Kristi KT7 restoration pictures

[BigAl]

Evening Folks ,
The new engine cover is finished and ready to be covered in carpet . I made it up out of ¾ “ Plywood and piano hinges . I ended up building it in two pieces so it can be easily removed without killing myself . There is also a enclosed area for the Mini Bar , As well as the first aid kit , tool kit and a emergency pack . The engine side of the cover will be covered in a flame retardant insulation/ sound deadener . That should help with engine noise . The top side will have the same carpet as the floor area . Here’s a few pictures .
I’m not sure but I think this was the last part that needed completion before I start tearing everything down to finish paint , upholstery, wiring, window tint and moon roof cover .

I am going to think about everything over the Christmas Holidays and then start working again in about a week .

I will also add a engine light in the engine compartment as it is quite dark in there .

If I missed anything , I am sure you good ole boy’s will let me know .

 

[BigAl]

a few more

 

[Eric L]

Evenin' Al, If you haven't considered it already, you might plan some kinda tiedowns into that cover, or a basket of some sort... ya know your gonna stack something on top of it that you dont want sliding around, and whackin' ya in the head while your cruisin' downhill.

I might also consider closing in the starboard side of that box on top to keep small things from falling where they dont belong, and the protect the precious side of your plastic snowcat.

Eric

Edit: P.S. do you think there a need for a ventilation blower...like a boat?

 

[Melensdad]

Edit: P.S. do you think there a need for a ventilation blower...like a boat?

If Al would cut back on the picked eggs and cabbage dinners he wouldn't be so gassy and probably wouldn't need a ventilation blower

 

[rlk]

Al, any idea how much weight you are adding by building all these things out of wood? Your woodworking skills are great, but since I have no experience with a snowcat (we don't get much snow in central NC), I don't know if the additional weight will be a problem or not.

Bob

 

[mtntopper]

Al, any idea how much weight you are adding by building all these things out of wood? Your woodworking skills are great, but since I have no experience with a snowcat (we don't get much snow in central NC), I don't know if the additional weight will be a problem or not.
Bob

I think it is actually ballast so when BigAl jumps in to the operators seat the KT7 does not just flip over on its top in the snow.....

Morning Al, Just thought I would start your day off with a bang.

 

[BigAl]

Good Morning Gentleman ,
And I use that term "Lightly" .

Many good questions were asked last night and this morning . Lets see if I can answer a few .

Eric... I plan to add a piece of wide aluminum flat bar that will act as a stop on the engine cover to keep stuff from smackin me "up side the head" .I want to carpet first .Inside the Mini Bar area will be carpet to protect the finish . The other compartments can easily have a added piece of carpeted plywood to protect the fiberglass if need be . Tie downs are a excellent idea . I never even thought about that . Something like the wife has in her SUV might work well ??? I wonder if she would miss the tie downs and net ???
I actually thought about a blower yesterday . All the intake air comes through the side vents of the body . Is this enough fresh air to prevent an explosion ? Maybe a Boat owner/builder can jump in here .

rlk.... The weight issue and also upgrading of the KT7 has been discussed before .It actually helped start a very heated discussion . One FF member actually left this website because he felt so strongly that I was " Messing in up" when working and restoring the KT7 . He wanted it original ,right down to the ranch name the old owner had placed on her side .He did not even think it was funny when I change the name on the side of the KT7 to Yetti , out of respect and resemblance to my first ex wife . His knowledge and working understanding of a Kristi KT7 was and is very limited , possible caused by having never seen one but claiming to be the authority of all models of Kristi’s . There is something to be said for youth ….What was that term my father always used …..OH yea “ The blind leading the blind” .
No talking , apologizing or explaining my intentions to him mattered or was accepted . I want safety first and pleasure second !!! My family and friends will be riding in this KT7 while I tow Mtnpooper and Bogus Bob home and their safety is my most important issue .
SO knowing all that now………
The new engine cover weighs less than the old engine cover by about 10 pounds . Including the engine cover I have used less than 2 sheets of plywood in the whole total project or added about 80 -100 pounds . The carpet and fleece are under 10 pounds total . I removed close to 150 pounds of added hydraulics valves and hoses, 4 steel encase seats that weighed about 40 pounds each and a extremely heavy steering control that weighs in at 50 pounds or more . Removing unneeded steel from the frame should have shaved off another 10 pounds .The moon roof cover blew off on the way home from Colorado . It probably weighed about 10 pounds . The new Plexiglas weighs 2 pounds . My new seats are feather light and maybe weigh 5 pounds a piece . I figure “ole Yetti” is weighing in curb side at about 150 pounds lighter than when she came to live with me .
I will know for sure when I take her down to the truck scales to reweigh her .
Her old curb weight was 3225 pounds before starting on her "Jenny Craig Diet" .

Mtnpooper... Great idea!!! IF I put her on her top she will be a big sled and just sail on home .
You just had to mention my weight problem this morning . Remember this . " I am fat , but you are ugly " . Which really means "I can lose weigh and be beautiful ,but you will be ugly till the day you die !"


Gentlemen (and ladies ).... I just made a fresh pot of coffee and you all welcome to stop by for a cup . You know your way . Doors open ... insults are free !!!!

 

[Melensdad]

rlk.... The weight issue and also upgrading of the KT7 has been discussed before .It actually helped start a very heated discussion . One FF member actually left this website because he felt so strongly that I was " Messing in up" when working and restoring the KT7 . He wanted it original ,right down to the ranch name the old owner had placed on her side .He did not even think it was funny when I change the name on the side of the KT7 to Yetti , out of respect and resemblance to my first ex wife . His knowledge and working understanding of a Kristi KT7 was and is very limited , possible caused by having never seen one but claiming to be the authority of all models of Kristi’s . There is something to be said for youth ….What was that term my father always used …..OH yea “ The blind leading the blind” .
No talking , apologizing or explaining my intentions to him mattered or was accepted . I want safety first

Al, I think that discussion was actually partially in this thread and also partially in a couple other threads (a thread about track design rings a bell too). Seems to me that you detailed several examples of bad welds, weak/dangerous frame design, improper hydraulic set up, and recently issues in the hydraulic control design that limited the control/speed. Its a shame that the arguements occurred but the guy you are referring to advocated that you 'restore' the unit to the prior owner's modifications and as you said wanted you to rename it to what he named it (which was not what it was named when it came from the factory, so obviously it was not original).

I'm also modifying my snowcat, as have dozens of other members here. The modifications are first for safety/function, and then second for comfort. You have a far more unique machine than any other member, but to restore it to unsafe condition borders on lunacy. It seems to me that you are dramatically increasing the value, safety and function of your machine.

As for the issue of weight, honestly I think if you are within a few hundred pounds (either way) of the original weight then it should not noticably affect the performance. Do the math. The combined track surface area on the snow is roughly 12' by 4' or roughly 6912 square inches!!! As it comes from the factory the KT7 impacts the snow at over .48 psi. Even increasing the weight to 3500#, Al's improved KT7 would impact the snow at only .50 psi.

 

[BigAl]

I'm also modifying my snowcat, as have dozens of other members here. The modifications are first for safety/function, and then second for comfort. You have a far more unique machine than any other member, but to restore it to unsafe condition borders on lunacy. It seems to me that you are dramatically increasing the value, safety and function of your machine.

As for the issue of weight, honestly I think if you are within a few hundred pounds (either way) of the original weight then it should not noticably affect the performance. Do the math. The combined track surface area on the snow is roughly 12' by 4' or roughly 6912 square inches!!! As it comes from the factory the KT7 impacts the snow at over .48 psi. Even increasing the weight to 3500#, Al's improved KT7 would impact the snow at only .50 psi.

Bob ,
It never even occurred to me to recalibrate the "Ground Track Pressure PSI" for Yetti !!! Actually the tracks are 28 " so based on that at the 3500 pounds ratio the PSI should even be better . I may just float around like a feather .I may have to rename ole Yetti , "Big Bird " .

I agree that nothing is more important than safety when operating any machine . In the 1960's-1970's , I honestly do not think that the safety issue was a top consideration with many companys . The cost of implementing additional safety factors can be a "project ending maneuver" . I feel we have also advanced "techo wise" considerably since 1972 when Yetti was built .
I need that feeling of security knowning and trusting that my snow machine will bring me and my family home from where I may decide to take it . I am not a "dare devil type " and will probably never put Yetti in a unsafe situation . I just want it as safe and functional as possible , to hell with originality. I sure as hell don't have all the answers ,but I want to be as safe as possible before I take off .

Hell Bob , I may even need to fly Yetti back there for her trail runs through your corn fields . OH yea !!! I forgot about crop rotation .... I mean bean fields .

 

[BigAl]

Merry Christmas Ladies & Gentleman ,

Here I sit at the La Jolla Beach Club in San Diego for Christmas . Blue skies and surfers on the beach .... Does that seem odd? It does to me . I like snow and hot cider . I can get a Mia Tia if I want ,but it's not the same .
We came to see the daughter who lives here. San Deigo is a strange place . Everyone drives 80 plus miles and hour . Last night I was passed by a Ice Cream Truck with his bells ringing doing 85 or 90 . The kids have to run fast here !!!
So the next week ,I am on a vacation that I would rather spend in Elk City , Panama or Grass Valley than a big city . But we have missed having our daughter home for the last 3 years and parents do what they have too at times for their children . This is important to her and I would never break her heart by not coming . So its off too the Sea Room for Bunch with a bunch of people who are way to stiff .
The locals talk about how La Jolla is the jewel of this area and I smile and tell them to come to Panama or to my ranch in Elk city and find out what real life is all about . I rather have my good old friends here on FF to talk with than all these fat cats who spend their time looking over there shoulder to see who they are impressing .
I think I will go feed a seagull, They seem to understand me more and I sure as hell feel more comfortable around them . Now where's my popcorn !!!
Merry Christmas everyone and God Bless you all .
Allen Hutson & Family

 

[villi]

Merry Christmas to you Al, here in Iceland I was going to have fun in the snow but all last week there was a warm wether now it is no snow at all on Christmas!!!!

 

[SkiDozer 302]

Do you think the people that sold us their snow machines knows something about Global Warming that we do not? Kidding...just kidding!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you and your family are together and safe!

 

[Lyndon]

Looks like Big Al must not have read the next to last entry in the Forum thread:"NY's Day, & Calif People & NV too". Didn't even get a rise out of him? Either he's too busy trying to actually get his machine running, or too busy fighting off attacks from Snow Trac owners. Can I change my Bet on the Big Al Pole?

 

[BigAl]

Looks like Big Al must not have read the next to last entry in the Forum thread:"NY's Day, & Calif People & NV too". Didn't even get a rise out of him? Either he's too busy trying to actually get his machine running, or too busy fighting off attacks from Snow Trac owners. Can I change my Bet on the Big Al Pole?

Reply has been forwarded the forementioned thread .

 

[BigAl]

OK !!!! I'm Back !!!

San Diego is a place everyone should have to visit once but never twice . It makes you appreciate the simple things in life . We spent a week at the La Jolla Beach Club . I am unsure how those people in La Jolla can walk around with there heads so far up their Arse < (English for ass). You would think it would make their head smell funny .
The local people are funnier than the animals at the zoo !!! They all have these little logo's on their shirt pockets and look down these really long noses at eveyone . I even made up my own logo to be in style too . I took my t shirt and drew a little pile of Bullsh*t on the pocket .

So now I am home and can start the last chores of finishing up the KT7 . I'm going to redrill the body bolt holes and then start breaking her down for painting .

 

[BigAl]

Evening all ,
Ok ,I did not get alot done today but all the redrilling is now done and first thing in the morning ,I take her apart for finish painting . I figure this should take about 3 or 4 days before the new painting is done . The body pieces are pretty much ready other than 320 grit finish "wet sanding". If I can get some decent weather and mild temperatures I should "get her done ".
The color on top is Base coat/Clear coat T-5 Ford Copper . Same as my Ford Deisel pickup " King Ranch" . I like the color and thought it would be a nice compliment to each other since this will be my tow vehicle .

 

[BigAl]

What a long day .
I decided that since it is time to tear down the KT7 for finish paint I should really clean the shop well to eliminate as much dust as possible and get all the tools put away . Where in the hell does all the crap come from ??? I cannot believe how much crap I hauled out to the trash trailer .
I also spent a little time inspecting the old steering yoke that I replaced off of the KT7 . The Kristi Company wanted everyone to think it was some great idea they had developed , but as a private pilot I can tell you it is out of a 180 Piper yoke design system . Anyway I will store the old system away along with all the other crap that will not be reused so someday it can go with the KT7 should it ever be sold .

The bad thing about cleaning up is you start finding new stuff that you bought to install , but forgot about . Oh well .... Its not like I am on some time frame .

 

[bczoom]

The bad thing about cleaning up is you start finding new stuff that you bought to install , but forgot about . Oh well .... Its not like I am on some time frame .

Don't feel bad poobah... I run into that daily. I have "stuff/things" I bought years ago and have yet to install. It's part of God's plan to keep us going.

 

[BigAl]

Evenin Gents and Ladies ,

Well ... I got her all torn down again in preparation for painting the upper body pieces . I ended up fiberglassing in a few more support blocks for the arm rests and overhead consoles .
Tomorrow should see me spraying the center section if the weather is warm enough .I will be using the spray on bed liner material , I used on the lower section . It will be tinted in the darker Copper color .
I also ordered up all new window rubber molding trim for the outside as the old stuff was cracked and brittle. It will take a 100 feet to do all the windows .It should be here next week .
I also took the door locks down to the locksmith to have them keyed alike .There will be no key needed to start the motor ,as it is a switch setup like they use in race cars , but a key will be needed to unlock the entry doors . The locksmith just called back and their ready to pick up . Man that was fast !!!
I will also be lowering the position of the electric fuel pump . I noticed that if it loses suction it takes awhile to pressurize the fuel lines back up .
Also will be adding a overflow coolant tank now that I have the engine cover built and can locate a good position to place it .
I am placing my order for a Roof Basket later today and it should be here in about a week . It will be powder coated . I got to have someplace to store the "gas BBQ" when it is not being used .
Looks like I am going to use a simple twist lock throttle control with a matching choke control just in front of the operators steering controls . I want to be able to shut down all systems as fast as possible if need be . You never know when a little Bimp or Snot Trac may go trespassing in my path .

Pictures maybe tomorrow .....

 

[BigAl]

OK you all ,
I need help again!!! I just got my price for the window rubber trim that goes around the exterior of the window . These are the same as RV windows . It is J shaped molding . My price is $3 bucks a foot !!!!! Thats $300 bucks

The window guy said it was stupid to pay that type of money and I agree .
I can't find any on the internet . HELP !!!!

 

[bczoom]

Poobah,

Have you checked McMaster-Carr?

 

[Melensdad]

I just got my price for the window rubber trim that goes around the exterior of the window . These are the same as RV windows . It is J shaped molding . My price is $3 bucks a foot !!!!! Thats $300 bucks

The window guy said it was stupid to pay that type of money

Allen, JC Whitney (and other sources) sell 16 foot rolls of this stuff. Price depends on the style, but typcially is just about $2.25 per foot plus shipping. I'd continue to shop around your area, you may find it at an AutoZone, NAPA or similar shop and save the shipping charges.

 

[BigAl]

I have checked with both and they do not have the right stuff . So ... change in plans for today . I am headed to sacramento to find some at a camper supply store . Before I pay $3 a foot ,I'll make my own !!!

 

[BigAl]

OK !I feel better now . Found the rubber sash trim molding at a little RV repair place in Sacramento . 82 cents a foot . They had exactly 104 feet and I needed 100 .

Off to the shop to see if I can still squirt some paint yet today !!!


Later Dude....

 

[BigAl]

Evenin All ,

Well I shot the bed liner material on the center section of the upper cab tonight . All I can say is WOW . That stuff is amazing if you need to cover up some really bad wavy areas . The old finish was some kind of simulated vinyl finish . This was used because the center was so imperfect from the factory . I repaired all the holes and cracks in the fiberglass, sanded out all the old simulated vinyl marks and then shot an epoxy primer/sealer over the whole thing .I had saved enough material from when I shot the lower section so there was no extra cost for new material. Tonight I shot the left over bedliner spray material . I can not recommend this stuff enough if any of you guys need to repair a bad area .
Tomorrow I will take some pictures and I should be completely done by Friday on the paint if the weather holds .

 

[BigAl]

Here's a couple pictures of the center section after spraying on the bed liner material . The first picture shows what it looked like before repairs . Notice the big dip in the top where the old plywood core was rotted .
This will get another coat of Base Coat/Clear Coat shot over this when it completely gasses out . Very big difference !!!

 

[Melensdad]

Hey Allen, I was doing a little shopping for one of my employees who just had a baby. I stumbled across this that I thought you might appreciate. It is obviously an image of your KT7.

Do you think it will fit you? Its a size "XL"

If so I'll mail you some and you can dress up in clothes that match your snowcat

 

[BigAl]

Anything less than 3XL tall is considered a short little man to me ...

 

[BigAl]

Evening Folks ,
Both ends of the upper cab are now ready to paint if I can get some decent weather . Its cold and rainy here .
I did get the Roof Rack Basket ordered today along with a few other goodies . That will teach the wife for going to town and leaving me unattended with a credit card !
I also ordered up a couple of them there tow straps to pull Snot Tracks ,Blimps and tuckered out puckered Tuckers out of harms way . The saleman said they have sold lots of them lately . Must be a lot of broke down snow cats out there .

Here's the Roof Basket I went with . I also order the 20" extension to increase the lenght to 60 something inches . Too many Dr. Rums to remember exactly .

One last question .... A pearl paint job is one of the easiest things to do that there is in painting . Should I add a little gold pearl in the copper color to really customize it ???

Good Night and good grief ....

 

[mbsieg]

Big Al you are going to bed at 5:43 I think you had one to many Dr rums!!!!