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Post by Doo640ER on Jan 7, 2024 18:21:55 GMT
Well, another Citation found me. This time it is a 1978 Citation 300. Vin 3146. This is the 78 not the 79 and from what I've read is a late-season release from Doo. I've done some searching on Google and really can't find much on this sled. Nor any real pictures. Most pictures I see are the 79 with the off-set headlight and this 78 is centered. She's not running yet, but supposedly "ran last year". Good news is she's got spark, but I'm probably going to need a MAG side cylinder head if anyone has one. The spark plug hole is pretty messed up and each head has a different size plug thread. Maybe there's a Helicoil in there? This is the type 294 motor.
Needs a new seat also. And a complete headlight assembly. I think someone removed the original headlight assy so they could mount a sealed automotive headlight. I wonder how that worked with this little electrical system only putting out 45/45W ??
Anyone know what other headlight assy will fit in there? I've got a spare from the 80 Citation I just stripped-down and I'm wondering if that will fit.
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Post by greenandgold on Jan 7, 2024 22:40:02 GMT
Quick flip thru the parts books says 78 and 79 citations used the same headlight/shell/bezel/mounting brackets and springs but the 80 carried a new, and different p/n for the headlight, used plastic mounting tabs, no separate brackets or bezel. Don’t have enough hands-on with the late 70s/early 80s stuff to know if a later one would fit in spite of the different P/N. Sounds like you can do a test fit. Those 78-83 metal belly pans were certainly…..unique. Seems like they attracted rust. And the powdercoat style paint (or whatever it was) like to come off in sheets. Good luck with the wire wheel and or media blaster.
PN for 78/79 headlight was 410605300; 80 was 414605800 Good luck |
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Post by Doo640ER on Jan 8, 2024 16:36:55 GMT
Thanks G&G for chiming in!
That's good info right there. At least I've got a part number to help me in my search.
Yeah, the powder coating process that Doo used back then sure left a lot to be desired. I've read other's post here and there that the metal prep was inadequate on the manufacturing line back in those days. I've also heard it is a real bear to remove the old "paint". I wonder how a combo of heat gun and wire wheel would work? Someday I may give that a try but right now there are bigger fish to fry.
Local (Cleveland, OH) weather indicates a possible significant snow event for late next weekend. I sure hope so. We're all quite disturbed with the lack of snow.
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Post by olyman on Jan 26, 2024 17:57:10 GMT
Right on Mark! I love how you always surprise us with something else lol.
I always liked the look of those little sleds, and I think I like the 78 the best now that you've shared the pictures. Theres definitely potential written all over that.
G&G is right - test fit. Either goona work first try, or require mods.
Maybe a different engine size can offer a head pattern that fits? I've never worked with a 294 before so cant offer much specific 294 help. Maybe a 250 twin might have the same bolt pattern? Post a pic, someone might jog their memory. I can measure and show you a 343 head (probably too big).
Plug size doesnt really matter if the heat range is the same.
Yup the snow factor is shyte. As always the day we got lots more ... was the same day it started raining and never stopped lol...
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Post by Doo640ER on Jan 28, 2024 19:04:43 GMT
Been a while since I've been back here, but thought I'd share some info. I don't know how I made such a rookie mistake, but it is what it is , haha. The sled is actually a 79, not 78. The VIN confirms this. But what I have not figured out yet is this hood!! According to other Doo guys out there, this is a Moto Ski Mirage hood that is painted black and decaled as Ski Doo. I have not found another picture of a 79 Citation with this hood style, or a 78 Citation either for that fact. What stumps me now is that there is absolutely no evidence that this hood was Orange at one time. Looking at the defects all I see is black and you would think there would be a trace of orange ? Wouldn't ya?
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Post by greenandgold on Feb 2, 2024 19:13:41 GMT
Here's a pic of same hood. Listed as a 79 Citation 300. Same mold as a 79 Moto Ski Mirage 300. The good news, relatively speaking, is close up pics of the holes indicates it's fiberglass, so repairs would be straightforward. Although I haven't priced a quart of resin these days---could be scary.
Getting the kink out of the front bumper might be another story.
Good luck
Later.....I checked the 79 parts book. It listed an alternate hood as European only. Maybe a mid year switch for North America distribution? Kinda like they swapped stators and CDIs mid way thru the 1984 SS25 production run. Can think of a few other glitches such as the 74 model line up brochure that showed a TNT F/A hood without a shroud.
Maybe not everyone at HQ attended the right meetings to get the ad copy/parts manuals/production/distribution plan in sync???
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Post by olyman on Feb 2, 2024 21:40:09 GMT
I really like that black hood with those decals. Good looking sled IMO, even though it's a smaller sled. Was a bit of a unicorn back then as it had a wider stance than a lot of the lineup of that time.
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Post by Doo640ER on Mar 5, 2024 19:29:02 GMT
Here's a pic of same hood. Listed as a 79 Citation 300. Same mold as a 79 Moto Ski Mirage 300. The good news, relatively speaking, is close up pics of the holes indicates it's fiberglass, so repairs would be straightforward. Although I haven't priced a quart of resin these days---could be scary.
Getting the kink out of the front bumper might be another story.
Good luck
Later.....I checked the 79 parts book. It listed an alternate hood as European only. Maybe a mid year switch for North America distribution? Kinda like they swapped stators and CDIs mid way thru the 1984 SS25 production run. Can think of a few other glitches such as the 74 model line up brochure that showed a TNT F/A hood without a shroud.
Maybe not everyone at HQ attended the right meetings to get the ad copy/parts manuals/production/distribution plan in sync???
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Post by greenandgold on Mar 6, 2024 0:02:40 GMT
If I can figure out how to attach, here are the pages. See item one, European Only.
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Post by Doo640ER on Mar 6, 2024 19:38:35 GMT
Perfect, thanks so much G&G, I owe you one!
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