1972 Sno Jet Thunder Jet

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What was your intended objective when you started the build?

To save a vintage race sled from being destroyed.

 

What motivated you to start your project?

This is a rare vintage race sled that was not available to the public, only 100 of each engine size was built. The 72 Thunder Jet changed oval racing; with it’s low forward engine mounted offset, drivers were able to keep the sled low on the inside of the track while the other sleds ran high on the outside.

 

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

To set the sled up as a period correct display.

 

What are you most proud of?

Taking a sled that looked beyond saving and turning it into an awesome display.

 

What do other people say about your snowmobile?

Most people comment on how much work it must have been to polish all those aluminum parts. The sled has won many awards for people’s choice and best of Show.

11 Comments

  • Mark S says:
    January 3, 2019 at 5:42 pm

    Nice chrome!

    Reply
  • Joel VandeBergn says:
    February 22, 2020 at 8:28 pm

    the thunder jets never had a fan cool motor in it sno jets did but not thunder jets

    Reply
  • Travel says:
    November 16, 2020 at 7:05 pm

    Can I simply say what a relief to search out somebody who really is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You positively know how one can convey an issue to mild and make it important. Extra people must read this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant believe youre no more well-liked because you definitely have the gift.

    Reply
  • The Vapor Breeze says:
    December 15, 2020 at 1:06 am

    Has anybody visited E-Cignificance? 🙂

    Reply
  • Luna says:
    January 15, 2021 at 6:58 am

    are vapes the safest

    Reply
  • Michael Panek says:
    May 29, 2021 at 4:05 pm

    Owned a 1976 Sno Jet SST fast machine in those days

    Reply
  • Randy Poole says:
    July 1, 2021 at 12:47 pm

    I am starting on a 72 Thunderjet and was wondering if anyone can help me out with certain parts and pieces.Randy Poole 306 421-0084 any help would be appreciated

    Reply
  • Matt M says:
    December 22, 2021 at 11:16 pm

    Great Looking sled, I wasn’t born yet when this baby graced the snow but I have a special place in my heart for the classic air-cooled sleds. Northing screams badass more than seeing a couple of finned cylinders hanging out up front.

    Reply
  • Michel Eland says:
    December 9, 2022 at 9:25 am

    1972 I had just got back from vietnam I got myself a 440 thunderjet my brother got a 340 we went racing wish I would have keep the sleds so much fun.

    Reply
  • anonymous says:
    January 31, 2026 at 4:23 pm

    5

    Reply

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Submitted by: Bud G

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Specifics

Classification: Mild
Make, Model & Year: 1972 Sno Jet Thunder Jet
Time spent: Over 600
Snowmobile cost: Nothing, I saved it from going to the scrap yard. It was was just a bare chassis with a few parts when I got it.
Money spent: I didn’t keep track.
Engine: 295 cc Yamaha Free Air. The sleds came from the factory with fan cooled engines and were converted to free airs using Yamaha’s GYT kit modification. Some racers chose to leave the fan cooled engine as is, there are still some sleds out there that have not been updated to free air.
Intake: Mikuni slide valve carburetor
Exhaust: Yamaha GYT kit mod pipe
Drivetrain: Factory clutches
Tunnel/Chassis Modifications: Hardened aircraft aluminum that required many welds to repair it, after smoothing out the welds, I spent many hours polishing the chassis.
Suspension: Factory rear suspension and aftermarket lightweight aluminum springs and skis that are highly polished.
Brakes: Original cable actuated caliper with a lightweight aluminum rotor.
Finish – Paint: Reproduction fiberglass cowl pieces with blue gelcoat.
Accessories: Poseable mannequin dressed in period correct clothing with a restored Bell Star full face helmet. Custom built moveable display table with rubber tires for solid ground and add-on skis to move on snow.

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