Vintage “70’s” Rat Cat Build

[@duane116]

Great job! This inspired my panther build

[@Letsfixsomething26]

That’s really cool. I’ve been working on this one a bit and it’s hardly a “RAT” sled any more. Glad you liked it!!

[@glenmallory9982]

Nice job man

[@sledrelics]

What a sweet little machine. A zero F's machine is a must. Just pull the rope and put a smile on your face. Great vids.subbed.

[@Letsfixsomething26]

You got that right! I hope it is a blast vs my Panther. That thing is a tank but I still do love it. It was my "GATEWAY" sled so it will always be special to me.

[@leroytulenchik6244]

Nice job Jake!! Sounds great! The first sled I raced was 67 Panther!! Been a long time ago!!

[@oddobscurecollectables9529]

great video not sure about the whole driving the snowmobile in grass though

[@Letsfixsomething26]

Eh… you ever hear of grass drags? Pretty big summer deal up here…

[@oddobscurecollectables9529]

@@Letsfixsomething26 yes i did it still ruins a sled you would have to customize a-ton out of one to run on grass i was just saying in so few words that you end up sinking more money into repairs in the long run for racing one on the grass unless you buy a Caribou or something thoses things could run all four seasons

[@glenmallory9982]

Short runs on went grass for old Cats is no problem. Been doing it for decades. It’s how we tune before snow.

[@RyanBenbow]

​@@Letsfixsomething26yeah. It is famous in Michigan sense I remember. I have a artic cat zrt With A 1000 cc

[@rtceventsllc]

Well done! Great detail, good video and narrative.

[@landon_skidmore]

what bar risers do you use

[@Letsfixsomething26]

Landon great question. First you need a 7/8” bar clamp from like a polaris, I’ve found any of the wedge chassis machines or even a polaris ATV works great. Then you cut off the horizontal bar from your stem. I fabricate a steel plate and use that bar clamp as my drill pattern. Weld that plate to your stem and you are golden. From there a power madd riser is used. One issue is that post or stem is pretty soft so you can’t just go and trash around. You gotta be a little wary of muscling things around. Going to put a solid shaft down middle of my next one to be sure it’s strong enough. Hope that helps.

[@braedon.builds]

Where do you source your engine rebuilding parts from? You said you out all new electrical in it! Have a few 440s that need rebuilding

[@Letsfixsomething26]

Braedon, I have been lucky (on purpose) by sticking with Kawi powered cats thus far. Dennis Kirk is my source for External Coils, Condensors, Spark Plug Caps, and Plugs. I have been lucky with my internal coils having proper resistance, plus I keep some parts stators around for when I lose a lighting coil or IGN coil. If you are working on timing your T1B I have changed how I do it now. I slightly advance the timing from the "F" mark. I can now start both machines with one pull. Amazing how such a small adjustment can make it start and run so much better. Good luck on the overhauls. I also get my piston kits, and gasket kits from Dennis Kirk. Again, this is why I like the Kawi Powered cats, easy to find engine parts. Good luck and PITTER PATTER...... GET AFTER IT!

[@aden7417]

Hey, i have a 1975 artic cat cheetah 440, and besides ebay i dont know where to find a new stator coil. Thanks if you see this

[@Letsfixsomething26]

Aden, I didn't did into it to find a Part Number but I would try Jerrys NOS Cat Parts, E bay, and then get yourself onto the various FB groups like old school leafers and the like and post there. I am on probably 10 of them and it is a great resource for information and parts, especially if something else will work. Hope that helps.

[@acdatz6222]

I also pieced together an old Cat. Mines a 70 Panther. Started out a a 295 single Kohler. Has a 340 Kawi twin, front mounted tank, lynx seat, custom rear rack, 79 Panther skid and track. Fun sled. Here's a video of it blowing the belt. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmfRdIyIa7inqsk

[@Letsfixsomething26]

I almost had an anxiety attack waiting for the RPM's to come down on your video.

[@acdatz6222]

@@Letsfixsomething26 Lol, me too. The belt took out the throttle cable along with a bunch of things. It didn't want to stop.

[@reidkrenz6832]

I got a question for you I was wondering where I could get. A starter for arctic cat 73 panther 400 I saw ur videos on fixing a 440 and I started doing that to my 400 and I was hoping u could help me

[@Letsfixsomething26]

You see them pop on FB marketplace from time to time. Also the 73 and 74 sleds are so cheap (nobody wants them) that it’s almost better to buy a whole carcass to get a few things off it then pay retail for a starter. However then ya have chassis and carcasses in your yard. I guess it really comes down to how much you want to spend. I don’t know who has new ones. If mine dies I’ll be looking to get it fixed at a motor shop or finding another one at a swap. There are guys selling 73/74 machines for 100 bucks complete. Find a good one and get some strategic spares. I keep a set of skis, recoil, and will be adding some spares to the list at next swap. As you can see both my machines are T1B powered so having some key spares is the plan. A spare carb is on list as well as another muffler. Starter if I can find one. I got the super rare cleats in a box should I need them. I could use a spare track belting however. Good luck!!!!!!