1972 Bolens Sprint

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

To build a reliable vintage sled, A retro mod sled.

What motivated you to start your project?

Melgeorges Antique Race & Show up on Elephant Lake, Orr MN.
I was sitting at the bar when a guy said he had an old sled that he was looking to sell, He showed me a picture on his phone and he said he bought it from the original owner but has never seen it run and did not have the time to get it going. I paid him $ 500.00 cash on the spot. I picked it up the following summer. It’s been work in progress and I have had it at the rally for the last two years.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the sled?

Fit a newer reliable motor in the sled.

What are you most proud of?

The way it runs so well. It was great going on a vintage ride in Wanamingo and I wasn’t worried about a break down.

What do other people say about your snowmobile?

They think the motor came with the sled back in 72. Fit and finish looks great.

4 Comments

Mark adkinson says:

December 26, 2022 at 8:11 am

I have seen this in person and drove it very cool machine. Looks like it came out of the factory as is. One pull start. Very nice old sled!!

Reply
Pete Brown says:

January 1, 2023 at 1:20 pm

Hey Nick !! Really looks good ! Hope all is well! Happy New year
PTB

Reply
Lynn Simmons says:

January 6, 2023 at 10:15 pm

What was wrong with the original engine ?

Reply
- Jay Rowlett says:
  
  January 25, 2026 at 4:47 pm
  
  I had this sled as a kid unfortunately the original engines were not known to be durable or have longevity
  
  Reply

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Submitted by: Nick Novak

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Specifics

Classification: Wild

Make, Model & Year: 1972 Bolens Sprint

Fondly known as: Big Red

Time spent: Approximately 160 hours

Snowmobile cost: $500.00

Money spent: Approximately $1000.00

Engine: Fuji 440 CC Motor early 90’s Polaris Motor

Intake: Duel Mikuni Carbs. UNI air cleaners by Dennis Kirk.

Exhaust: Tractor Muffler from Fleet Farm, home made welded pipe wrapped with heat shield cloth.

Drivetrain: Stock Polaris Clutch, Modified Bolens Motor Mount, stock Bolens Good Year rubber track. Approximately 50 studs.

Tunnel/Chassis Modifications: Tunnel stud protectors, I modified a late 60’s Ski Doo clutch cover to fit the Bolens. Stock original seat near perfect condition. Lowered windshield a few inches.

Suspension: Put Carbide Ski Runners from Dennis Kirk on the sled, steers on Ice now.

Brakes: Original Brakes

Finish – Paint: Hood and Tunnel are original paint. I did touch up a few spots, the front and rear bumpers I had them powder coated a wrinkle finish black.

Accessories: Lighting all rewired, stock rear light, LED front headlamp. Push pull light switch mounted on hood.