Frandee SnoShu Model E

[Nikson]

first of all, as any day should start... I will start this thread with a prayer, prayer for snow... and finish it up with a snow dance...

As any true snowcat owner/owner wannabe, we all know what we want - days filled with that white fluffy stuff (well, at least thats how I feel)

With all that said aside, I'm going to start yet another build thread for yet another cat - a Frandee.

I believe its not a secret, but for the most part folks here are aware that few months ago I picked up a Frandee (projected to be late 40s early 50s for production date).

Bill Guthrie was the one who started it, and I guess I get to finish it.
Funny thing, I've bought my very first cat, that ol' Thiokol Imp that started this very unique part of my life. With Bill gone, Frandee needed to be finished, thus it has changed hands even before me, not sure if its just a coincidence or faith - but here I am - once again - tinkering in my small garage with another cat project.

I'll be attaching pictures as I go along telling the story of what I got and where I've gotten so far, but in any case - say Hello to another project by Nikson...

Frandee SnoShu Model E


(this is the name I came up on for it after all the internet research that I've done)... Feel free to correct me, but guess what - there really is no way to tell unless you were there with Bill buying it almost a decade ago, or working along side and have some "life facts" to back it up... just a side note - no hard feelings to anyone who likes to be "exact" on year/make/model


P.s. Full Photo Album will be located here and be updated as I go along with the completion: https://photos.app.goo.gl/1b7n3H3dT1hiNrkw9


P.s.s. I'm linking pictures to my Google Album, and not sure now with all the updates, how to upload the link so it sizes it smaller, hopefully this will work out as it should. Feel free to advice if you know how!

 

[Nikson]

Pick UP

Picked up the Frandee locally in Oregon from infamous Pontoon Princess, the only option on the deal was - I had to agree to purchase it unseen, like buying a cat in a sack as we say in Russia...

I was skeptical, most that know me - I do like machines on only 2 tracks, and mostly it would be of the Thiokol family.

This one has grown on me, after all - its the same concept I've thought of going with back few years ago after my first restofab that Turbinator62 ended up picking up from me - the Imp 1402.

My helper is growing, so I think I got the right machine to teach him the right ways of doing things...

This was February, 2018

Bill did a lot of work, from what I was told - engine/drivetrain was all gone through... So remainder was the easiest - as I thought - finish up the interior/glass with wiring, and just build a new set of tracks...

Tracks - how hard could they be, right?!


Jin was kind enough to drop them off at the shop where I planned to "taking them apart" and possibly getting them done...

After all, with all the cats that I've worked on and rebuilt, I've never had to make a new track for any of them - so this was a new challenge, and challenge it has become.

Layed out

Using multiple tools of various strength and ability - I finally got them torn apart, considering its age - wood on the grousers was still very much intact and did put up a big fight, most of the track had to be salvaged, only parts left that I kept/put through restoration part were the tire guides - which I did have to weld up due to cracks/torn apart.

and yes, you are not mistaken - they were for the most part double layered with belting, and in some spots patched up to 3 layers...

In any case, all in all - I'll say 5 full working days it took, and thats at least, felt more like 2 weeks tho, and thats only to take them apart.

 

[Nikson]

Ongoing / Bring it home

Later this year after picking up the cat, I had some life changes in work along with other things, thus process has slowed down.

Funny to recall how back in the day - I usually popped out a restoration on my cats in under 6 months, done and out of the garage.

This one, although seem to be a smaller project, is taking much more time.

In any case, now that I'm living in a house with a garage where I can do my fab work and side space where cat "lives" as I tinker with it - process is ongoing and I do my best to arrange and juggle time so everyone is happy in the family and at the same time - I'm able to hope that I'll have this one done by Christmas.

Did some minor mechanic work - removed carb and cleaned it up, thinking may be replace it all together, but thats not on my priority list.

Replaced mechanical fuel pump as original one leaked more than I was willing to live with

Also ordered electronic ignition that will replace all the moving parts in the distributor from Summit Racing.

New thermostat - sandblasted/painted the housing, seems like water pump is still breathing, but thermostat was begging to be replaced, along with new belts.

Rest will come into place just as air filter assembly and other minor stuff ones I get the engine to be running off the ignition from interior.

 

[Nikson]

Interior/Glass/Trim

Heat... we all like heat... especially in a snowy possibly real cold situation, thus heater I figured I needed...

Factory one looked a bit tired, so replacement ordered and mounting bracket in place...

This unit is offered w/optional defrost accessories, so I figured - why not, after all this will be a beautiful machine with some history to it.

Picture of the actual heater core unit will get posted later, above is just the defrost kit.

Noise Deadening/sound deadening or whatever you want to call it - but the cab needed it, its a "made in Russia" brand, I've used it before plus one of my buddies used to be their rep, its a good reputable product, available on Amazon, as most of the stuff that I got - via Amazon.

Got some automotive seal/caulk,
Went over all the door/window corners from inside, less places for water to get into, in addition to it is a paint-able kind.


Highly recommend this product, doesnt "dry up" and cracks, you can paint it, and it works as a pretty good adhesive if you want to put some parts together

after caulk dried up for paint, I used POR15 to cover up all the jams and spots where interior will not get upholstered. POR15 is the same paint I've used on resurfacing track parts as well.

 

[Nikson]

Distributor on the engine - in case anyone needs the info

 

[Nikson]

Headlights and accent lights - nothing crazy, no big LED bars (at least not at this time)

 

[Nikson]

Interior panels



I'm using 1in and 1 1/2in pink hard foam insulation, with 1/2in soft foam pad, all wrapped up with speaker box synthetic fabric, its pretty water/moisture resistant combo as I've found out on previous cat build.

Plenty of insulation, and does great to "quiet" up the cab.

At this point, i've not secured them by any means as I've cut them to be a snug fit, want to make sure that this is still remains as a doable puzzle in case I want to run some extra lights/wires/accessories, etc., either outside/inside.

at work, cut out this snowflake on the laser - thought about "beautification" but than I think it might just look cheesy...

 

[Nikson]

Wood - Tracks

Onto the track work...


Wood of choice - Hickory


Why hickory, not sure, but thats something I recall was used on other units, and I guess I'm not the only one. Its harder than Red/White oak, a bit heavy, but sure looks to be one that will do the job.

Prepping parts was pretty easy.

Sourced out a 2in thick slabs, ran them though planner to get me down to just a bit thicker than 1 3/4.

Cut to length of 32in, boards were 10ft long.

Set blade on the tablesaw to 15 degrees -/+ (I guess this might depend on blade/saw combination)

In my case, I just ripped all 32in pieces that I've got from the board on one edge at 15deg cut, than flip the stock, adjust fence by minus 1&5/8in (thats 1 5/8in) and cut again.

Per my math - it came out perfect - top 1in wide, bottom 2in wide.

Took me couple of days to rip all stock, router bottom centers to compensate for the metal wheel guides and sand them down with rotary as a finishing step.

Loved the way they came out - decided to even engrave the logo on the out edges, little personalization wont hurt I guess...


Hickory

Router

Laser engraved - ended up making up my own "LOGO"

 

[Nikson]

Wheel guildes/metal - Tracks

With wheel guides kinda tired, I ended up repair welding lots of them from the underside, as they seem to be made out of 3 different parts.

In any case, grinder/flap disk, most of the grime got cleaned up and than paint dipped them all into POR15.

2 gallons of that wonder paint was sufficient to do the job, in the end - seems like 1/2 gallon (2liters) was enough to cover them all.

2 gallons were needed in order to fill the tub for "dipping"

in my opinion, spray can or brush would have taken long time as well as didnt get the paint into the tight spaces for proper coverage.

Powder coat was not something I considered.

I think they look pretty darn perfect considering how they were and their age

 

[Nikson]

Track belting

MNOutdoors helped me out and shipped me 4 rolls of the belting.

I figured for a cat to be built properly, belting should be "proper" as well, snowcat rated kind

Little match up and see how things fit

 

[Nikson]

Hauler

Thinking of something within these lines as a "hauler rig"

anyone got some hot leads on a reasonably priced one or a freebie, I'll take it.

This one was up for sale locally for $900, but needs a lot of attention along with much rust issues, plus no brakes. I think if it had working brakes, I would have driven it home as seller agreed to let it go cheaper.

Anyone seen last episode of the Gotham Garage show?
If you have, than you'll know what I'm thinking about as a "shop rig" out of this kinda truck.

 

[Nikson]

1000 holes and you aint got none...

So, 110 grousers, drilling 8 holes each piece.

Same will go for the metal 1in flat bar that will be its outer protection...

Remember that "helper" back in February?!

He has grown, and does he help!?!?!?! Look at that concentration!!!

Next is "oil dipping"

60% BLO (Boiled Linseed Oil)

40% mineral spirits

this combination was suggested by a buddy of mine who commercially makes/sells fishing lures, etc, @deltawoodbombers - in case anyone interested to look him up on Instagram.

My plan is to hold them in that mixture for 12-24 hours or so, to make sure that wood is penetrated enough to have that good protective layer.

Per his suggestion, BLO by itself will not penetrate wood much more than 1/16th, with the mineral spirits added - he said if I was to leave them long enough, whole piece might get soaked up I guess... Well, time will show!

 

[Nikson]

Glass / Engraving

Another buddy I've got - runs a glass shop locally, he was kind enough to assist with that part.

He was able to source the glass and all the weatherstripping, plus reasonably charged me for having his guys come in for installation.

But before that - I thought - why not engrave the glass, more personalization and higher COOLNESS factor, gosh, thats gotta be worth some extra HPs under the hood... :th_lmao:


All my own graphic/vector/engraving work

Samples of what I came up with, finished product you'll see later once its ready to be revealed.

 

[sno-drifter]

Another super fine restoration by our own Nikson. Thanks for sharing your project and knowledge of the correct way to do things. Bill wood be proud. Perhaps Mary can go for a ride and run Bill's Frandee.

 

[PJL]

Incredible, thanks for taking the time to share the journey with us.

 

[vintagebike]

When we bought the La Porte Torpedo and Little Red V8 from Bill’s Weiser stable more than 5 years ago the yellow Frandee was in the next stall over. Bill called it “Ol’ Number1” and it was not on the “for sale” list. I’m thinking he would surely approve of the way his SnoShu will be finished.

 

[Track Addict]

Nice work and great format on the build thread..

It’s like Netflix and getting a entire season at once to binge watch.

 

[Pontoon Princess]

excellent to see you making great progress, keep up the wonderful work, and see ya on the sno soon

 

[Nikson]

Another super fine restoration by our own Nikson. Thanks for sharing your project and knowledge of the correct way to do things. Bill wood be proud. Perhaps Mary can go for a ride and run Bill's Frandee.

Mary would be welcome any time to take a ride on this one for sure! I try, although to me it doesnt see best always

Incredible, thanks for taking the time to share the journey with us.

I guess its what makes the world go round, people sharing with others on their experiences

When we bought the La Porte Torpedo and Little Red V8 from Bill’s Weiser stable more than 5 years ago the yellow Frandee was in the next stall over. Bill called it “Ol’ Number1” and it was not on the “for sale” list. I’m thinking he would surely approve of the way his SnoShu will be finished.

"Ol' Number 1" you say, ha!? Something to add into the decor/finish work

excellent to see you making great progress, keep up the wonderful work, and see ya on the sno soon

Its been a slow process at first, gather up the intel on how to's and them tracks - they sure are kicking my butt with their rebuild process!

I'm hoping to have the machine up and ready to rock by Christmas, I guess time will show. Need to take some time off to finish it up possibly sooner.

Thanks everyone for kind words, I'll try to keep this thread not-to-long, and just cover main parts of the resto, rest will be available in pictures to see online.

Now let is snow... and snow... and snow...

 

[GMoose]

Wow, what a great job, sure impressive what you are doing. Can hardly wait to see it complete.

 

[GMoose]

Just a tid bit of info that may be beneficial from my experiences with my Frandee. Once I had the tracks on and started using it the tracks would loosen on me by themselves. What was happening is the jacking screws which are used to tension the tracks were loosening. The fix is simple, I just made a small "lock" that drops in between the square head of the jacking screw and the frame tube. If yours has this same design it may be beneficial to build a couple of these, because it sucks when you are up in the mountains and the tires start slipping in the tracks. Hope this helps.

 

[Nikson]

Just a tid bit of info that may be beneficial from my experiences with my Frandee...

Excellent, you definitely set the panel high on standards with your machine.

I'll have to see whats going on with the track adjusting, as I've not gotten there just yet.

I need to figure out what to use in order to connect the belting parts yet, lasing is great, but I'm thinking may be something a little more heavy duty, like a hinge setup that I've had on my previous 1450.

 

[Nikson]

I would like to use this style HINGE kind of lacing for the belt connection,



Argo uses this, only this is 6 inches in length, thus I'll have to just double it I guess to make it work


https://www.argoadventure.com/849-164--HINGE-TRACK-LACING_p_11682.html


Anyone possibly got a link to similar one but in a foot width size?

Thanks

 

[sno-drifter]

Here are some hinge types that start at 12 inches and go up from there. And you can get them in stainless. https://www.rubberandaccessories.com/rivet-hinge-fasteners

 

[redsqwrl]

in the snow track world. i like the
flexco counter sunk, spanner wrench flush buckles/lacing.

https://www.flexco.com/NA/EN/Flexco.htm



I use buckles like the argo ones you posted on my bigger machines. I get them from a buddy who has them on the shelf for his rock screening / separators. I never paid attention to the name on the box they are long, I just cut off what i need

 

[Track Addict]

My Tucker has some real nice Flex Co Flush lacing that looks like it needs a special tool as described above..

I pull the tracks annually and it takes a few minutes each side with a track jack. Two belts each track with two hinges two bolts. Just this year I was mentioning to myself how nice secure and clean the hinges are.

 

[turbinator62]

Once again, you amaze us all. That is going to be an award winning restoration. You always go the extra mile.

How does a Frandee steer?

Glad to see the little guy working with you. He will always remember working with his dad. You may want to get him a pair of safety glasses though.

 

[Nikson]

Re: Grousers & Glass Install

pre-p.s.

I guess I've cleaned out my google photos album, and deleted couple of pictures that are not showing on the previous posts anymore, sorry, will do my best to keep updated on stuff...

Anyways - winter is here, already got our first couple of feet in Cascades, thus need to put a move on this resto...

Been busy past few months with different things/projects/trips, now hopefully December will be more of a "project" month and hopefully I wont have to drag this one into the next year...

Lets move on..........

Grouser's flat bar - gosh it was a pain in my arthritis... drilling all them holes, than drilling them again, than 3rd time to make sure those bolts get in there flush...

Sorry guys, thats the only way I know how to get it done right...

Ended up dry-drilling for the bolt fit, didnt want to contaminate all them holes for the paint, although that POR15 paint seems to stick to just about anything...

Anyways - these countersink bits worked out great, at $25/pc, 2 did the job just fine...

Glass was on the schedule right before I left for missionary trip to Mexico, found a local fella who is my Youtube follower, runs a glass shop, hooked me up with a deal...

little personal touch

 

[Nikson]

Having access to a laser is awesome, some of the personal touch that can/could/will be done, I think will make this resto one of a kind for sure!

 

[Nikson]

Re: Seats / Benches

Next is the seating area...

I was procrastinating too long on what to do here, and since I figured best theme is to stick with rustic-y ol' wood designs and such - went with a bench seat front and side bench seats for the rear, giving me seating for 6 or 8 if get them tight...

Anyways... front one will have the "reverse" option, where the back part flips front/back, so if you want to get a small table and have a hot drink while its all wintery cold outside, this will be perfect...

I know some of you will have some things to say, but keep in mind that this unit will have that "uniqueness" to it, where it might not seem to be comfortable, but in the end - I believe it will, and it will look very presentable.

so, thats the start of the front seating area

Along with Laser machine, having a WaterJet as a recently acquired "tool" in our shop - definitely gets me an itch to do some other things that normally one wouldnt/couldnt, its amazing what this thing can cut with just water...

made some swivel hinge/brackets for the rear seats to fold down, this was cut in about 10 minutes on the jet, 3/16th steel, brackets are about 4in tall (the larger ones anyway)

Amazing how fast it goes from the Jet and onto the weld table... would be nice to have the tools like that just at the home shop...