edmonton, ab
Old sled left for dead
A vintage-snowmobile enthusiast from Alberta rescues a 1972 Massey Ferguson sled from obscurity
by SCOTT EVOY
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BEFORE AND AFTER: Over nine months, vintage-snowmobile enthusiast Scott Evoy transformed this weathered sled into a classic beauty.
—photos courtesy Scott Evoy |
First of all, I have to say that you have a fantastic website. It really is inspiring to see just how many of us are getting these left-for-dead sleds back on the snow.
I would like to share my pictures of a machine that was certainly left for dead and possibly would not have seen the light of day again if it weren't for my love of vintage snowmobiles.
I placed a want ad for a 1972 Massey Ferguson Ski-Whiz machine and got a response from a gentleman in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. He had a 1972 Massey Ferguson Formula IV 440. The machine had been left outdoors by the original owner and it had deteriorated badly by the time the gentleman came across it. He stuffed it into a barn and it had been sitting there for the past 20 years. He sent me some grainy pictures of the machine and I bought it.
Needless to say, the sled was in rough shape. I completely dismantled and sandblasted the body. After I refinished and painted the hood I slowly put it back together. I rebuilt the 440 JLO Rockwell engine in the process as well.
After nine months and two parts sleds, it was ready to ride the snow once again.
Thanks for providing the space for us old sledheads.
COMMENTS FROM READERS:
Interesting article on the '72 Massey Ferguson. I have a '74 444WT(widetrack) that is kind of a family heirloom. It is in very good shape for its age. Its life started in southern Alberta near Chinook; there was actually quite a few down there for some reason I remember when I was younger.
—Jason Rosenau, Westlock, Alberta
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