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Thiokol Imp 1404 - repair/restoration questions

S

Snowdancer

New member
I am new to the snowcat world.

This summer I bought this snowcat 1404 imp and am giving it a top to bottom mechanical checkup before taking it out for the winter.

I have a few items I could use advice on. The first item is the frame.

I inspected the frame - all is straight except for the front left strut which bends up 1/4” over its length. Picture attached. Need advise on how significant this is.

The first options I am considering is welding a steel plate diamond to the bottom of the strut to reinforce and prevent any further bending and also shimming the wheel so that it is true to the frame from top to bottom The welding may even pull the member back down a 1/16”.

The other option is to figure out how to straighten the strut using heat and mechanical force. Obviously much more involved and any suggestions on how to straighten are appreciated.

In your experience is the 1/4” bend significant?
 

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The undercarriage of my wide track imp is hammered. My front “axle” tube thing has been tweaked, rewelded apparently more than once. I think the big question is if it throws tracks. My setup runs a urethane front idler vs a pneumatic one on the narrow track version. You may be able to heat and bend or put a bottle jack to it somehow but I think it’s probably ok as is. The tracks are fairly forgiving as they travel around circumferentially.

Good luck and welcome to the insanity. Look forward to seeing your rig!
 
I'm with Mr Idaho IMP....leave it alone. I would be reluctant to try bending it, but your thought of reinforcing with a steel plate welded on is not a bad idea.
I'm still running with the more than likely original idler tires, solid rubber...not urethane or pneumatic. They're old but holding together.
Have fun sorting out all the myriad of things (minor or huge, whatever). Do fun stuff like rebuilding the tracks, or removing/gutting/and repairing the C4 differential, replacing windshield, sorting out wiring rats nests, gauge issues,, painting, etc.
At least yours looks to be better cared for than mine was. Season #2 almost upon us, will see if mine performs well once again.

More pictures when you get a chance.
 
Thanks for the advise!

I am going to weld on a reinforcement plate and leave the 1/4” bend in place. I will send pictures.

Any thoughts/advice on adding a 2” hitch receiver to the front end?
 
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