EDMONTON, AB
As good as new
The restoration of a unique old sled has led one man to become a certified vintage collector
by SCOTT EVOY
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| RESTORED AND RUNNING: The complete restoration of this 1965 Bolens Hus-Ski 444 took three months. —photos by Scott Evoy |
I wanted to share a machine that has been in my family for some 20 or more years. It is a 1965 Bolens Hus-Ski 444. My dad bought it in the early 1980s from the original owner, who only used it a handful of times to go hunting. We used it as it was for about six years until 1987 when my dad passed away. Thankfully, I kept the old Bolens and stuffed it into a shed, not to be looked at again for 18 years.
Last year, I happened to go through that shed and saw the machine in the back, along with a 1969 Rupp GTE 300 that Dad had purchased new. I dug them both out and drained the tank on the Bolens. Then I added new fuel and she fired on the third pull. That was it for me—I decided I would put the old 444 back into original condition and did just that. The complete restoration took three months. It still has the original wooden track cleats and seat material—and all I did to the motor was put a diaphragm kit into the carburetor. Now I use the Hus-Ski as often as possible; it certainly is a conversation piece at any lake we happen to ride.
I am now a certified vintage collector and will be working on the following machines, as time permits: a 1969 Rupp GTE 300, 1970 AC 340 Panther, 1971 Mach I Snow Pony, 1972 MF SST 400 SkiWhiz, 1974 MF Sport Track 404 SkiWhiz and a 1974 MF Wide Track 444 SkiWhiz.
READERS RESPOND
I have restored the exact same sled. The Bolens 444 Huski. It was always my favorite machine to ride when I was a little kid. The only missing is the clutch to the 252cc JLO motor to make it go.
—Darren, Ontario
Have you had any luck finding a clutch?
—Barrie Graham, Arundel, Quebec
I grew up with the smaller version of the Bolens Hus-Ski (8 hp JLO) and I wouldn't mind owning another Hus-Ski now. This design was especially advantageous when steering thought the trees. We used to make our own replacement tracks, wood cleats and all. Your restored sled looks great!
—Gary, Derby Vermont
