Random Thoughts And Other Ramblings From The CCC-VF Show, Swap, and Drags:
Well, I got started a little late and didn't get there 'til almost 10:00 am. (I was hoping to be there by 9:00.......)
I got the "canopy" set up and put the Puma MOD in place. Then I set up the generator/VCR/and twin TVs. Frank S. stopped over and gave me the club banner that he made (it turned out real nice) and got that put up. I got the plank up on my custom painted (purple and black) saw horses and set out the sample newsletters, membership forms, and decal info. I fired up the video, got me a soda, and readied myself for whatever might happen.
My brother Dale was in the pits getting the 'Tigger ready for the grass drags. It's a stock 1973 El Tigre 400 that belongs to my other brother, Gary (he had to work that day). It looks like a 1974 model because of the '74 hood that's on it, but it's really a '73. Dale didn't like the way it pulled when he was testing it out behind the pits, so he loosened the tension on the driven clutch. He was much happier then. He was going to race in the "Acorn Cup" (stock 440 free-airs). The night before, he put in a lighter set of weights in the drive clutch. I wasn't so sure that it was the right thing to do.......
Quite a few folks looked at the MOD. One fellow took pics of the pipes so he could get, or make, some for his 1970 Puma MOD that he was working on. Soon to be new member Jeff H. stopped by and told me about the repro hoods (and other parts) he makes, joined the club right there on the spot, and told me to stop on by his trailer in the swap area and take a look at his stuff. I did manage to stroll through the swap area a little later, and the hoods he had looked REAL nice.
Member Ken C. was there and we talked a bit. Told me he still had his Cheetah and Puma parts. He has an NOS 1972 Cheetah seat cover (with the leopard print) that I would love to have but, I can't swing the cash for it right at the moment. Charles P., of VSCA fame, stopped by and we chatted a few minutes. I sold him a Ski-Doo Oly about a year ago, but he also has a Lynx and was looking for some parts. He did take a membership form so we might have another new member soon.
Joe S. came by, joined up, and let me know that he is, and has been, in a number of different clubs and would like to help out the ACCA any way he can. He said he would be interested in getting a vintage ride together for the club. I think I'll put him in touch with member Steve P. (who also says he would help do this kind of thing) and maybe the two of them can come up with something.
The show line was filling up pretty good and I thought about sneaking away from the "tent" to get some pics. Then, member Cliff H. stopped by and let me know that he brought down his rare 1971 Puma 292 Z (Kawasaki fan-cooled twin). This sled is unique not only because of the "Z" engine, but because it's the only time that Arctic/Kawasaki built a 292 cc fan-cooled twin! Now, I knew I had to get out and get some pics. It was at that point when I realized that I forgot to bring the camera.......
My other, other brother Tom, and my cousin Dave, stopped at the tent and took in some of the videos. Dave says that when it comes to snowmobiles (or anything for that matter) the rule is "go faster!". So when the "Safety Film" came on, we decided to apply that theory to the test questions... Riding the tracks and a train comes up behind you? GO FASTER! Riding on a lake and you think you see thin ice ahead? GO FASTER! It's amazing how many times that answer turned out to be the best solution... LOL!!!
Well, I got to sneak away and get something to eat (hats off to the Princeton snowmobile club for working the food stand) and go through the swap area. It must have been "Z" day because in the swap area, I came across Randy S.'s trailer and he had a set of fan-cooled Z cylinders and pistons. I didn't buy them (I should have) but I now know the difference between the standard F/C and the Z. The Z engine had a the port timing (I think to EXT free-air specs) "as cast" and not modified by grinding (like on a MOD engine).
Oh, I almost forgot. Diane Miller, of A-1 Upholstery in Michigan, came by and dropped off a flyer for their event. Nice lady. I'm planning on getting a seat done by them, and attending their show, in New Lothrop, MI in November. Anyway, in the swap area, she and her husband (Bill) had an El Tigre on display. I forget what year it was, a '77 maybe. Anyhow, this thing was covered in dirt and looked terrible, and I thought "what the heck is this here for?" Then I got up close and got the story. It was an original, zero miles, never had gas in the tank, sled! It had been stored on the second floor of a garage, or a barn (or something like that, I don't remember for sure) and it was just the way they found it. Too cool! The question is, if you had it would you clean it all up, or leave it the way it is.......
And that brings me to "Team Snowballs" (member Aaron L.). They brought their modified Puma to race and I donated a 7.5" club decal to put on the hood. That sled of their's is pretty neat. Fan-cooled twin, dual mikunis, cross-over pipes, etc. Check it out if you ever get the chance. Unfortunately they had to run against this little ol' Yamaha... Single cylinder... Supposed to be undefeated on grass..., or ice..., or snow... All I can say is, "better luck next time, Aaron". LOL!
The Acorn Cup was the last race of the day and Dale wasn't to sure of his chances. I think there were 9 sleds entered, with three heats of 3, with a final round of 3 sleds. I'm not 100% sure of the numbers because I was up by the food tent getting stung by a bee during the "Cup"... But, I did see Dale run, and get beat by a nice Rupp Nitro. Bummer. But the Rupp did go on to win it all. So now my brother can say he got beat by the champ (it doesn't sound so bad that way...LOL). Oh yes, remember that weight change in the drive clutch? It turns out the Tigger didn't shift out all the way and gain top speed. Dale says the gearing was wrong, but I say he should have left the heavier weights in it.......
Well, as I'm writing this, it's getting late (or should I say early?) and I can't hardly keep my eyes open, let alone type, so I'll stop for now.
Later ....... Paul W.
