[jonesy54]

I tore my '84 JS440 apart this past spring in anticipation of restoring it.

Let the restoration commence!

------------------------------------------
So, lets see where I started. When bought this thing about 6 years ago it looked just like this except it still had the original 440 engine in it. After 2 summers with the 440, I had a chance at a 550 engine and swapped that in and that's how its been ever since. It runs strong, is dead reliable, but looks like junk.

 

[jonesy54]

Back from the paint shop!

FYI, if anyone is interested, Ronnie Adams at Adams Motorsports & Graphics in Chattanooga did all the decals, and can remake the original factory stripe.

and with the freshly painted pump and ride plated installed:

stay tuned

 

[jonesy54]

got the engine all back together:

 

[jonesy54]

got the chinpad recovered and on the handlepole:

and got the new bars on and polished some of that aluminum under there.:

 

[jonesy54]

Got the engine back in tonight.

the end is in sight.

Anybody got ideas on how to clean up my stainless steel expansion chamber? degreaser? wire wheel?

 

[jonesy54]

Finished about 6 weeks ago but I've been slow on getting some pics up. It's great to finally have it in the water.

The simple black on green paint scheme looks like a believable factory color scheme to me.

 

[rajbrades]

Removal

Wow what a great job! I'm impressed.
I too have a 440 that I'd like to do a 550 swap with. As for removing the engine, do you have any resources on how to do this (ie picture tutorial?)

Thanks,

Ryan

 

[98yota]

You did a great job! It looks brand new! :thumbsup:

 

[Biscombe]

Hi im in the process or repainting my jetski and like your colour do you have a shade referance or any info on the colour or what paint was used Cheers Nigel

 

[powerX]

Nice pics you got in there1

 

[moserm11]

Your ski looks great! Looks like its time for some engine upgrades now! ;-)

 

[jonesy54]

Hi im in the process or repainting my jetski and like your colour do you have a shade referance or any info on the colour or what paint was used Cheers Nigel

I don't have a color reference. Its not true Kawasaki Green (I didnt want to pay the $200 per quart) but its a custom mix to color match the Kawasaki Green, I forget the brand.

 

[PatTheThird]

Well Done

Beautifully finished. I would love to take out my motor and beef it up. Is it a rediculous amount of work to pull the motor? Anyway, super awesome old school JET SKI.
:appl:

 

[jonesy54]

no, its not really that hard to pull the motor. Theres some stuf you've got to get out of the way (gas tank, ignition box, exhaust hose, throttle cable, etc), but once that's taken care of, its just those 4 big bolts at the motor mounts and it should come right out.

 

[LostSoul]

Looks great! Have you ever thought of upgrading to a finger throttle? I'm liking the Kawi green!

 

[jonesy54]

Have you ever thought of upgrading to a finger throttle?

Actually it came with a finger throttle when I bought it many years ago. I prefer thumb throttles, so I might say I "upgraded" to a thumb throttle soon thereafter.

 

[1976js400]

nice color scheme, looks the same or similiar to earl production kawas Color from 73 to 75, NICE! Retro and NICE, CLEAN

What is your paint color code????

 

[jonesy54]

Thanks. I was going for a clean retro look that looks like it could've been a factory color scheme.

I paid someone to do the paint and he got a custom color match automotive paint base coat / clear coat (PPG I think). But that's all I can remember.

 

[Jayinnh]

How much was the paint job? Looks great!

 

[flgliderpilot]

You gonna put a lanyard on it or keep the omg please circle back mode?