sleds from getting sliced up/ parted out

I'm not a vintage restorer/collector, but I sure can appreciate the good ole' sleds because I remember when they were current and rode a lot of them.

So on that note, I think you're right about helping keep sleds out of the sledshredder.

And not only can this help the authentic restorer/collector indirectly, just having more of these vintage gems around, authentic or with repro parts, will help keep the interest up in those who can appreciate these historical artifacts.

And that's the best part... It would be an isolated act if it didn't have an audience to appreciate the works of the restorers. The bigger the audience, the better!

[RIsnoPRO83]

Wicked King, on 16 May 2011 - 01:29 PM, said:

I'm starting this topic in response to some posts on the main Arcticinsider site - which indicated that there are strong opinions on both sides of the fence when it comes to vintage sleds and reproductions. Hopefully, we can keep a civil discussion so that we can learn both sides of the argument, and maybe learn why others are thinking the way they are.

To be fair, I'll offer my opinion first: I like the fact that I can buy repop parts for the vintage sleds, and yes - I really like knowing that I can one day pull off my clone/ mod dream of a vintage body with modern big displacement LC power and drivetrain. Probably more mod than clone, but pretty dependant on reproduction parts.
I also think that having reproduction parts available for projects like this will help to save some of the original sleds from getting sliced up/ parted out... which will in turn help the pure restoration folks.

I'm sure I'm missing valid points from those opposed, and I'd really be interested in hearing them.

I like your idea. I'll use an automotive term for it. "Resto-mod". Could we consider an AGLT a resto mod? I love what he's done with the late 90's sleds... and I could see myself doing in the future. But maybe with a different power plant... and I would surely love the sled to look "new". So i would be restoring the sled to its original luster, but improving the handling and horespower.

I agree with AG... anything that keeps them out of the shredder is good.

[John Sandberg]

I love original sleds, on which all of the parts are truly original. It's a piece of history.

There are some who believe this is how all machines must be kept, and I respect the opinion. They will point to re-pop chassis, re-pop hoods and such as unauthentic and deceptive.

But if you're going to be absolutist in this opinion, than it would be disingenuous to have an original '70 Puma, but using a re-pop decal to "finish" it off. That seems crazy to me.

I've concluded for myself that morality of the discussion hinges on the person being honest at the time they might sell it. If the sled has a re-pop tunnel, then proclaim it.

Likewise, I'd like it if everyone making re-pop stuff would utilize some sort of marking on each item that signifies it being reproduction.

[Wicked King]

John Sandberg, on 17 May 2011 - 07:42 AM, said:

I've concluded for myself that morality of the discussion hinges on the person being honest at the time they might sell it. If the sled has a re-pop tunnel, then proclaim it.

Likewise, I'd like it if everyone making re-pop stuff would utilize some sort of marking on each item that signifies it being reproduction.

Interesting point on the sale/ re-sale of these items. I can see that being a thorn in the side of an unsuspecting or unknowing buyer. I know I'm not knowledgeable enough to tell the difference in a lot of this stuff. I'd be an easy target - cat fever with an affection for shiny new looking stuff!

[jluberda]

A G, on 16 May 2011 - 02:49 PM, said:

I'm not a vintage restorer/collector, but I sure can appreciate the good ole' sleds because I remember when they were current and rode a lot of them.

So on that note, I think you're right about helping keep sleds out of the sledshredder.

And not only can this help the authentic restorer/collector indirectly, just having more of these vintage gems around, authentic or with repro parts, will help keep the interest up in those who can appreciate these historical artifacts.

And that's the best part... It would be an isolated act if it didn't have an audience to appreciate the works of the restorers. The bigger the audience, the better!

I personally wish there were more repop parts available. It's nice to buy new parts for your projects, and some guys don't have the means to be buying NOS parts for there sleds. Some sleds are not worth buying NOS parts either, I wouldn't use NOS parts on a rider or a sled that wouldn't have the resale to cover the cost of the parts. Some guys are out there to just fix up a sled from there past and near and dear to there hearts or one that has been in there family for a long time. I am in it for the knowledge of the past and try to make a dollar here and ther for my efforts in restoration. I have learned a lot in the past few years about cats history and have met a lot of great people in the process. The NOS market prices are out of hand in most guys eyes, but for the average vintage snowmobiler repop parts are just what we need to keep these old sleds on the trails.

[RIsnoPRO83]

John Sandberg, on 17 May 2011 - 09:42 AM, said:

I love original sleds, on which all of the parts are truly original. It's a piece of history.

There are some who believe this is how all machines must be kept, and I respect the opinion. They will point to re-pop chassis, re-pop hoods and such as unauthentic and deceptive.

But if you're going to be absolutist in this opinion, than it would be disingenuous to have an original '70 Puma, but using a re-pop decal to "finish" it off. That seems crazy to me.

I've concluded for myself that morality of the discussion hinges on the person being honest at the time they might sell it. If the sled has a re-pop tunnel, then proclaim it.

Likewise, I'd like it if everyone making re-pop stuff would utilize some sort of marking on each item that signifies it being reproduction.

I agree with what you said... but re-pop parts are what make it possible to have a machine thats 30+ years old look like it was never ridden. I think that a marking signifing a reporductions is ok.. as long as it doesn't take away from the over "original" look. Repro's are great... and I love to see machines looking nice... so either way, its representing the sports history.. Like you said..

But I can totally agree with the anyone who feels everything should be authentic. .. thats the route i took restoring my 41 9N... looks good.. but EXPENSIVE... lol

[Rob_0t]

So what do we call restoration of a sled using near mint used "survivor" parts. And would you consider it more valuable being its made up of of o.e. production parts ?