I tore my '84 JS440 apart this past spring in anticipation of restoring it.
Let the restoration commence!
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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.
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:
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?)
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.
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:
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.
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.
I've been looking at a lot of forums and threads to get an idea of how to paint my js550. and this is the best looking one I have found so far! It looks awesome IMO!
So you went with paint over getcoat? How is it holding up? Any recent pics?
It's holding up well. I keep it waxed and don't let it sit out in the sun for days on end. I have a lot light scratching on the underside and some wear marks from the handle pole, but that's to be expected especially when riding in a big dirty river like the Tennessee. I don't really have any recent pictures. It looks pretty much the same.
Hey man, could you do me a favor and measure the graphic on your hood. Height and width. I'm trying to have some made, and that size is perfect!
Thanks!
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