Kristi KT7 restoration pictures

[Melensdad]

Gee Bob ,
Those look great ! Do they come in a size 13W , cause that is the size I need when I plant one up your As#!!!!!

Sorry Al, all I heard was:



My snowcat is broke

The last picture shows the name plate design that I will have made out of silver to be mounted on the interior console .

Personally I would go for broke and do something a bit fancier. Pick up some old school Kristi design from one of their early logos and then add in some custom wording to update & upgrade the design. Sort of like Ford did when it introduced the Retro Mustang. Old school and new converged. Here is just an example of what might look nice, of course this is sort of rough but it gives you an idea.

Allen, the logo below is based on some of the material you lent me, with the Kristi snowflake scanned from a manual that I got from Gary, cleaned up and enlarged, and uses a circular logo from Kristi as inspiration. It is not a copy of what they did, but it seems to blend the old and the new. I made it in Photoshop and you can have all the rights to it. I used a typestyle for the city of origin, YETTI EDITION and SERIAL # wording, that is very similar to the original KRISTI typestyle so it does not clash.

Your local sign shop can alter the colors, or widen the band that surrounds the center circle to suit your needs.

 

[BigAl]

Bob ,
I sure wish I knew how to do that stuff with a computer art program ! That is pretty sharp .
I think I may just take it down to the trophy shop and see if they can do it .
Thanks,
Allen

 

[Melensdad]

Allen, I would think any sign shop could clean up the image and make it as a weatherproof vinyl graphic.

-or-

A trophy shop with photo engraving should be able to clean it up a bit, digitize it, and engrave it into metal with a black paint wash into the engraved area. It would give you a 2 tone finish that might look very nice.

Tomorrow morning when I get to my office I will send you the graphic file through email. I will send the basic file without the lettering on it. You can work with your graphic shop locally to insert whatever typestyle you like and they can clean up the image. But the file I send you will be larger and a little more detailed than the image that you can copy off this website. That will help your graphic shop because the one I work with usually wants very high resolution designs.

 

[BigAl]

Tomorrow morning when I get to my office I will send you the graphic file through email. I will send the basic file without the lettering on it. You can work with your graphic shop locally to insert whatever typestyle you like and they can clean up the image. But the file I send you will be larger and a little more detailed than the image that you can copy off this website. That will help your graphic shop because the one I work with usually wants very high resolution designs.

Thanks Bob

 

[bczoom]

Poobah,

The wording is "Restored for Mr. & Mrs. Allan C Hutson".

Why don't you take the credit and replace "for" with "by"?

 

[mtntopper]

Poobah,

The wording is "Restored for Mr. & Mrs. Allan C Hutson".

Why don't you take the credit and replace "for" with "by"?

The wording is "Restored by/for Mr. & Mrs. Allan C Hutson".



"Restored by Allen Hutson for Mr. & Mrs. Allan C Hutson".

Take the credit you have earned it....
Bill

 

[Vance]

The headsets are gel filled so it is real comfortable to wear

Poobah,

At what temp does that gel freeze? Just wondering if they need to be kept in a relatively warm place before heading out for a ride. If the Yetti and its contents are below freezing, those gel-filled headsets may be uncomfortable (cold on the head/ears) until they reach room or body temperature.

So Al, what intercom system did you end up with? I'm interested because I used to design those systems for a small avionics company up in your neck of the woods (RST in Grass Valley)!!! If you have any questions on setup or operation - I can prolly help you even if it's some "competitor" unit. I've been thinking about an intercom for my cat but I'm not sure I really need it for the cab. I mainly want it to talk to passengers riding in back(pick-up style).

Here's a thought regarding those frozen gel pads... how 'bout you wire them up to some heat strips and maybe even cover them with a nice soft fake fur sock - maybe leopard print or something!!!

Actually, if the headsets don't already have fabric socks for the earcups then I'd highly recommend them. We found them more comfortable in private aircraft due to sweat/stickiness but in a cold snowcat will work, too. You don't want the fabric too thick tho because you negate some of the soundproofness...

We expect rides end of Feb at the shootout!!!

Vance

 

[BigAl]

Poobah,

The wording is "Restored for Mr. & Mrs. Allan C Hutson".

Why don't you take the credit and replace "for" with "by"?

Mornin Boomer ,

My nieghbor came over yesterday and said the exact same thing to me .
He thinks I'm nuts if I don't take credit for the KT7 restoration .
I am afraid people may take it the wrong way .

I just have a real problem with people who get "Big heads" and need to impress people with what they do . Doctors come to mind as one ...So do most lawyers and real estate agents .

None of what I have done or designed on the KT7 was intended to impress people . Only to make my wife ,my friends and myself as safe and as comfortable as possible . I like to improve stuff and have fun doing it.

I thought the "dedication plate" would be a nice finishing touch on the interior ,since the original name plate was in very bad condition . I added the serial # ,Kristi manufacturing name and address on purpose to give it more of a plate you might see from the Kristi factory .

Maybe add a little plate like they use to have on the old Chevy's door sill plate . " Body by Fisher" or something like that .

 

[bczoom]

Maybe keep "Restored for Mr. & Mrs. Allan C Hutson" but have another placard or something that says "Yetti conversion by BigAl"?

Re. the headsets and to expand on Vance's post, I did some searching yesterday. It sounds like many of the gel type are loaded with glycol so they may not freeze. You'll need to check yours. I also did see that many offer cloth coverings and as Vance said, they make them more comfortable.

 

[wilkinsn1]

I also made up some name plates designs that I will be using .

Hey Al,

You might also have some decals made up with "FRONT" & "BACK" to put on the Yetti so you'll know which end is front or back

Gary

 

[Vance]

Hey Al,

You might also have some decals made up with "FRONT" & "BACK" to put on the Yetti so you'll know which end is front or back

Gary

LOL !!!

Vance
:rollingla

 

[BigAl]

Hi All ,

Ok the center cab section is in place ! Tomorrow it will be bolted down . Everything has weatherstripping foam where the body pieces meet together . That should keep out any moisture from getting inside the cab .

I also upholstered the front door and installed a new gas shock that keeps the door open . I redesigned and repostioned the support from where some Kristi engineering idiot had original placed it on the top of the door and and broke the door in half . It is now in the middle of the door where it should have been placed in the first place . There is no comparison to how much better it now works .

I expect that I have about 2 more days of work left before it is time to build the tracks and be complete with Yetti.

I also ordered up all my "operational name plates" for the KT7 . Thank you Bob S.for the wonderful suggestion of using a "Old School Design" on the Dedication Plate . It is a wonderful improvement over the original Kristi bland design . I would suspect that the same third grade class that wrote the lousy Kristi's owner's manual also did the original Kristi logo . I sat down with a Art Designer for a few hours today and they feel they can "Custom Design and Produce" a very nice "new style logo" for Kristi Cat which I will be using on all my Kristi's . Since this is my own custom artwork design for which I paid for , I will also gladly offer the new design logo "Name Plates" to anyone that would like one for their KT2's or KT3's at my cost . A portion of the sales ($5) of each "Name Plate" will be donated to FF . If anyone would like one please PM me with your Name ,Kristi Model . and Serial # of your Kristi . I should have a final cost within a few days ,but believe the "Kristi Name Plate" will run about $25-$30 each. I have already paid the art work fee so your only paying for cost to produce the "Name Plate". I will post a picture as soon as the design shop is done .If I sound a little ticked off about this "Name plate thing" ,I am and I apologize .There is just some things better off not said .

Here are a few Pictures of my progress today:

 

[BigAl]

So Al, what intercom system did you end up with?
We expect rides end of Feb at the shootout!!!

Vance

Vance ,
The company that supplied the intercom system is "Soft Com" in Az. and you can ride in Yetti all you want, along with any other Members of FF that are in "good standing" ! Since there is only one member of FF not in "good standing" with me ,I guess most of you all are safe .Mini Bar is open when all the rides are over !!!

Gary ,
I am going to write "Ass End" on the back window of "Yetti" so I know which end is which!!

To everyone , I think I will leave "Restored By" off the name plate . I know I built it and that is all that matters . Last thing I want is for someone to think I am trying to impress them . I just was not brought up that way .
We do have one ex FF Member who got a "very big head" in trying to impress me with his very limited and incorrect knowledge of a working "Kristi" and was only here for "Bragging Rights", and I would not want to be associated or compared with someone like that .Sorry ,but that is how I feel .

 

[BigAl]

I just noticed this morning that I started this project on Feb.23,2006 . I will have pretty close to exactly a year in the restoration by the time I am done . I hope the next 2 Kristi restores go a little faster .

 

[Melensdad]

Hey Allen, one more thing you may want to add to the engraved name plate is the year of manufacture. That is a 1974 or something thereabouts, but I think anyone looking at it today would suspect is is a new snowcat. You might want the nameplate to indicate the year so they realize they are in a very modern, but still 30+ year old machine.

 

[BigAl]

Bob,
I'll think about the KT7 manufacture year thing when I see how much room I have left on the new Kristi Logo .

Ok ,
The center section is bolted down .What a pain . I ended up having to break two of my fat little fingers in order to get to the little access points to install my "home made" hold down body fastners .

Also tried out the GPS "Ram Mount" in a few areas and decided to install it on the passenger arm rest in the corner .

I assembled the cargo rack and sat it in place . It fits very well and is very well made . Tomorrow I will weld up some cross bars to mount it to .
I think this is where I will also mount my "custom License plate" that Mtntopper sent me . It looks great there . Pictures soon on this !!!

Windows should be installed tomorrow and the front door lock mechanisn should also be installed .

Also missing one "Craftsman" 13/16 " open end wrench and I have torn the shop apart looking for it .I keep looking at the KT7 and wondering if it is laying under the motor or gear drives . I don't think so , but it makes me wonder .Hopefully my kids have borrowed it and not told me .

No pictures tonight but i'll try to have some tomorrow

 

[mtntopper]

Also missing one "Craftsman" 13/16 " open end wrench and I have torn the shop apart looking for it .I keep looking at the KT7 and wondering if it is laying under the motor or gear drives . I don't think so , but it makes me wonder .Hopefully my kids have borrowed it and not told me .

Allen, check your back pocket, that is where I usually find the tools I have misplaced and have been looking for after a couple hours of searching all over the place and blaming the tool gremlins.

 

[BigAl]

Allen, check your back pocket, that is where I usually find the tools I have misplaced and have been looking for after a couple hours of searching all over the place and blaming the tool gremlins.

I have a back pocket ? I did'nt know that . I always wear sweat pants when I am in the shop . Maybe it's stuck between the cheeks of my Fat Arse. <( English for Fat Ass)
I'll see if I can get the wife to take a look unless one of you guys are willing ???? Sure hope it did not go any further ............

 

[BigAl]

Where does the day go ? First thing my little dog bites a lady and I spend 1/2 the day taking care of that then I spent 3 hours trying to find little parts and stuff in town for the Kristi . I got about two things done the whole dang today . I have decided to stop predicting when I will be done .

The roof rack support was built and painted , late this afternoon . I'll install it tomorrow and take some pictures

 

[BigAl]

Evening Folks ,

Wow ! I been waiting for this day for a long time . I started installing my windows . They turned out real nice .


The Roof Cargo Rack is done and installed and also turned out well . I custom built the cross bars out of thin wall tubing . I used 1/2" blind nuts welded inside the tubes to secure it to the cab body .I wanted a nice look with no exposed bolts showing . Thank You Mtntopper for the beautiful Canada "Go 4 IT" License plate . I will wear it proudly for all to see .

I also got my custom engine vent louvered covers painted and installed .

The engine cover is 1/2 way done and will be complete and installed in the morning .

I should wrap it up tomorrow .There's not much left to do after that other than the tracks which I should start on Sunday or Monday .

Here a few pictures of todays progress:

 

[Pigtails]

Nice Job!!

It is so hard to tell what something is going to look like until the paint is on...And of course the hard work to get it there...

 

[BigAl]

And of course the hard work to get it there...

Good Moring PT !

Do you mean "work" or drinking ???? Drinking all that Rum was tough on me but someone had to do it to help keep the Liquor Companys in the Black and making a profit .

 

[BigAl]

well,well,well !

Look what I found !!! A kristi KT7 "Special Yetti Edition" sitting in my driveway .I wonder where it came from ???

It sure is nice to sit here and look at her . It will even be more fun when the tracks go on next week and I can take her for a spin .

The Pictures do not do the paint job justice . She just gleams in the sun !!!
Upholstery came out good too . Mini bar sits under the raised shelf ,in its own compartment over the motor compartment . The other half of it is a "built in tool box".

Tomorrow I will give her a proper bath and tie up the last few details .

 

[BigAl]

A few more before's and after's:

 

[BigAl]

Last one:

 

[pixie]

She sure looks good, Al

When is the snow coming ?

 

[BigAl]

When is the snow coming ?

Soon ,I hope Pixie.
Janurary will go down as the driest Janurary ever in Northern California !
There is no snow on Interstate I-80 @ Donner Summit Pass other than in the shady areas and what the ski areas are making at night . It's really bad .

 

[Melensdad]

well,well,well !

Look what I found !!! A kristi KT7 "Special Yetti Edition" sitting in my driveway .I wonder where it came from ???

It sure is nice to sit here and look at her . It will even be more fun when the tracks go on next week and I can take her for a spin .

The Pictures do not do the paint job justice . She just gleams in the sun !!!
Upholstery came out good too . Mini bar sits under the raised shelf ,in its own compartment over the motor compartment . The other half of it is a "built in tool box".

Tomorrow I will give her a proper bath and tie up the last few details .

Allen, so to those folks who say that you "ruined" the KT7 when they alleged that you added weight, or when you fixed the improperly routed hydraulic control s that probably prevented it from attaining its maximum speed, or by painting it the wrong color, or by changing the name to "Yetti" what do you say now that it is virtually complete?

Especially now that it is actually lighter, probably able to attain its designed speed, and has a pretty darn good looking paint job!

Congrats

 

[BigAl]

Allen, so to those folks who say that you "ruined" the KT7 when they alleged that you added weight, or when you fixed the improperly routed hydraulic control s that probably prevented it from attaining its maximum speed, or by painting it the wrong color, or by changing the name to "Yetti" what do you say now that it is virtually complete?

Especially now that it is actually lighter, probably able to attain its designed speed, and has a pretty darn good looking paint job!

Congrats

Well ,My Dad always told me "I should engage my Brain before sticking my Mouth in gear ".

The paint color is a personal thing. Some may like it and some may not . It matches my 2006 Ford " King Ranch" Truck and I always wanted to do that on a restoration and match it to the hauler vehicle, I was pulling with. I did it on a horse trialer once and it looked nice .Would I do this color again ??? Probably not ......The next Kristi restore will be Red with Gold Pearl .

Changing the hydraulic steering system is without a doubt ,the best thing I did on this Kristi KT7. It opened up the front for easy entry, even for my fat butt .It also cleaned up the control and monitering systems. I do not care if your 5" tall and 300 pounds or 6'-8" and 125 pounds , you will fit very comfortably in the operators seat .I cannot thank a few of you boys here on FF enough that helpped on this . It was a team effort and well worth it! Even a "wheel chair bound" handicapped person could easily enter and drive the Yetti now .Now that is a great improvement!!

With all the stuff I took off and discarded ,curb weight should be about the same or a little lighter . I will weigh it at the Cat scales soon to get a true Track PSI .

Lets face facts Bob . There was only one person that said I was ruining or "Messing it up" when refering to the KT7 . So that is about .001 % of the entire FF membership and he got so mad about it ,he took his imaginary toys and went home .

"The "Yetti Edition" name addition was something that was bound to happen . It was also a team effort . I believe it was you Bob , that first came up with that name . It just stuck after that .I still believe it sounds better than the " Banded Bird " or whatever he was spouting his mouth about .If I had named it after a previous owner, as a certain someone had wanted ,there are about 4 or 5 past owners names that I would have needed to have been included to make it fair for all .I do not think that the body is long enough for a name sign that long ... I'm kinda surprized he did not demand that I name it after him ,considering his "ego and big head".

If it sounds like I don't care for him much , your right . "Hopefully with age, comes maturity" , and in his case we can only pray .

We at FF ,are all trying to do the same thing here ,which is to promote the private use ,repair and history of the Vintage Snowcats of Yesterday . Does it really matter that one website seems to have more interest and members than the other one ? Not to me it doesn't ,as long as we get the word out and help other snowcat owners in the repairs. restoration or history of their particular brand of vintage snowcat . I still believe 2 websites "working together" are better than 1 , to promote this idea.

So here I sit ,spouting all these "words of wisdom" on a lovely Sunny Sunday Morning ,sipping my coffee and anticipating my next Kristi Restoration project . It will be the Kristi KT4a .And I plan to float her across water again, in the lake here ,at the house soon .


Its about time to go fiddle fart around in the shop . Have a great day people

 

[BigAl]

Thought I would add a few more interior pictures of the finished interior .

The "carpeted armrest support post" at the operators seat moves sideways to control the body tilt . This way I never have to release my hand from the steering controls to adjust the body tilt .

With the old steering system removed there is a lot of room up front .

Enjoy