I’m putting snorkels on and raising my radiator up today. Any suggestions on any thing. Help is always welcome and appreciated. And i will let you know how it went .

A while back during my rebuild thread I posted that I would start a new thread on the things I would do differently/what I’ve learned. If I do it again (and I probably will) here are some random thoughts about restorations. I’ll add to it as more things come to mind.

1. Know what you’re getting into. Restoration (done properly) can consume many, many hours (and many dollars). If you’re the kind of person who starts a project with enthusiasm and the lets it peter out when the volume of work becomes apparent, don’t do this.

2. You’ll probably exceed your budget. When people update something in their homes, they run into the "you might as well" phenomenon. "Since we’re replacing the tub we might as well get a new vanity/sink/mirror/new tile" etc. ATV restoration is no different. Save up your money before you start or you’ll spend 8-9 months restoring like I did.

3. I’d probably powder coat or galvanize the frame rather than rattle-can it.

4. When you buy used parts off Ebay or wherever, look for parts from the middle-to-western part of the country. Drier climate means less rust/corrosion.

5. When you need a particular small part (such as new swing-arm bolts), instead of paying $15-20 for the one part, look at the stuff labeled "misc. nuts/bolts" for your particular bike. Your part (plus a half-dozen more parts you need) might be in there for like $30. For example, I saw tool kits in the little black case for Honda 300s going for $30-50 each. I got the tool kit plus several other hard-to-find, useful parts off a miscellaneous ad for $25.

6. Check the frame carefully before you buy, especially the underside where it can contact the ground going over rocks/rough ground. Having to come up with another frame can add a significant chunk to your rebuild. If it hadn’t been for one of my brothers (a master welder), I would have been screwed here.

7. I’d avoid buying a blue 300 to restore unless you plan to go with a different color. The plastics are getting hard to find.

8. Places I can recommend for buying parts: Manny, from this website; Honda East Toledo; Power Sports Nation in Nebraska; G&H Discount in TN; and Boss Bearing.

9. There is no comparison between an impact wrench and a ratchet. The proper tool may cost a few dollars more, but after your knuckles are bleeding and you’ve been cussing one particular bolt for 2 hours that refuses to break free it becomes worth it.

10. Never, under any circumstances, hide your purchases from your wife :ph34r:. Do it once and you’ll understand.

I’ll add more later. Throw in some of your own if you like. Good day, all.

$3,800 obo

2287 miles, 257 hours
Front brush guard, 1 ¼” receiver hitch, Brand new ITP steel delta rims and Kenda bear claw tires, also included is the set of original Polaris rims and tires (Tires have about 25%-30% tread left). All new fluids, runs great and rides really smooth. Newer battery, with the EFI there are no worries about starting when it’s really cold, I used it for ice fishing and it worked great. All the plastic is in good condition, there is a little sun fading on the head light pod, and a little melted spot by the seat from the exhaust pipe that is barely noticeable. The only thing that is known to not work is the battery indicator on the speedo pod (the battery icon flashes) the battery is good so I never worried about it. New rear axle, air filter, exhaust gasket, exhaust seal and springs, hall effect speed sensor, T-bap harness, Gear selector shaft and gear and new spark plugs. I have the service manual and the standard Polaris manual

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What is the pros and cons of cobra axles, i have heard they are great axles. What is the maximum running angle, and do they plunge on both ends like Turner? Also where is the best place to buy?

I’m curious if the guys that adjust there own valves if your exhaust seems to need adjusting more than the intake?This is my third time and the intake is always good 1400 miles.

I’m curious if the guys that adjust there own valves if your exhaust seems to need adjusting more than the intake?This is my third time and the intake is always good 1400 miles.

Any idea how a Halo locker compares to the new Polaris Sportsman AWD system like what is found on the new XP High Lifter series? For the record I own a 2011 Can Am Outlander XT-P Max 800 atv so I’m not some Polaris shill. Thanks.

I am lookin in to making my 2001 250 trailblazer….but i dont know what type of jet i need to make it faster…..do i need the main jet?? Do i need the needle jet???? Plz help me any info will help