Idaho IMP
Member
Hi Everyone, We just returned from a 1200 mile round trip from Idaho to Northern California to pick up my Imp, #669. It was posted for sale on KSL between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Overall it’s in fair condition For its age. I did have to swap out the old hubs, wheels and tires on the original Thiokol tilt deck trailer and used magnetic tow lights as the wiring was dry rotted…It towed like a dream back to Idaho. Zero issues. it was a long day to get ready as we had to flat tow and come-a-long the cat onto the trailer as the P.O. Hadn’t replaced the alternator or carburetor as intended. That’s all ok though as I noticed it needs some immediate track repairs. It’s missing 3 tire guides and has one mangled one likely from being iced into the ground. Also, one of the lacing pins on one track belt was half removed or missing. Also, he had replaced one of the track wheels but didn’t use the hollow spindle or bushings so I’ll have to get those parts as well. Like other machines, these make rythmatic sounds and I picked up on the track issues immediately when flat towing, hearing some clanking, etc.
I’ve developed Mechanical skill sets over the last decades by learning to fix my own machines and equipment CORRECTLY. Buying a piece of equipment from someone that “says” or “thinks” it may be in useable condition always means that the devil is in the details. Overall it needs some minor fixes and who knows how far I’ll take it. I did purchase as a legacy project for the family to use, and I do envision going through the whole thing eventually. Needless to say I have a list of goodies to make calls about today before I even take it off the trailer.
So, I’ll be posting more questions in the near future, but if anyone knows more about the glass gasketing around the cab doors, removing the flaking paint from the inside, let me know. I’ll be calling Peterson Equipment down in SLC and asking for a build sheet. I‘m told my number #669 was originally sold to the USFS in Oregon. It still has the Forest Service crest sticker on the doors and some other stenciled numbers. It was then sold to the gentleman I bought from for access to his off grid house in the winter.
Thats enough rambling for now. I Look forward to my new machine and developing friendships with those here on the forums.
Pete.
I’ve developed Mechanical skill sets over the last decades by learning to fix my own machines and equipment CORRECTLY. Buying a piece of equipment from someone that “says” or “thinks” it may be in useable condition always means that the devil is in the details. Overall it needs some minor fixes and who knows how far I’ll take it. I did purchase as a legacy project for the family to use, and I do envision going through the whole thing eventually. Needless to say I have a list of goodies to make calls about today before I even take it off the trailer.
So, I’ll be posting more questions in the near future, but if anyone knows more about the glass gasketing around the cab doors, removing the flaking paint from the inside, let me know. I’ll be calling Peterson Equipment down in SLC and asking for a build sheet. I‘m told my number #669 was originally sold to the USFS in Oregon. It still has the Forest Service crest sticker on the doors and some other stenciled numbers. It was then sold to the gentleman I bought from for access to his off grid house in the winter.
Thats enough rambling for now. I Look forward to my new machine and developing friendships with those here on the forums.
Pete.
