1970 Arctic Cat Panther Customization Log

March 6, 2011

I have been planning for a few years to do some customization and updates on my 1970 Panther, "Goldie". I'm feeling the motivation to get some of this done this off season. Goldie has some custom gold trim, but is otherwise a stock original sled. I really like the looks of the 1970 model, but I'm disappointed in it's overall performance.

My first priority is to install the undercarriage and track from a 1973 Panther. I prefer the later model skid frame for it's simplicity, lighter weight, and adjustability. I also prefer the 2/3 cleated internal drive track introduced in 1973 for reduced maintenance, drive efficiency, and reduced noise. To that end, today I took my salvaged '73 skid frame off the shelf and started to dismantle it. I'm pleased that although it's quite rusty, most everything is in very good condition. I will need to replace the adjuster eye bolts, but other than that just a cleanup and painting is all I think it will need.

Here are before photos of the skid frame.

I'm trying electrolysis for the first time to de-rust parts. The major item will be the skid frame. I tried it out in small scale on many of the bits and pieces of the suspension and it worked well. It's a slow process, taking several hours to clean up a part, but sure beats the tedious job of wire wheels and sanding. Below is my small scale setup.

April 1, 2011

The plastic spring bushings in the rear swingarm assembly on these sleds are either worn through, or more commonly missing altogether. I've been searching for something to replace them with and finally came across something while wandering aimlessly in the local True Value. A 3/4" to 1/2" plastic reducer with hose barbs.

I cut off most of the 3/4" end and about half of the 1/2" end, leaving just one barb. I then inserted the 1/2" end into the eye on the swingarm.

The piece is a very tight fit. I had to use my hydraulic press to insert it. I'm pretty confident it is in there to stay. The spring fits very loosely into the ID of the 1/2" section. Should work just fine.

My electrolysis setup for the skid frame. I lined a '72 Scorpion tunnel with a plastic tarp. The water is not deep enough to cover the skid, so I'll have to flip it over once in the process. The annodes are pieces of expanded steel lining the sides of the tunnel. I'm afraid my 4 amp battery charger is not enough to power this setup. Running at 12 volts it draws too much juice and trips the thermal overload in a couple of minutes. It draws 4 amps at 6 volts. I'll run it at that setting for a day and then see where I'm at.

April 14, 2011

The electrolysis treatment of the skid frame is complete. I resorted to running one side anode at a time to keep the draw at a manageable level. Below are before and after photos of two spots. This is after a water rinse with a scrub brush, and a 15 minute spray soak with POR Metal Ready.

April 23, 2011

Life gets in the way sometimes, as always seems to be the case, but I can now report that the refurbish of the '73 skid frame is complete. Since budget is really non-existant right now, I reused nearly all of the original parts. I replaced the eye bolts and the tension adjuster bolts. Normally I would replace the slides as a matter of course, but they are in pretty good shape, so they went back on. I was surprised to find the rubber bump stops in perfect shape and still soft. It's painted with POR-15. Good stuff.

May 29, 2011

I've pulled out the rear suspension, track, drive axle, chain and sprockets. After taking measurements and comparing them with the '73 donor sled, it turns out all I have to do is move the front skid frame mounting holes 1-5/8" forward of their current location. The rears can stay where they are. The front mounting bracket can stay in it's original position. There is more than enough room to drill a new hole forward and still be within the bracket.

Rear suspension and track out.

Mounting bracket and tunnel with holes drilled 1-5/8" forward (right) of the stock location.

'73 drive axle above, stock '70 below. Length and splines are the same. Should be a very easy swap.

August 4, 2011

June and July flew by and nothing much got done. I got the front shocks and body supports stripped and polished. Tonight I finished the last of the Color Chrome process on them. That clears the way to reinstall them and get that skid frame and track installed.

Arkansas spray booth, Wisconsin style.

Freshly sprayed Color Chrome. It's been so hot and humid the past month spraying this stuff was not feasible until now.

August 14, 2011

After a two day wrestling match, the 1973 drive shaft, track and skid frame are installed.

The silent chain and sprockets from the 1973 donor sled installed without a hitch. The gearing is taller, 19t top sprocket vs. 17 tooth original. I hope the JLO will pull the taller ratio.

October 27, 2011

She's buttoned up and ready for snow. I replaced the electric starter with a NOS Bosch unit. The outout bearing on the original had failed. I also replaced the instrument panel which had cracked pretty badly last season. Skis and front springs got a new coat of acrylic enamel paint. The hood hinge got a paint job as well. A new set of metallic brake pads was installed. The motor transplant project will have to wait until another time.