The trackster floater is finally here

[brushcutter]

I saw this posted for sale by 6X6tracy a couple weeks ago, and called about it several times before deciding to just go for it. It's kind of hard to just up and drive 1000 miles to look at a machine and then decide not to buy it so I took a BIG chance, even broke my own ( if I can't drive it... rule) and bought it. It's really rough and one might think it's too much to take on, but I've only ever seen one of them down here, and the guy who had it (and to the best of my knowledge still does) wouldn't sell it, and he still won't sell it. I first laid eyes on his 11 years ago while restoring my first amphib, a Max IV, and I literally pestered him about selling it to me so much he dragged it around to the back of his house out of sight. I've wanted one ever since, so I took the chance... we'll see if it was a good call or not.

This machine has been "upgraded" to a 20hp Honda which I'll try to start tomorrow, and according to the the seller, was driven into his shop. It has the typical old non-maintained machine problems one would expect. One of the main reasons I bought it was in hopes of keeping it from falling into the hands of one of those "no it ain't for sale, I would rather let it sit in my yard and rot away than sell it to somebody who'd actually fix it up and get some enjoyment out of the ol' thang" kind of people.

Well I've got the shop, I've got the tools, and now I've got a project. When I finish it I'll be riding what is almost certainly the only running original 1 of 500 Cushman Marsh Model Tracksters in all of western La You just DON'T see them down here.

Her's a few pics of the overall appearance, there are more in the gallery.

trackster outer 003.jpgtrackster outer 004.jpgtrackster outer 001.jpgtrackster outer 002.jpg

[Mike]

Congratulations on the purchase. That should be a fun project and like you said, there aren't many of them around.

[Noel Woods]

Nice find on a truly rare machine. I hope in the next 12-18 months to see this machine in a real life side by side comparison. I never realized how simple, yet well engineered the suspension system was on these until I reviewed the photos. Makes me wonder.

[brushcutter]

Well I must admit I had a little nudge to go for it from Jody McKoin of Monroe La. He's the guy who had one listed right after I put the Mudbugs on the 950, tried to trade him for it , and he wouldn't even take the 950 + a grand for it. Not even 2 of 'em and a grand he said, and went on to tell me that he had restored everything from attex to kids to hustlers, "they're just not the same machines". We duck hunt in the Ouachita swamps (that's real close to the Marengo Swamp Run country) and the trackster is the only thing we've never tore up in there, and we've tried them all. Well THAT didn't help my feelings any. What's amazing to me is that every part on it can be bought brand new from Range Runner, Jody is a dealer. For 11 years I've held a silent vigil for one of these things, and it just happened that I had enough cash on hand to get it here. So yep I went for it. Think I'll just LOOK at it for a day or so until I'm sure I'm not gonna wake up, and it's actually here.

[renegade83]

congrats dude, and goodluck on your new project, can't wait to see it when it's finished

[brushcutter]

Thanks guys, Looks like I'll be making up a shopping list today, deciding what all I'll have to do to get 'er up and going. Got a big ol' brisket on the electric smoker, and plan to babysit that ALL DAY while giving the new toy a super close inspection. Gonna be eating good 'bout 12 hrs from now.

[brushcutter]

Trackster no like 350 rancher ugg!

Ok, while the smoker was pretty much having it's way with the brisket, I got to do some refresher reading and catch up with Jody a little more. I still am in shock over getting this ride. I rigged up the temporary tank that I use for this kind of thing, but didn't add gas, (I like to spin engines that have been sitting a couple of times before firing them up, just to get things coated with oil really good) hooked up the battery, and turned the key, engine rolled over a few times there was a crackle and then nothing. Battery isn't fully charged so I hook up the charger, let it go for a bit, hit the key nuttin Try again and see a tiny puff of smoke down in the firewall, bare wire, battery still not ready. So I fixed that and left the charger to do it's thing. After Evan got home from school we went to check it out and the bat is ready, we spun the engine a few times, added gas and hit the key, it rolled twice and started, purrs like a kitten. This would be a good time to mention that the po twice removed had rigged some less than stock control rods. The temp tank shifts an we loose gas, reposition and fire it up and the thing takes off almost ramming my quad, which was sitting in front of it (cave man voice) UGG, me no LIKE QUAD!So it runs and could be driven, but needs work.

Here are some things that jump out at me:
At least 1 new track, but I'll do both because it won't look right otherwise
All new bearings
a few bogie wheels - 2 for certain
rework rusted frame and paint all under carriage and chassis components
re-work firewalls
braided stainless hoses for hydro's
remove old poly coating, glass and paint, I'll probably remove original lights and glass over the holes, intending to do all that different- thinking LEDs
seat, gas tank, and of course, a new wiring harness
Put the correct control rods on(got those)
Roll cage/brush guards/winch mounts-receiver or front and rear dual

Now I know this all seems like it's gonna cost a fortune, but when you consider that new ones (and I only read this in another guys ad but I will find out) cost around $31000, well... It ain't so bad!

[LarryW]

Congrats on your new machine!

[Coop]

Nice find. That is a series 1 Marsh Model, they were a standard Trackster with the floatation shell added to them by glueing/pop riveting the shell on. They made around 1500-2000 of that model. They had problems with the shell detaching and coming off at the worst times. They then came out with the series 2 model, that had a one piece body with the floatation foam moulded into the body. There were only 500 of that model built. I've had both, same mechanicals, just different bodys. You'll like that Honda, smooth and plenty of power. I have a standard Trackster I put an 18 hp Vanguard in and that has no lack of power, so the Honda will be even better. I see you have the 9 tooth drive sprocket, so top speed will be a little faster, and you'll have good track speed for propulsion in the water. Don't worry to much about edge cracks in the tracks, unless the crack extends into the drive lug area the tracks will be fine. I've been driving mine with edge cracks for the past 3 years with no problems. When you do get new tracks, I'd recommend the Chemoplast tracks, very aggressive tread, probably work good in the water too. Good luck with the build, we want pics...

[brushcutter]

Thanks Larry, I was looking at getting into a Max IV, but that ended when I saw this listed. Nothing against Max but when you look for something for 11 years and get the chance, well you just GOTTA go for it.

Coop! Dave told me about you, man. Had actually been looking at how to catch up with you 'cause he says when it comes to these things "he's tha MAN!" Glad to have "Dr. Trackster" around, I've also been talking with Jody McKoin, who helped Craig get the Range Runners into production. So between you two, I should have plenty of tech support. It will be a little while before I can build up the cash to really start the mechanical end, I have picked up where Dave left off with chipping away the remaining poly coat, and will start glassing the upper to get it slicked down. Liking the thought of being able to change colors at will, since it's fiberglass and all, and that future splits or breaks can be easily repaired. Wish I could promise not to camo it out, but... I'm sure it will be at some point, for a little while at least.
Weird how this all hit, just got taxes back and had a few Franklins saved already, bought it, saved a bundle by having it shipped through uship and the day it got here, an opportunity for future o/t came up. Gonna hit you with a PM later, got a couple thoughts I want to bounce off you.