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Alpine I vs II's
Topic Started: Oct 31 2009, 08:35 PM (1,590 Views)
couchsachraga
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Years ago I operated Alpine I's, and later II's... then purchased '79 and '86 Alpine I's.... and now thanks to DooRider, I have an Alpine II ('95).

I finally brought them all together today, and found it intriguing to see all that had changed, and what hadn't.

So far I've noticed the following:

Alpine II vs I:
-Much higher windscreen (wider too)
-Higher seating position (more comfortable)
-More clearance before frame hits the snow / an object (completely different suspension systems - Alpine I has bogies bolted all along the frame all the way back, Alpine II has slide suspension). Difference is several inches, plus the rear of the II will articulate UP when backing up as need be.
-Much heavier (765lbs vs 643 dry)
-Track lugs are .75 vs .625 (I can only imagine how great it would be with 1" or 1.125" lugs!)
-16.5" tracks vs 15" (and wider because of it)

I'll add to this thread once I get them both on the snow back to back.

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Sherpa-man
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I was reading the manual for an Alpine II the other day, and I'm embarrassed to say I never paid attention to the suspension adjustment section before! But there's an additional mounting hole stamped into the tunnel sides (needs to be drilled out for use) for re-mounting and raising the cross link up into the tunnel. They say it gives better traction in deep snow? Seems it would also put more weight on the front ski... better steering? I know all about the front strap, but I'm curious what folks have to say about any experiences they've had moving the cross link up and how it might affect traction under pull? Anyway, sorry Couch if this is hi-jacking your thread... but it's sort of on topic!
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couchsachraga
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Hm... I have a parts manual... I'll have to track the others down - and see which hole is being used!
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couchsachraga
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Images of the Alpine II and I. Taken when it was too dark, so the flash hasn't helped really (especially with the white sled). I'll try and get better images, and some comparison shots, when it is cold and snowy.

Attached to this post:
Attachments: IMGP3751.jpg (41.1 KB)
Attachments: IMGP3752.jpg (28.44 KB)
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DOORIDER
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Nice looking sled you got there.
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couchsachraga
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B)

Thanks again! I very much look forward to grooming with it - sitting on it vs. the I's it is much more comfortable - and I think even with my weight I should be able to throw it around with a little technique.

I polished it up a bit, touched up the frame a bit, and moved the windshield over from the other cowl.

Next step is picking up a bulb (replaced the regulator - thanks), and making a 5th-wheel style hitch for it. I'm going to try and use the old ball mount points on each side of the seat, but bolt to it instead (I wouldn't remove the hitch that often, but it is nice to be able to do so, and not drill through the "bed" in back).

How is that track truck coming along?

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DOORIDER
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The Track Truck ........ever want to pull your hair out?
After sending some digital pictures back and forth to ASV/Terrex it has been decided that all parts need to be returned as we were shipped parts by someone very incompetent( to be as politicly correct as I can,and at this point it's hard) . Wrong drive motors , mount plates, spindle bearing assemblys, carriers, even wrong hardware.

On a less stressful topic. The Alpine II looks good, Don't forget to check out the winch shes a little heavy to be tugging on. I hope it serves you well.
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couchsachraga
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Sorry to hear about the ongoing issues with that TT - I know you've put a tremendous amount of hours in to it already!

I attended to the winch as well - swapped the control leads on the new solenoid, and cleaned the connections, and it worked! At first I thought it needed the old solenoid replaced as well, but a bit more troubleshooting and i had it figured out. I'm not sure if the "new" solenoid controls were wired backwards, or if something just needed cleaning - but it works now! I've learned to always carry a come-a-long as a backup anyway....

I also simplified the auxiliary wiring a bit, and got it all set up for my drags (two actuators rather than one). I use 7 wire loom and "RV" style plugs - that way I'm all set for the rear light (on the drag) too.

I'm still kicking myself for not checking that "console" piece. I did find out they are available new still, but I keep hoping I can track one down used.

I'm very curious how the II will compare to my heavily modified Alpine I that has the 503 in it as well (this is the one with the 1.25" simmons flexicleats, and 1.5" flat stock on the ski sideways - steers great and will crawl up anything), as well as vs. my '79 Alpine I. Another reason to look forward to the coming winter - "new" equipment!

Thanks again - I greatly appreciate the chance to pick up that sled off you, and your help loading it etc.... If you're ever up this way let me know!
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Smooth Operator
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You should enjoy the Alpine II, there is nothing like it for the job.
Body english is essential for steering. That means standing up on the outside platform, adding weight to the front and relieving pressure to the inside track so it can break free. Sometimes standing on the wrap-around bumper will turn it on a dime, not often thought of on an Alpine.

What console piece are you after ? The plastic dash?
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couchsachraga
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The piece that fits between the "dash" and the seat- technically two pieces that are normally rivetted together that cover the "back" of the engine. I know I can get them new... but if I can get them cheaper used I'll go that route... but I've yet to find anyone parting an Alpine II (though I know it has happened).
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Boldy
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couchsachraga
Nov 16 2009, 10:04 PM
The piece that fits between the "dash" and the seat- technically two pieces that are normally rivetted together that cover the "back" of the engine. I know I can get them new... but if I can get them cheaper used I'll go that route... but I've yet to find anyone parting an Alpine II (though I know it has happened).
Hi Couch,

That piece that covers the engine is nice to have when it gets colder or your in deep powder. It keeps the carburetor from icing up. One of the guys in our shop made a cover from a piece of an old plastic that was roughly the right shape. I wish I could remember what it came from. You may be looking for original parts if you're rebuilding it.

Here is the doggerel verse I mentioned.
Below are the thoughts of some frustrated groomers, who loved the Alpine I might add.
My grooming therapist said it would help if I wrote down my feelings.

ALPINE II "A Groomer’s Lament"

Oh Alpine II
So big and strong.
You groom our trails
The whole day long.

Like some work horse
You plod and fart.
There is no tool
You cannot cart.

But when we need
To swerve or turn,
Our plea to you
Meets with your spun.

For when your ski
We turn in haste,
You laugh at us,
Our time we waste.

For like some hound
Who’s on the scent.
Your line is straight
It won’t be bent.

A wondrous beast
You are for sure.
You climb the hills
You plead for more.

With the groomer
hitched on back,
Straight as an arrow
the Alpine tracks,

Straight through the bushes,
straight through the trees
Straight into deep snow,
way over your knees

The renovator
You pull with ease.
You set the tracks
You aim to please.

But when it comes
To turning round,
Full forty acres
Need to be found.

It is a battle
There is no doubt.
We grunt, we curse,
We even shout.

But in the end
The track is set.
Smooth and flat
It’s worth the sweat.

There you have it
The story’s sent,
Of Alpine II
A Groomer’s Lament.



Edited by Boldy, Jan 18 2010, 07:41 PM.
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air19
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Boldy - this is a classic!

Someone is spending too much time grooming on that beast.

Thanks for posting. On my long grooming runs I'm going to see how much of this I can recall to get through the day.

Just fantastic.
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Steve.M
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OMG :D -
That was so funny......because it is all so true. Well written!! I'm still laughing here!
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couchsachraga
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I'll be printing that out and posting it in the barn (where the Alpines are :))

Thank you for sharing! That is GREAT!
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couchsachraga
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Adding to my comparison thoughts:

I used the Ginzu on both back to back. On the Alpine I I can really feel the drag back there, both in corners and pulling up hill. The Alpine II doesn't seem to notice it's back there at all until it starts to get steep. I suspect part of this is the suspension absorbing the little tugs I feel on the I, but part of it is also the II is SO much bigger and heavier a unit.

Other notes ski wise -the Alpine II has II runners on it (one on each "side" of a center hump in the ski), similar, but opposite hump of a Simmons Flexiski.

Transmission on II is easier to move between gears (thankfully), though easiest of all is my older I with only a forward and reverse.

Alpine I feels more stable than the II in rough terrain, though you bounce around more. I think in really rough areas the suspension exaggerates the terrain vs. smoothing it out. And the Alpine I doesn't really have much of a suspension at all.....
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