72 Nitro Build

[Rip-it-Rupp]

Hey guys,

Here are some pics of the build of my 72 Nitro I built last year. I only have one picture at the completion of the build. I need to get some this season and add to this post. Enjoy!

This is what it looked like before I started. (I really didn't get any pics of the disassembly process)


Box of parts



Some of the NOS stuff I used



Some of the hardware used in the build. I used 95% Stainless Steel Hardware on the entire sled...all except for some specialty stuff



Tunnel - If you look real close I used an NOS 73 Magnum tunnel (didn't know it at the time otherwise I wouldn't have). I needed to relocate the exhaust hole and weld on the side rails.



Pipes after blasting and waiting for paint



Motor parts ready for assembly





Motor assembled




Polishing the tunnel (man this brings back some memories)




Parts painted and waiting for assembly. I used mostly NOS stuff when I could find it and then blasted and repainted. The factory paint was very poor.



Pictures of all the parts prior to assembly in my driveway











Chassis Assembly



Rear skid and track



Rear Skid Assembled and ready for install



Rear skid installed...FINALLY. This was a bear! The track was really tough to stretch out and get it installed from sitting on the shelf for so many years.





Front end parts installed and gear case




Dropping in the motor



Motor installed




Finishing up




Shot of the completed sled ready for summer (I need to get some better pictures of this and post them)

[wigman25]

Hey Rip: WOW , that is a masterpiece. I loved the 72's, they were a great looking sled. Nice job, you should be very proud of what you have accomplished with that one! Wig

[rupparooney]

VERY VERY Nice Rip-it, I'm doing my 72 Rally, but not as extensive, such as tearing the motor down or polishing the tunnel, I do have it down to the bear tunnel and I'm putting in alot of NOS parts, she will be pretty, I will post pictures also>>>>R-ROONEY ;D

[Deleted]

Very very nice! That's one of the sleds on my wish list but it's hard to find one that's all there not been trashed.

[magnumal]

Boy you do it right . Very nice . Now do you want to come run in the mud with Us ;D ;D Iam just jealous

[rupparooney]

Rip-IT, is that a NOS tunnel you started with?

[Rip-it-Rupp]

It was an NOS tunnel, although I wish I used another tunnel as this one was a 73 Magnum tunnel.

The original tunnel had too much pitting to even consider using.

[snikr]

SWEET!!!

[Rip-it-Rupp]

Forgot to mention that the sled took first place, in the "72-75 muscle sled restored" catagory, at the 2nd Annual VSCA show last fall. There was some pretty tough competition.

[blueleader]

Thats awsome, very very nice!

[klong]

where are you people getting all this NOS stuff!!!? My god!!! It would take a decade for me to get all that nos stuff!!

[Rupp440]

Rip it I bet it runs just as good as it looks great job very nice nitro

[ruppersons]

Man, that couldn't have been restored any better. I love the fact that you took all the pictures, especially of all the parts in the driveway, before assembly. Looking forward to better pictures of the final product. Where in Mass are you?
Steve

[magnumforce]

Outstanding restoration there!! Thanks for posting her

[alaskaruppguy]

Hey Rip thats an awesome job! Beautiful!!!

[newtorupps]

ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW,IM ON MY WAY TO RESTORING A 72 340 NITRO JUST LIKE THE WAY YOU DID YOURS,I KNOW IM IN FOR A LONG HAUL WITH THIS PROJECT LET ALONE THE 74 NITRO I GOT TO DO NEXT. YOU DO HAVE A #1 SLED.GOD BLESS YOU FOR THE TIME,EFFORT & MONEY YOU PUT INTO THIS FINE LOOKING SLED.

[newtorupps]

GREAT LOOKING,I HOPE MINE TURN OUT AS NICE.DID YOU USE PAINT OR DID YOU HAVE YOUR PARTS POWDERED COATED?