Hi everyone, it's been kinda dead lately...

I've been busy with the J model. Her starter went out and when I replaced it, the three screws that mount the starter clutch gear drive frewheeling unit to the back of the clutch housing backed out and the mechanism started grinding internally. It was a horrific sound, let me tell ya! Luckily, I had a spare laying around and she's all put back together... waiting on a gasket set from ebay.
Anyway, I wanted to update the group on some cool aftermarket parts I've found. First, I bought a universal 7 inch halogen headlight from ebay (10 bucks or something) that uses the ubiquitous auto halogen replacement bulbs. It bolts right up! Looks pretty cool, too. (I'll post some pics soon)
Here's a link to a company that makes replacement rectifiers for the GTs: http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/rectifiers3p.html
Also, a solid state voltage regulator:
http://www.electrexworld.co.uk/erol.html#863X0
Also, a cool ignition system that looks like it would work well on a GT:
http://www.msdpowersports.com/snowmobile_multi-channel.html

I haven't tried any of the last three yet, but when the money's there I will. If anyone has any experience with these companies, let us know.

One last thing, I've found what I think is the absolute best polish for aluminum. It is sold by Lowe's home improvement stores in the truck toolbox section. It's called Diamond-Brite Truck Toolbox polish. It's expensive (about 12 bucks a bottle) but it is amazing. Usually, your fingers get cramped when polishing with a rag as you have to press hard and poilsh for a long time but this stuff is awesome. You don't need to put much pressure on it and you rub it around until the liquid turns black, let it dry and buff it off. You'll be amazed at the results. My fork tubes were the typical dull light gray corroded aluminum color and with a few minutes of the polish, they look like chrome. It's amazing.

I hope you all are doing well and riding a lot. The weather's been great here in Oklahoma so I've been out riding instead surfing the net.

Cheers,
Tim