Arctic Cat Club of America

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NEW MEMBERS!

(As of 01.17.15)

Please join me in saying "hello" to:

* Craig S. from MN * Douglas S. from PA * Rodney L. from MN * Daniel M. from MI *

* Garth V. from MI * William D. from NH * Adam W. from NY * Allan L. from NH *

* Ramie F. from MN * Doug R. from MN * Cameron A. from Canada * William P. from ND *

Welcome aboard!

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And, a big "thank you" to these renewing members:

* Ken R. from NY * Mike C. from IL * Jeremy H. from PA * Francis S. from WI *

* Fred C. from MN * Robert H. from NH * Kenneth N. from CANADA * Robert G. from VT *

* Martin L. from CANADA * Keldon G. from OR * Peter T. from ME * David D. from PA *

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Club benefits:

Web site with pictures, manuals, tech info, message board, classifieds, and links to other sites.

Able to link with network of other CAT enthusiasts, find material not readily available...like NOS and repro seat vinyl!

Also available to members only: Production numbers/Decals/Pics/Specs/Info, on "member's only" side of the site.

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FEATURED CAT

* The following are Arctic Cat related tidbits from the book "Warriors Of Winter", by Bill Vint *

Edgar Hetteen arrived in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, late in 1960 after a brief stay in Alaska. He had decided to establish a new snowmobile company, and took his ideas to the local bankers.

Edgar's personal assets included what he had received when he sold his share of Polaris to long-time friend Harry C. Paul of Winnipeg. Brother Allan had become Polaris' new president when Edgar left, and David Johnson was vice president. Edgar was about to become a competitor in the snowmobile business, but it was accepted and understood by his family in Roseau. There was no animosity among blood brothers; it was a matter of pride and principle between Edgar and his former hometown.

With a $10,000 loan and a new enthusiasm, Polar Manufacturing was born in January of 1961 in the basement of an old seed cleaning plant near the banks of Thief River. One of the first products Hetteen developed was called the "Bug-O-Vac", a black light insect trap, plus a steam cleaner. Hetteen had to generate products to create cash income quickly, if he ever hoped to start manufacturing snowmobiles.

He immediately began developing his first Polar snowmobile, however. It was smaller and lighter than the Sno-Travelers, and included such other features as side by side seating for two, optional cab, optional electric start, three engine size options and reverse gear.

Sparky Meyers owned a tavern in Neenah, Wisconsin, when he first saw a snowmobile. He decided to try selling them as a sideline. He was one of Polaris' first full-fledged dealers. Optimist that he was, Sparky soon went into the business in a big way.

When his old friend Edgar Hetteen founded Polar Manufacturing, Sparky also took on Edgar's machines and became the first dealer in North America handling two brands.

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12.14.12

Tom E. sent in these photos of his 1971 Puma Axial Flow 340. Nice looking sled!

Click on the small pic to see a larger version.

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10.17.12

Follow along as I build an engine for a 1969 Panther MOD.

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Click Here to see the full story

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03.20.10

Member Ken R., from NY, sent me these pics of his collection:

1st pic: 1965 Model 500, 1964 170, 1963 450, 1965 450DE, 1966 460, 1962 500 (rough), 1964 500E, 1966 460

2nd pic: 1st row - 1963 500E, 1963 250, 2nd row - 1971 Lynx 4-stroke, 1972 Cheetah, 1968 Cougar, 3rd row - 1966 141, 1969 Panther 4-stroke, 1968 Cougar, 4th row - the two white Cats are a 1966 140 and a 1965 120.

Ken also has a: 1965 500 (front half only), 1964 450, 1965 480 (being restored), 1963 450 (x2), and a 1964 450.

(click on the small pic to see a larger version)

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03.16.10

Member James E. from IN sent in this note and some pics:

"Here are some of my newer sleds; 1997 Puma 340, 1999 ZR 600 EFI, 2003 ZL 800 SS. My 1971 Panther 340 (JLO) Axial Flow runs but needs to be restored, 90% complete. Included are some pics for the website. That's my granddaughter chasing me on my Puma (the lighting was perfect in this photo). Glad to be a member, and see you on the trails! Be safe. P.S. The ZR & ZL are for sale!"

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07.12.09

Back on 11.21.08, I hinted at a new project that member Allen T. was working on...

Well, here it is!

I (Paul W.) had the privilege of rebuilding/restoring the motor, and I'm glad to see that my work didn't cost Allen any points!

Okay, it's not a Cat, but it did turn out nice. So nice, in fact, that Allen sent me this note:

"Paul - here are some pictures of the completed Starcraft. I took 2nd place at the VSCA National show even though it scored a perfect 100 out of 100. The judge (who I know) told me he gave me second because mine was over restored! I guess I did too good a job! It was also in the running for the National Championship but lost. Thanks again for all your help.

Allen "

Allen's newest project IS a Cat (a rare one) and I'll post pics when it is completed.

CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO SEE A LARGER VERSION:

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Looking for something that was here, but isn't here now?

It has been moved over to the "Member's only" side of the site.

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ACCA CLUB LOGO DECALS!

They come in Purple/Black and the size is 3.5". The price is $2.00 each. They can be ordered from me (Paul W.), e-mail me for details.

The multi-colored decals have been discontinued.

We have a few large (11.75"), different colored logo decals left: I have 1 of the Late '60s (black/silver); 3 of the Early '70s (purple/black); 2 of the Mid '70s (purple/green); 5 of the Pantera (orange/black); 4 of the Late '70s (green/purple); 5 of the Trail Cat (blue/black); and 3 of the Early '80s (green/black).

Click here to see page 1 of all the colors!

Click here to see page 2!

When the multi-colored large decals are sold out, we will only be getting more of the Purple/Black style.

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Get a chance...take a kid hunting, fishing or snowmobiling! We accept pictures of Arctic Cat family adventures!

CONTACT INFO:

Earl Bassett, founder

Paul Wustrack, webmaster/manager

By the way, isn't Paul doing a great job! Okay that wasn't a question...lol. Without Paul the whole ACCA idea would probably have been discarded, but thanks to guys like Paul and members like you the club goes on...my regards - Earl Bassett